By Stephen Palmer
Hardcover, 256 Pages
Purchase the digital version here for $7.99.
Description
“Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it.” –Thomas Paine
In 1776, Thomas Paine’s Common Sense showered sparks on the tinder of revolution. With the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Americans formally claimed their rights, and that tinder exploded into a new age for mankind.
But more than 200 years later, the flames of freedom are dying. We cry that Washington has failed us, but that is not where the blame lies.
With our rights, We the People were given the duty to maintain them. We the People are the problem. And We the People are the solution. Our republic will be restored not through political revolution, but through a revolution of the soul—not as we point fingers upward, but as we turn inward.
In an age of blame, this is uncommon sense. And it’s precisely what America needs to rekindle her light.
Contents
A hardcover book with 256 pages, Uncommon Sense is a compilation of the following essays:
- Education Before Activism
- America’s Leverage Point
- The Inside-Out Reformation
- What If We’re It?
- Becoming One Who Goes Before
- Vision: The Seed of America’s Rebirth
- Whale Riders for Liberty
- An Army of White Knights
- Family Salt Factories
- Who is To Blame?
- William Tyndale and the Essence of Social Leadership
- The Founding Fathers Weren’t That Great
- The Uncomfortable Mirror
- Don’t Be a Sell-Out
- The Truth about the Road Less Traveled
- The Good News
- Rockin’ to the Fourth Turning Blues
- Who’s Your Daddy?
- The New Liberalism
- A Political independent’s Manifesto
- Truth Doesn’t Pick Sides
- Why Freedom-Lovers are Their Own Worst Enemies
- You Got the Right One, Baby?
- Why Your Vote Doesn’t Matter
- Obama is Here to Stay
- Problem-Solvers: A New Political Ideal
- The Deception of Consumption
- Why I Opposed the Stimulus Bill
- “I Wish the Government Would Get Something Done!”
- Obama’s inconsistency: The Blindspot of Modern Liberalism
- Condoleezza Rice’s (Mis)Understanding of Our Form of Government
- Reclaiming the Word “Progressive”
- The True Price We Pay For Civilization
- Libertarianism: The Threat and the Opportunity
- The Truth about Conspiracies
- People Who Disagree With Us Aren’t Stupid
- Obama “in His Own Words”
- The Declaration of Dependence
- When Saw We Thee…?
- The Cause of Dreams
- The Proper Role of Citizens
- Stand Up and Be Counted
Appendix: Ten Vital Questions for Free Citizens
- What is the source of man’s rights?
- What are the differences between inalienable and civil rights?
- What is the proper role of government?
- What is the american form of government?
- What are the four foundations of freedom?
- What is more important—culture, or politics and government?
- What are “legitimate foundation” and “legitimate authority” in political philosophy?
- What is the fundamental character of human beings?
- What are the seven major societal forms, or institutions, and what are the roles of each?
- What are the connections between liberty and property?
Reader Reviews
“Uncommon Sense is earnest, idealistic, counter-intuitive and vital; a Tea Party for the soul. At times it had my heart racing, and at times moved me to tears. This empowering work is elegant in its simplicity and profound in its potential to move the hearts and minds of our people to own their role as the Overseers of Freedom and to advance the cause of liberty.”
-Oliver DeMille, Founder of George Wythe University, Author of A Thomas Jefferson Education: Teaching a Generation of Leaders for the 21st Century, Bestselling Co-Author of LeaderShift: A Call for Americans to Finally Stand Up and Lead
“Uncommon Sense is an uncommonly good work, and a most important one for understanding what we, at the individual level, can do to keep the flames of freedom burning. I absolutely loved it. Several times while reading it I stood right up and cheered, much to the surprise of the rest of the people on the airplane. It’s that good, and even more necessary.”
-Chris Brady, Bestselling Co-Author of Launching a Leadership Revolution, Author of Rascal: Making a Difference by Becoming an Original Character and A Month of Italy: Rediscovering the Art of Vacation
“Uncommon Sense is packed full of common sense which, unfortunately, isn’t so common anymore. Stephen Palmer has a gift for taking complex political discussions and, through a mixture of stories, analogies, and logic, simplifying them for all Americans to join the dialogue. accordingly, reading this book will help you become uncommonly informed.”
