I’m reading Dennis Prager’s new book. It’s filled with shoddy writing. Dennis keeps using the word “predicated” as in “It [the welfare state] is predicated on collecting money from today’s workers…”
“Predicated” is a pompous word. “Based” is simpler and more effective.
I loathe the way Dennis Prager can’t stop praising himself and his book on the cover. Here’s the intro on the inside flap: “In this visionary book, Dennis Prager, one of America’s most original thinkers…”
Instead of describing your own book as “visionary,” you’d be better served by simply sharing your vision.
“One of the most” is a cliche. It shows you don’t want to think. And yet here it is again in Dennis Prager’s self description: “Dennis Prager is one of the most listened to and respected media personalities in America.” Respected by whom? Rachel Maddow is highly respected by those who agree with her and by nobody else. “Most listened to”? No more than hundreds of other people. Rush Limbaugh is much more “listened to” according to the ratings, but that doesn’t make him necessarily more worthy of our attention. None of Rush’s books are important.
Prager’s self-description continues: “A true Renaissance man…” Oy, give it a rest, Dennis. Let other people praise you. If you feel convinced that you’re a Renaissance man, embody such values rather than explicitly pat yourself on the back for having them.
All of Dennis Prager’s books exhibit these cringe-inducing self-descriptions on the cover.
Out of curiosity, I surfed to DennisPrager.com and found this self-description: “Dennis Prager is one of America’s most respected radio talk show hosts. He has been broadcasting on radio in Los Angeles since 1982. His popular show became nationally syndicated in 1999 and airs live, Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to Noon (Pacific Time) from his home station, KRLA. Widely sought after by television shows for his opinions, he’s appeared on Larry King Live, Hardball, Hannity & Colmes, CBS Evening News, The Today Show and many others.”
Once more with the shoddy “one of the most” constructions. He has been “broadcasting” since 1982. “Broadcasting” is a pompous ten-dollar word. Simpler words would be more effective. He’s widely sought after on television shows for his opinions? Well, that’s important to know. Thank God for that insight! Getting booked on TV is a true measure of moral depth.
Another thing I find annoying about Prager’s new book is the way he keeps quoting himself.
Other than these two minor objections, I love this important new book.
