Dr.
Benjamin Spock's book, Baby and Child Care, has influenced
the way generations of parents raise their children. In fact,
for more than 50 years after it was published in 1946, it sold
more copies than any other book in history, except for the Bible.
Baby and Child Care's message to parents is "you know more
than you think you do" and the book challenged the pervading traditional
parenting attitude of strict discipline, advising parents instead
to be more affectionate with their children and more flexible
in their parenting style. In addition to being an internationally
known and respected pediatrician, Dr. Spock was also a very vocal
anti-war and political activist. In 1972 he ran for president
as the People's Party candidate on a very socially progressive
platform, calling for free health care for all Americans, a guaranteed
minimum income for all families, the withdrawal of American troops
from all foreign countries, and the repeal of "victimless crime
laws." His activism continued throughout his life through participation
in demonstrations, and lectures against cuts in social welfare
programs, against prejudice, racism, the proliferation of nuclear
weapons, and other peace and progressive issues.