-Orrin Woodward, Bestselling Co-Author of LeaderShift: A Call for Americans to Finally Stand Up and Lead and Author of Resolved: 13 Resolutions for Life
“I have never felt so inspired to make a difference in the world as i do after reading this great book. Palmer’s words have touched me to the core. Uncommon Sense is a much-needed modern-day classic. i commit as a common citizen to rise up as a greater social leader to restore America. i will urge my family, clients, and friends to study and ponder this book and learn how together we can do our part to revitalize this nation. Uncommon Sense provides the formula for citizens to become the founding fathers of the 21st century who can remedy our failing society.”
-Kris Krohn, Founder of Strongbrook, Author of The Conscious Creator: Six Laws for Manifesting Your Masterpiece Life
“In an age in which societal problems are extraordinary and unprecedented, potential solutions must be just as unique…common sense is obsolete, Uncommon Sense is vital.”
-Steve D’Annunzio, Founder of the Soul Purpose Institute, Author of The Prosperity Paradigm
“I just finished it, AND… thank you!!! It was a blessing and somewhat a missing link for me to my question of; what do I do to make a difference in the loss of our freedoms? How do I contribute or play a role in much needed change? Fun how your book just showed up in my life the way it did because, I’ve felt somewhat lost and inadequate in my search for this answer. Now… I feel confident, and resolved. I know my roll…submit to God and continue to prepare myself and my family… until purpose manifests itself more… and I’ll know…I’ll certainly be recommending Uncommon Sense.”
-Sean Fleming
“…Once I opened the pages I could not put it down. This book and understanding the truths you spoke of freedom and the responsibilities we as individuals must take to preserve those freedoms need to be a prerequisite to graduating high school.
“I plan to share this book with all I meet and my hope is that they grasp the importance each of us play in the preservation of freedom.
“Thank you so much for a wonderful and poignant reminder of our personal responsibility.”
“I recentley picked up this book at a LIFE Convention. Once I started reading it I couldn’t stop reading it. A very wounderful book, a must read for everyone. I too plan to share this with as many people as I can. It is important that all people understand this imformation and apply it…”
-Drew Harvey
“I always have 5-6 books going at a time. I rarely finish one in less than a month’s time as a skip around to each of them so often. However, I started your book on a Sunday afternoon and did not put it down till I had read the last page…I agreed with almost everything you wrote (a rarity when I read anything)…I just wanted to let you know that you have a fan. I love the way you teach and even more what you teach. We need more patriots like yourself as our country continues to slip away from the principles of our founding.”
-Dustin Harris, Co-Author of Restoring America: 12 Principles that Will Save Our Country, Communities, & Families
“Uncommon Sense really does illuminate the most urgent needs of our time. It’s full of inconvenient ideas that truly are the only solutions to our modern problems. Stephen points the finger back at us as those responsible, not only for our individual shortcomings, but also for our nation’s failures. Most of us won’t like the answers to our world’s most pressing questions, even when we know they’re true. But these are the fundamental ideas and principles that will take us personally and as a society to a place more worthy of our national heritage and our individual divinity.”
“Stephen Palmer’s book offers much needed direction to the many Americans rising up in favor of a restoration of liberty in the US. His book is simple and inspiring, suggesting real solutions to the complex problems in our government, homes and businesses. Starting with principles and taking us through practical solutions, Palmer doesn’t avoid challenging freedom-loving Americans to do the difficult things that matter most. His writing is thoughtful and comes from a place of true conviction. He hits on the core principles needed to preserve what we have received from those who paid the ultimate price for freedom.”
“Stephen reminds us that before we march on Washington we should march to our bookshelf, and then march to our neighbor’s front yard, and then march to the soup kitchen. We need a revolution alright, a revolution of reading, a revolution of serving, a revolution of getting involved, a revolution of true social leadership. Stephen is one of the clear voices lighting the fires of this revolution.”
-James Ure, President & Headmaster of Williamsburg Academy
“We as Americans are all crying for change, we are quick to blame the government or others, and we want someone to do something about it. Stephen Palmer has in a few short pages made all of this easy to understand, with vignettes and stories he shows us why we are where we are, he gives us a clear vision of where we need to go, and an honest understanding of the real effort it will take to make the journey to the destination we all desire. America’s journey back to greatness requires a clear and concise map – We as AMERICANS have just been given such a wonderful map. I pray that every American will read this book, don the same “CAN DO” spirit that once made AMERICA great, then boldly and honestly step out onto this clearly outlined path and once more prove to the world and our posterity that “WE THE PEOPLE” still have what it takes to be the real beacon of hope and change the world needs.”
