It took me nearly two months to finish reading this book,

yet it was truly more than worthwhile.

This is one of the finest biography/history books that I have ever come across.

The story it tells is so captivating, revolving around fascinating personalities who had a colossal impact on our nation's history throughout several decades.

Anyone with a desire to understand how we have arrived at our current state

and why many of our present issues are not as distinct or novel as we might assume

ought to read this book.

It offers profound insights and a unique perspective that can broaden our understanding of the past and its connection to the present.

By delving into the lives and actions of these remarkable individuals,

we can gain a deeper appreciation for the complex web of events that has shaped our nation.

So, if you're looking for a thought-provoking and engaging read,

this book is an excellent choice.

The Wise Men


Without a doubt, I can firmly assert that this book is a true masterpiece of significant historical writing. The period from the 1930s to the 1980s was replete with momentous decisions. These decisions had consequences that were likely to resonate throughout the ages. The wise men, in accordance with the best traditions of American life, were right at the center of history. They were the ones who held the key to shaping the course of events. This chronicle is an absolute must-read for those individuals who have a desire to plan for and have an impact on the next century. It provides invaluable insights into the minds and actions of those who influenced the past and can serve as a guide for those looking to make a difference in the future.

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It was the longest but also the most enjoyable book that I have ever read. It took me on an incredibly informative and ardent journey along with many wise men. The evolution of the book was so captivating that it compelled me to a point where I could start to understand the situations of many. Each page was filled with valuable insights and profound wisdom that made me think deeply about various aspects of life. The characters and their stories were vividly described, making it easy for me to immerse myself in the book. I found myself constantly turning the pages, eager to discover what would happen next. This book has truly had a profound impact on me and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a thought-provoking and enjoyable read.

It took me a full 6 months to complete this book.

It is truly voluminous and has an academic tone, which is not at all surprising considering that Walter Isaacson is one of the authors.

I found myself constantly struggling with the details. At times, they were extremely useful and enlightening, providing valuable insights into the subject matter. However, most of the time, they were rather distracting, pulling my attention away from the main narrative.

Regarding the legendary wise men, it was an absolute pleasure to get to know them through the pages of this book. I deeply appreciate their synergy and dedication, which was completely devoid of partisanship. In my personal opinion, Dean Acheson really stands out among them.

Overall, this is a great book and a fantastic reference book. It is an absolute must-have in any foreign policy library. It offers a wealth of knowledge and perspectives that are sure to enrich the understanding of anyone interested in the field of foreign policy.

I paused reading on multiple occasions to explore a few other books. This necessitated backtracking and relying on some crucial notes once I reached the final page of this remarkable historical work.

"The Wise Men" offers a comprehensive account of how Harriman, Lovett, Acheson, McCloy, Kennan, and Bohlen influenced the future of foreign affairs. Comprising two diplomats, two lawyers, and two bankers, these six men shaped and formulated the global policy on foreign affairs.

Walter Isaacson and Evan Thomas conducted an in-depth examination of some of the most iconic historical events from the 1930s to the late 1970s. All these events are centered around the six wise men and emphasize how each individual's experiences and beliefs guided their decision-making. During these momentous events that molded our modern society, Isaacson and Thomas provide perceptive perspectives, reminding us that the wise men were "flesh and blood individuals acting on imperfect information and half-formed beliefs."

The key historical events that stood out while reading include, first, the atomic bomb, then the hydrogen bomb, and the subsequent decisions. The rearming of Germany in the aftermath of WWII added pressure, leading to the arms race that ensued. The formation of NATO is associated with the Six Wise Men. Isaacson and Thomas also cover the Truman years as America established a policy to defend freedom. Other significant events include the Marshall Plan and Werner von Braun, which continue to have a wide-ranging impact.

The age of this book is immaterial as it is a great read if you have an interest in historical events, foreign affairs, and politics.

Definitely worth reading. The authors adopt a rather unsympathetic stance towards the sensitive George Kennan. However, aside from that, they perform a masterful feat of history by delving into the lives of exceptional men.

George Kennan, a complex figure, is presented in a less favorable light. His sensitivity may have been a factor that the authors chose to highlight in a perhaps critical manner.

Nevertheless, the overall work is a remarkable exploration of history. By focusing on the lives of these outstanding individuals, the authors bring to life the events and circumstances of the past.

Their detailed accounts and analysis provide valuable insights into the historical context and the impact these men had on the world.

Despite the somewhat unflattering portrayal of Kennan, the book as a whole is a testament to the authors' ability to tell a compelling story and present a comprehensive view of history.

