The man totally inderrates himself as a writer...or else he's got the best ghostwriter/editor in the world. Very very few non-fiction writers of today are in his league.
He writes about really interesting events and does great research but some of his writing is very difficult to understand. Go to this book and read about the Jessica Lynch fiasco and events surrounding it, it is very hard to understand. I tried to rewrite his info about those events but they are very difficult to describe they are so complicated.
Goddamn, the Dutch speak English better than most Americans. Much respect from the USA. 'Into Thin Air' is among the best non-fiction books ever written; on a level with Orwell's best.
"They don't know moderation" Almost my very words applied to myself as a US Marine for many many years. It was actually a friend and college roommate who provoked my thinking. His personal motto/code was 'everything in moderation' (a worthy ambition I thought) Nevertheless, whether by choice or not, it did not describe my life. Ergo, my motto, my life, was characterized by these words: Nothing in moderation Extreme intensity Extreme deprivation Extreme action Extreme inaction Extreme planning Extreme chaos, and so on and so forth. Extreme life Extreme death
The U.S. military angers me to tears. Such incredible corruption in its leadership. Such intelligence and dedication in its people. Both sides in Afghanistan were evil; there was no good ending possible. What kills me now is that the same people glorifying the military vote for people who exploit it. As for a 30-year commitment, how about investing in the Peace Corps? Or figuring out how to get people to _read_ ? Information is conveyed far more succinctly, far more thoroughly, and without nearly as much added emotion in the printed word. Perhaps that's a lesson to take away here.
When USSR tried to modernise Afghanistan USA helped to fundamentalists then they came and tried to do this by themselves but without success. Now it is time to give new Afghanistan authority chance to develop country as they want this without any sanctions because if Afghanistan ask USA for compensation for damage it will be huge money.
Americans don't grasp the difference between past tense and present tense well. I'm an American who knows the difference far above my average countryman, but I'd call myself only adequate at best. I do have some grasp of how much better a truely proficient a real wordsmith would be; I see the difference between the more complete American men of long ago yesteryear and those of today.
New relevance to this interview given August 2021.
The man totally inderrates himself as a writer...or else he's got the best ghostwriter/editor in the world. Very very few non-fiction writers of today are in his league.
He writes about really interesting events and does great research but some of his writing is very difficult to understand. Go to this book and read about the Jessica Lynch fiasco and events surrounding it, it is very hard to understand. I tried to rewrite his info about those events but they are very difficult to describe they are so complicated.
What he says about an hour into this video rings true with what we see happening in Afghanistan today (over 10 years later).
A very well-done book and a great read. Mr. Krakauer comes on at the 10:00 minute mark.
Afghan loyalty cannot be bought at any price,
but it can be rented.
- A truth learned by long experience.
Goddamn, the Dutch speak English better than most Americans. Much respect from the USA.
'Into Thin Air' is among the best non-fiction books ever written; on a level with Orwell's best.
Thanks for this book. It made my eyes more open on the US government
"They don't know moderation"
Almost my very words applied to myself as a US Marine for many many years.
It was actually a friend and college roommate who provoked my thinking. His personal motto/code was 'everything in moderation' (a worthy ambition I thought) Nevertheless, whether by choice or not, it did not describe my life. Ergo, my motto, my life, was characterized by these words:
Nothing in moderation
Extreme intensity
Extreme deprivation
Extreme action
Extreme inaction
Extreme planning
Extreme chaos, and so on and so forth.
Extreme life
Extreme death
The U.S. military angers me to tears. Such incredible corruption in its leadership. Such intelligence and dedication in its people. Both sides in Afghanistan were evil; there was no good ending possible. What kills me now is that the same people glorifying the military vote for people who exploit it. As for a 30-year commitment, how about investing in the Peace Corps? Or figuring out how to get people to _read_ ? Information is conveyed far more succinctly, far more thoroughly, and without nearly as much added emotion in the printed word. Perhaps that's a lesson to take away here.
When USSR tried to modernise Afghanistan USA helped to fundamentalists then they came and tried to do this by themselves but without success. Now it is time to give new Afghanistan authority chance to develop country as they want this without any sanctions because if Afghanistan ask USA for compensation for damage it will be huge money.
he was right. what a waste that whole effort was
I don't know what to believe. He falsely accused other human beings of a horrible crime to elevate his own status within his tribe.
Jon has been smoking the wacky weed. At least it seems so.
"There are alot of things you can say Americans don't do well." What a really crappy intro. Don't think I'll be sharing!! Pathetic!
If it weren't for the Americans they'd be doing the goose-step and speaking German in Amsterdam.
Americans don't grasp the difference between past tense and present tense well.
I'm an American who knows the difference far above my average countryman, but I'd call myself only adequate at best. I do have some grasp of how much better a truely proficient a real wordsmith would be; I see the difference between the more complete American men of long ago yesteryear and those of today.
wah wah America no bad!!!
Don’t be so sensitive
Jealous 🎉@@sxlrac_barlos3392