-Ken Waddell, CEO, Humanitarian Visions International
“Stephen issues a recall on the faulty perceptions that have been instilled in us on our aging and worn out social conveyor belt. Uncommon Sense is a short, broad diagnostic, and a recall to basics. I appreciated the concise summary of principles that I have mulled over in my own education. More significantly, I found myself sometimes disagreeing and having to write down why, that is evidence of a worthwhile book, one that draws a reaction. If you agree with the whole book you’re missing the point (see Ch. 6 “People Who Disagree With You Aren’t Stupid”). Thanks, Steve, for putting your actions where your mouth is and inviting us to do the same.”
-Joseph Sorenson
“Palmer’s aptly named Uncommon Sense is directed toward freedom-loving Americans, but I’m not sure it’s a message they want to hear. He doesn’t bash Obama or whine about the deficit. But he does tell the truth about how real change happens. His message is an invitation to not just fix America, but also live a better life. Whether Americans are ready to embrace this message remains to be seen. Will you join him?”
-David Richins
“This is a profound and ultimately simple answer to the question that so many are asking right now: ‘How do we save America?’ If what makes America great is the goodness of her people, then your book is a call to arms for our citizens. Arms that encircle with love, arms that reach out to lift another, arms that hold up the weak, the feeble, the faltering out of a sense of love, compassion, and honor. You’ve hit at the heart of what freedom and patriotism is about; gratitude for where we’ve come from and a dedication to do our part to move us to where we want to be. Thank you for your words that peel away the layers of dogma, rhetoric, and partisan thought that have divided our citizens for too long and for getting to the foundation that will ultimately be what saves our nation…our daily individual decisions to perform acts of service and kindness that help real people. Across ethnic, cultural, political, and religious boundaries people are looking for a touch of human kindness and a sense of direction. They are listening to the news, political pundits and commentary and coming away discouraged and saying ‘But what do we do?’ This book is another step in the journey of ‘doing.’”
-Vernie DeMille, Co-Owner of C’est Naturelle Farms and Real Food Farming
“Unfounded opinions fall from the sky so quickly that we can easily find ourselves cold and wet in a drenching downpour. Finding clear voices to help us navigate the storms of misinformation can be difficult to find. When you find a clear voice of reason, dig in and fill up like it’s your last meal. Having worked closely with Stephen Palmer for several years, I encourage all readers to take his opinions to heart. His insights and writing aren’t squawking and complaining but rather solutions to reclaim the American that we all love.”
-Carl Woolston, Founding Partner of KGaps Consulting and The Center for Social Leadership
“‘To thine own self be true.’ Profound. Inspiring. Invigorating. We live in a society where everyone claims to be true to something; most claim to be true to themselves. But we have lost something even more fundamental than those wise words of Shakespeare. How can we be true to ourselves when we no longer know who we are? How can I be true to myself if I don’t know who I am? Stephen Palmer challenges us to take a long, hard, revealing, and beautiful look at ourselves. He leads us on a journey of self-discovery into our personal worlds of family, community, education, spirituality, economics, and government; and he reminds us of the factor that each of these spheres has in common: Ourself. We must know Ourself–our true self–before we can act in accordance with what is good, true, and beautiful. Uncommon Sense is a summons to us. It calls us to know who we are in an increasingly large world. It is from Ourself that we can complete the rest of Shakespeare: ‘This above all: to thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.’”
-Eric Dowd
“I find it refreshing to know that someone other than I believes in individual responsibility for choices and actions. We live in a world where society as a whole is abdicating more and more responsibilities to anyone but themselves. The problem we face is that others, including governments, are very willing to step in and make choices for us, whereby our liberties are eroded a little each day. In Uncommon Sense, Stephen spells out the straight-up principles of personal responsibility and illustrates how applying those principles will allow us to reclaim and maintain our freedoms. With our freedom to choose comes the responsibility of choice. I hope that this work will be an inspiration for all who read it to sincerely reflect upon their attitude toward choice and accountability, and that they will then take action toward reclaiming their personal stewardships.”
-Angela Walters, Homeschooling Mother of 2, Undergraduate Student at George Wythe University
“Dennis Prager once said, ‘I believe the greatest threat facing America…is that we have not passed on what it means to be an American to this generation….A society does not survive if does not have a reason to survive…Where there is a why there is a how….We have lost the why.’ Stephen Palmer’s Uncommon Sense strikes at the heart of the American problem: we no longer know who we are. This is a soul searching read and if you are honest with yourself–it will move you to be a better individual, spouse, parent and citizen.”
