Nader

Ralph Nader Q&A Paper #2 Born in Connecticut in 1934, Ralph Nader is known as an author, politician, and lawyer. In Ralph Nader’s book “Seventeen Traditions”, he explains his values and his life growing up. He talks about several traditions and the importance of social values and the role that families play. The Tradition of History, Education and Argument, and Civics are three traditions that Ralph Nader finds important. In Chapter Four, “The Tradition of History”, Nader describes how “Learning form the past…was crucial for understanding the present and shaping the future.” (P.51) He goes on to explain that his Mother and Father taught him that history matters and our view of history shapes the way we view the present. It has been said that “History is a story about the past that is significant and true”. Ralph’s Mother believed in having local knowledge and “the importance of having a sense of place” (P.57). While his Father loved history and politics, and believed that history was a cause-and-effect. In Chapter Seven, “The Tradition of Education and Argument”, Nader explains the importance of both Education and Argument. He goes into detail about how Education is crucial to the development of an individual. Also that Education provides knowledge about the world and builds character. Education helps us develop a point of view and form opinions. Ralph Nader then displays that his Mother and Father both his “parents put a premium on our education, both at school and at home.” (P.72) An Argument is about having different opinions about problems and it can be the proof needed to prove a truth. Nader gives us an example about how his Father would challenge him on the redistribution of wealth. “It was like arguing with an ever-resilient law professor…” (P.76). He then goes on to prove that his Father’s ideas on this argument were not only at home but anywhere he felt the opportunity of conversation. In Chapter Seventeen, “The Tradition of Civics”, Nader