With 5,000 years of recorded history to pull from spread across only one year, "A Journey in Hope, Day by Day," is on the surface one of the most eclectic reviews of the mankind's civilization ever written. From the Ancient World's 1st conqueror, Alexander the Great to the man who turned down being king instead founding one of the great religious Buddha, to the explorers of the new world such as Magellan, how these individuals shaped the future by their achievements is examined. The Masters of Art such as Michelangelo and Picasso to the Icons of Literature Shakespeare to Austin to the Legends of Music from Bernstein to Janice Joplin fill the pages of this fast paced work often challenging the standard perceptions of history. The impact of sport is chronicled including the exploits of a teenage Gold Medal winner in the Olympic Decathlon to the only 40 plus year old Heavyweight Boxing Champion.Political achievements are discussed including passing the Bill of Rights to the repeal of the 18th Amendment to the United States constitution. Champions for religious freedom, to social justice to equal rights are presented in context. The missions of peace by Gandhi, to King to Mandela all are noted and how their devotion changed their world. The achievement of women are highlighted including the Queens who financed the exploration of the new world to the doctor who founded the field of genecology to the first U.S. Congresswoman who took office before woman's suffrage was the law of the land in America.While the text could have been accurately titled, "The Best of Mankind," it can be read on a much deeper level as well. In point of fact, readers could skip the history lesson doing no more than reading the daily considerations and be well rewarded. While the lessons in history support the closing thought, most readers will find them uplifting considerations to begin any new day.Once again, the author allows all audiences to find a level of comfort in closure without the far too frequent sledge hammer of societal correctness. The text closes as openly as it begins. We all have a chose to make in life. "Be part of the problem or risk being part of the solution."It is the synergy of historical fact combined with daily reflection which makes this work a must read.
About the Author: Mr. Richard Mathews is beginning his fifth decade as a published author. A journey begun in 1977 with his poem, "The Greatest Crime," has in many ways come full circle. Rick is a Christian, a husband and the father of four children. Having had his "15" minutes of literary and academic fame before turning 21, he ventured forth on the path less taken. Today, on the other side of fifty and nearly forty years into a work career largely centered in the public and non-profit economic sectors, he is employed by two participating non-profit trusts which exclusively insure local government entities providing both Workers' Compensation as well as Property & Liability Insurance. As a CPCU, ARM, he continues to frequently publish in this field. Additionally, Mr. Mathews has written extensively on several long-time issues of personal interests. He has been a lifetime advocate for sustainable energy solutions and long-time proponent of America's income inequality challenge. His highly reads internet series on both topics are available as e-books. Rick has also released an anthology of his favorite published and unpublished short stories and poems titled, "First Prima". His two-part autobiography presented as short stories from his life are available as e-books and in print, "Only in Real Life" and "Real Life in Perspective." His most read e-books were co-authored by the Canon Rev. Jim Shoucair of Christ Episcopal Church North Hills, "40 Shades of Love" and "Advent preparing for Christ." The two works available including translations into four languages continue to be highly rated on Amazon as seasonal selections. For more information, you may wish to examine his Writers Page: www.richardmathews.net