-Dr. Shanon Brooks, Founder & President of Monticello College
“Are you living by design, or by default?” Stephen Palmer inquires in Uncommon Sense. True to form, Stephen uses antiquity, anecdote and aspect to enlighten and inspire the reader. He takes raw information and distills it to relevant intelligence for the problems facing our nation. This book is as important for what it’s not as is for what it is. It is not a flowchart of political policy, but instead a call to the arms of self – improvement. The author makes a seamless connection between the heart and the NASDAQ and the only logical option is to agree with him. Like the scholars of former times, Stephen understands that nations are built and fortified in the hearts and minds of its people and not in the halls and offices of its government. Any American concerned with curing the cancers of our country would do well to get a copy of Uncommon Sense and devour it cover-to-cover.”
-Aaren Carnline
“Stephen Palmer has hit the nail on the head with Uncommon Sense. So many of our national and social ills are trumpeted in the news media on a daily basis. And although they seem like they are outside of our control, ultimately the solution is within each of us.
“If people truly understand the message that Uncommon Sense bears within it’s pages, it may set off the next, necessary, revolution of ideas that can provide for lasting, purpose driven change.
“So throw aside your partisanship, remove the fetters that bind you, and liberate your soul.”
-Randall Hinton, Co-Founder of Pyrolitical
“Stephen places the responsibility for our Nation’s woes precisely where they belong, while simultaneously expressing a message of hope and encouragement for each person to intentionally, and personally, overcome the challenges facing our Nation. “
“I read Uncommon Sense when I was touring of some of the poorest countries in the world. My journey, simultaneous to my reading of this book, awakened my senses as I saw a marked difference an individual can make in his own life and in his own society.
“Those who had pride in themselves not only had greater happiness, but also greater hope for success compared to the known communist countries I was in where a heavy reliance upon government, and not upon themselves seemed to have defeated them before they even tried.
“Every citizen of this world regardless of their nationality, political or party affiliation and every person who earns or spends money should read this book. It made me feel a greater sense of personal empowerment to change my own circumstances and those of the world around me. It filled me with pride for my nation, for my family and for myself. Stephen Palmer bridges the gaps I believe a majority of individuals don’t see and aptly instills the desire for change that all begins at the most important source, each of us as individuals.”
“Stephen’s writing is full of principles that will make a great difference for good in the lives of those who apply them. The best thing about his solutions is that individuals have the power to implement them right away.”
-Nels Jensen, Co-Founder, Williamsburg Academy
“Uncommon Sense is an absorbing read for all Americans of any political bent who want to know what the Founders’ intentions were really all about and how America has veered off course. It gives both of the country’s political parties as well as the American people their fair share of the blame.
“Stephen Palmer is a bright 21st century Christian version of Thomas Paine. He courageously sounds the alarm while proffering the antidotes to the malaise that encompasses the United States and its citizens at this time. And the antidote isn’t what most people think.
“This powerful little book is well thought-out and clearly written. It’s a terrific and easy must read for anyone who cares about America’s future!”
-Tag Taggart, Co-Founder of Taggart Coaching
“Stephen’s ability to speak purely and from the heart is rare in a world full of agendas and political correctness. This work will not only inpire you, it will force you to recognize your why you are here.”
-Adam Hailstone, Mentor at Williamsburg Academy
“In Uncommon Sense, Stephen Palmer identifies the profound problems and provides simple solutions to the challenges Americans, and indeed all societies, face. However, unless one is willing to take a hard look at one’s self, the solutions will be difficult to swallow. Mr. Palmer doesn’t pull punches in helping us to recognize that the problems, and the solutions, are you and I. Blaming ‘government,’ ‘Wall Street,’ or the other issues de jour only hides for us the source of what causes and fixes the problem: changing who we are and how we behave, first as individuals, then as families, then as communities. Thanks, Stephen for sharing stories and analysis that help us come to a realization that ‘Yes, we can,’ for we are the only ones who can change our course.”
About the Author
Stephen Palmer is a co-founder of The Center for Social Leadership and the founder of Life Manifestos.
He co-authored, with Garrett Gunderson, the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Businessweek, and Amazon bestseller Killing Sacred Cows: Overcoming the Financial Myths that are Destroying Your Prosperity. With Kris Krohn, he co-authored The Conscious Creator: 6 Laws for Manifesting Your Masterpiece Life. He also co-authored Hub Mentality: Shifting from Business Transactions to Community Interactions with Carl Woolston.
Stephen and his wife are raising their four children in southern Utah.
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