"Liberty and duty, freedom and responsibility. That's thedeal." John W. Gardner's life was dedicated to revitalizing theAmerican Dream, a dream that must be recreated by each generationof caring citizens as they reshape it to meet the unrolling future.Now more than ever, citizens must step up and take action to createthe world in which we want to live. Living, Leading, and the American Dream is aninspiration? and a call to action. Beginning with anexploration of Gardner's life and values in his own words, thisstirring and engaging collection shares Gardner's vision onpersonal renewal, community, leadership, and civic engagement. The essays and speeches collected in this transformationalvolume are founded on Gardner's belief that we as a people wantfreedom? freedom at home as well as a world where freedom ispossible. They are founded on his deep belief in the dignity andworth of the individual and his unshakable resolve to protect andpreserve that dignity. They are founded on his belief that men andwomen should be empowered to achieve the best that is in them, andthat we are the declared enemies of all conditions, such asdisease, ignorance, or poverty, that stunt the individual andprevent such fulfillment. And they are founded on the fact that achieving these goals isdifficult and requires the commitment of all citizens. The essaysin Living, Leading, and the American Dream move fromindividual to community to society, offering Gardner's vision onthe role of the individual in attaining the greater good. Leadersof innovative organizations, civic leaders, and concerned citizenswill find guidance and inspiration in Gardner's unique vision ofevery citizen's responsibility and capacity to make adifference.