{"title":"Adrian Wooldridge","description":"\u003cp\u003eDiscover the thought-provoking works of Adrian Wooldridge, a distinguished author known for his insightful exploration of contemporary politics and educational systems. With a keen eye for detail and a talent for illuminating complex issues, Wooldridge offers readers a compelling perspective on the world today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn \u003cem\u003eCentrists of the World Unite!\u003c\/em\u003e, Wooldridge delves into the nuances of political centrism, advocating for a balanced approach in an increasingly polarised political landscape. His detailed analysis is both timely and essential for anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of modern political discourse.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Aristocracy of Talent\u003c\/em\u003e examines the evolution and impact of meritocracy, challenging readers to reconsider how talent and education shape societal structures. Wooldridge provides a historical context while addressing modern implications, making it a pivotal read for those passionate about education and social equity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eExplore Adrian Wooldridge's collection in our Politics \u0026amp; Current Affairs and Education \u0026amp; Reference sections to enrich your understanding of these influential spheres. His books promise to engage and educate, offering fresh perspectives on the pressing issues of our time.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"the-aristocracy-of-talent-by-adrian-wooldridge-9780141990378","title":"The Aristocracy of Talent","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA fascinating and important history of meritocracy, and a \u003ci\u003eTimes\u003c\/i\u003e book of the year.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eMeritocracy—the idea that people should be advanced according to their talents rather than their status at birth. For much of history, this was a revolutionary thought, but by the end of the twentieth century it had become the world's ruling ideology. How did this happen, and why is meritocracy now under attack from both right and left?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAdrian Wooldridge traces the history of meritocracy forged by the politicians and officials who introduced the revolutionary principle of open competition, the psychologists who devised methods for measuring natural mental abilities, and the educationalists who built ladders of educational opportunity. He looks outside western cultures and shows what transformative effects it has had everywhere it has been adopted, especially once women were brought into the meritocratic system.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWooldridge also shows how meritocracy has now become corrupted and argues that the recent stalling of social mobility is the result of failure to complete the meritocratic revolution. Rather than abandoning meritocracy, he says, we should call for its renewal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Penguin Random House NZ","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46355108430060,"sku":"9780141990378","price":29.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/14705763482238.jpg?v=1744298031"},{"product_id":"centrists-of-the-world-unite-by-adrian-wooldridge-9780241758700","title":"Centrists of the World Unite!","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe history, enduring genius and vital importance today of liberalism.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWe live in an age of extremes—populist leaders are setting the agenda, autocracies are on the march, and the liberal establishment is a bewildered blob, devoid of new ideas or fresh solutions. Having once powered progress in the form of democracy, mass welfare and defeating totalitarianism, liberals have the power to save the world again—but only if they rediscover the lost genius of their creed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eGuiding us skilfully and entertainingly through the intellectual, cultural and political histories of liberalism, this book lays out a centrist agenda for today's problems. It reminds us of the dynamism and fixed principles that have shaped the successes of liberalism and warns us against splitting into sub-groups that fail to grapple with the common good. Wooldridge proposes that, as well as reviving social mobility, liberals today need to be much more critical of big business—particularly if it makes money by manipulating choices and spreading misinformation—and rethink the laissez-faire approach to immigration, social disorder, and substance abuse.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eA powerful call to action, \u003cem\u003eCentrists of the World Unite!\u003c\/em\u003e shows us how liberals of all parties and none can come together in defending the values of liberal civilization from enemies without and within.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Penguin Random House NZ","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47288398807276,"sku":"9780241758700","price":65.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/caed9b93117e32d3059ff65c6cd2fe51.jpg?v=1770632804"}],"url":"https:\/\/bookhero.pro\/collections\/adrian-wooldridge.oembed","provider":"Book Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}