I purchased this particular item because it is co-authored by Walter Isaacson, the renowned writer who penned the biography of Jobs and also a remarkable book on Kissinger.

I managed to get approximately halfway through it. It consists of the six biographies of men whom I have a hazy recollection of being aging luminaries during my childhood. Regrettably, the concept of a six-person biography (rather than a diplomatic history of the era) simply doesn't function. None of them was significant or captivating enough for me to have a desire to read about their formative years, yet I did. And as adults, I found it impossible to keep them distinct in my mind. Around the halfway point of the book, I conceded defeat.

Instead, I picked up "6 Characters in Search of an Author" (Just kidding).

This experience has taught me that sometimes, even with a promising premise and a well-known author, a book may not meet my expectations. It serves as a reminder that reading is a highly subjective experience, and what works for one person may not work for another. I will continue to explore different books, hoping to find those that truly engage and inspire me.

"The Wise Men: Six Friends and The World They Made" offers an extraordinary, thought-provoking, and captivating exploration of six remarkable men. Most of them were graduates of the renowned Groton school and later of Yale, Harvard, and Princeton. For over fifty years, they played a crucial role in shaping American foreign policy.

Often working in the private sector as bankers, Wall Street insiders, and railroad tycoons, they were always ready to respond when their government and president sought their advice. They took on important government jobs such as Secretary of State, Ambassadors, Secretary of War, and National Security Advisor, serving under Presidents FDR, Truman, Eisenhower, Johnson, Kennedy, Nixon, Carter, and Ronald Reagan.

Although they differed in political philosophy, with some leaning left and others right, together they were the chief architects of significant policies. They convinced President Truman of the importance of the Marshall Plan to rebuild Western Europe after World War 2, despite initial reluctance from Congress and the public. They also kept communication lines open with the Soviet Union, despite its aggressive actions in Eastern Europe, and built the alliance known as NATO, which served as a major deterrent to Soviet aggression and a means to fight Communism as it spread, even leading to unpopular wars in Korea and Vietnam.

The six men, Averell Harriman, Dean Acheson, George Kennan, Robert Lovett, John McCloy, and Charles Bohlen, may not be household names, even to those who consider themselves knowledgeable about American history. However, their contributions to American greatness and the nation's status as a world power are undeniable. As a nation, we should be grateful for their unselfish dedication to country, even if at times their philosophy and policies led us astray. This book is a must-read and highly recommended.

A fascinating exploration of the enormous role played by a few career statesmen in America's 20th Century geopolitics.

I have a certain understanding of a few of them, but the authors present a coherent and informative account of all six men.

These statesmen, with their unique perspectives and strategies, had a profound impact on the course of American history.

Their decisions and actions shaped not only the United States but also had far-reaching consequences for the world.

Through this exploration, we gain a deeper appreciation for the complexity and significance of their contributions.

It is truly remarkable to see how a few individuals could have such a major influence on the geopolitical舞台 of the 20th Century.

This book provides valuable insights into the minds and motives of these statesmen, making it a must-read for anyone interested in American history and international relations.

Engaging read about the 6 friends, who quietly and unselfishly shaped the world order after World War II. In contrast to "Truman" by David McCullough, this book is more "dry" and harder to read. However, it is very deep and offers a good perspective on the post-war world's USA policies and politics. "Truman" won the Pulitzer Prize, which I guess makes the difference. The 6 friends played a significant role in the complex and crucial period after the war. Their actions and decisions had far-reaching consequences that influenced the course of history. Although the book about them may lack the narrative charm of "Truman," it compensates with its in-depth analysis and detailed exploration of the post-war political landscape. It provides valuable insights into the inner workings of the USA's policies and the political forces at play. For those interested in understanding the post-war world and the role of the USA, this book is a worthy read, despite its initial challenges.

Isaacson is a good writer. Or at least he is now.

Thirty five years ago, maybe not so much. The idea of this book is truly intriguing, and the fact that Isaacson's name is on the title initially sold it to me.

However, to put it simply, it is just not well written. In attempting to tell the story of the beginning of the Cold War through the lens of these six men, it becomes both too big and too small all at once.

It is too big because you simply cannot write a comprehensive biography of six men all at once. There are just too many details and aspects to cover.

On the other hand, it is too small because in focusing solely on the actions of these six men, it leaves out numerous extraneous yet tremendously important factors in the development of the Cold War.

I have a deep love for history, but I finished reading this book only out of sheer determination and character.

To be honest, I cannot tell you any one particular thing that I learned as a consequence.

This is one of those zombie books - resurrected from a past generation - that should have been allowed to rest in peace.