Reading List

Books

Thinking In Time: The Uses of History for Decision Makers

by Richard E. Neustadt and Ernest R. May

ISBN:
Format:: Paperback, 350 pages
Publish Date:: January, 1988
Publisher:: 0
Other Format(s):: None

Both in government and in the private sector, decision makers use history every day, drawing on the past experiences of other people. They assign aides bits and pieces of historical research: going to the files or checking memories and comparing recollections. They look at a great many words on paper. A former high official told the co-authors of this book, ?Although the public impression is that Presidents and Secretaries of State have no time to read or think, the truth is that most of them spend an enormous amount of time reading material generated both in the government and outside.? But the uses currently made of history can be more reflective and systematic, and thus more helpful. This book is all about how to do it. Presenting stories of success and failure the authors suggest practices which, if made routine, could at least protect against common mistakes. The target audience consists of decision makers and the men and women who work for them as direct or personal staff.

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The books and additional publications of interest in the Navy Professional Reading Program were selected by the Navy Professional Reading program Advisory Group based on criteria for the program. The selection of these books and publications should not be construed as an explicit or implicit endorsement by the U.S. Navy for these particular books and publications, or the authors' or publishers' views or interpretations. Authors and publishers may submit other books for consideration for inclusion on future program lists to Accelerate Your Mind, Naval War College, 686 Cushing Road, Newport, RI 02841-1207.