I’ve always admired not only what Will Witt does, but how he does it. He pounds the pavement to “uncover perspectives on life, relationship and politics,” by asking people deceivingly simple questions, The people he has dialogue with come from all walks of life and have all kinds of viewpoints, but oftentimes are young people. With microphone in hand, Witt really wants to know what they think.
Will Witt’s short conversations dubbed “Man on the Street,” are documented on video and continue to be viewed by multitudes. They’re free to watch on the PragerU YouTube channel and on prageru.com.
Author Will Witt is a contemporary phenomenon
Will Witt’s boss is Dennis Prager, the renowned author and radio personality and founder of PragerU. Prager remarked, “When I travel around America giving lectures, one of the most frequent questions young people ask me is, ‘Do you know Will?’ Will Witt is a contemporary phenomenon—a largely self-educated man who has become a major thought leader.”
Each of Witt’s videos are based on a question. Examples include “What is a Woman?” and “Do You Support the USA in the Olympics?” They are entertaining and always thought-provoking. Sometimes they’re downright funny.
At the center of these pedestrian chats is Will Witt, the man. You couldn’t pick a better guy to do this. Witt is cordial, respectful, just a bit soft-spoken and a great listener. He never harshly argues with someone or belittles their opinion.
How to Win Friends and Influence People is rooted in his dialogues
You couldn’t put a price on the perspectives one would gain from connecting one-on-one with so many people. If you have seen his video series or had the opportunity to hear him speak publicly, you’d probably get enjoyment from his new book. How to Win Friends and Influence Enemies: Taking on Liberal Arguments with Logic and Humor from Center Street, an imprint of Hatchette Book Group is a straightforward book about difficult political questions. Many of these issues are the definition of controversial. The title, of course is a nod to the perennial classic by Dale Carnegie: How to Win Friends and Influence People.
Witt understands opposing viewpoints: he once had them
In many ways, the chapters of the book mirror Will Witt’s “Man on the Street” videos. They’re short, but potent. Witt writes with clarity and simplicity that is easy to understand, whether someone is deeply political or just beginning to ponder government and public topics. Witt didn’t always have traditional views, which is perhaps one of the reasons he is so sympathetic to differing opinions. Because he previously held some of those stances, he understands them better than most. Witt is able to clearly communicate the basic arguments each side has about very contentious issues.
Witt is respectful of the opposing arguments
Will Witt’s How to Win Friends and Influence Enemies is true to the title. Unlike many political commentators, he meets his opponents with love and reverence. The book is a reminder that there is virtue in temperance, humility and kindness. Having interacted with so many different kinds of people, some hostile, Witt’s book is a reminder that debate is a necessity. One should stand firmly in their beliefs, but always strive to see the humanity in everyone.
One of the best elements in Witt’s first book is his transparency about his own life. He’s faced considerable tribulation, but invites the readers into his world to learn about them. He doesn’t hide his struggles, but instead shares them. Witt has had many jobs, which has given him empathy and awareness for others.
Not everything presented as kind truly is
How to Win Friends and Influence Enemies has an over-arching theme throughout, although not explicitly stated. Many of the public policies and social justice causes of our time are portrayed as being about kindness. Some of the policies proposed and realized are curiously causing the greatest harm to individuals and society as a whole.
Get your house in order
After exploring so many controversial topics, the book ends with the ultimate test. You could call it a challenge. All of these important matters start with us. He echoes Jordan B. Peterson, “set your house in perfect order before you criticize the world.” This is one of the cornerstones of our existence. The book is impressive for encouraging and reminding us of our personal journey towards progress and virtue. A society is based on families, and the individual.
You may find yourself winning friends and influencing enemies
Dale Carnegie said, “You can make more friends in two months by becoming interested in other people than you can in two years by trying to get other people interested in you.” From his vast experiences, Will Witt would probably concur. How to Win Friends and Influence Enemies is a great book for anyone who wishes to plainly understand the political issues of our time and in turn engage civilly with people about them. It’s recommended not only for those who may frequently side with Witt, but also anyone who may not agree with him. Reading and applying Will Witt’s book may find you changing minds, just as he has done with his many street-side discourses.
Title: How to Win Friends and Influence Enemies: Taking On Liberal Arguments with Logic and Humor
Author: Will Witt
Publisher: Center Street (Hatchette Book Group)
Publication date: September 21, 2021
Hardcover: 304 pages
Audiobook: 4 hours, 39 minutes
Special thanks to Katie Robison.
