The splendid life of Jimmy Carter − 5 essential reads

Cuban leader Fidel Castro checks out former U.S. President Jimmy Carter’s pitching form prior to a baseball game in Havana in 2002. Sven Creutzmann/Mambo Photography via Getty Images by Howard Manly, The Conversation In Mark 8:34-38, a question is asked: “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” As Jimmy Carter celebrates his 100th birthday, it’s hard to question whether the former U.S. president ever lost his soul. A person who served others, Carter did more to champion the cause of human rights than any U.S. president in American history. That tireless commitment “to advance democracy and human rights” was noted by the Nobel committee when it honored Carter with its peace prize in 2002. From establishing the nonprofit Carter Center to working for Habitat for Humanity, Carter never abandoned his moral compass in his public policies or personal contributions to society. Over the years, The Conversation U.S. has published numerous articles exploring the legacy of the nation’s 39th president – and his exemplary life after leaving the world of American politics. Here are selections from those articles. 1. A preacher at heart As a scholar of American religious...