Better World for Our Children

Unlike some of Dr. Spock's 16 previous books, this one does not offer specific advice about children for their parents. Instead, the venerable Spock (Baby and Child Care), now 91, writes in support of ``spiritual values,'' expounds on what he considers the decline of life in America, and suggests ways of reversing that trend for the benefit of everyone-and their children. Some symptoms of bad times, in Spock's opinion: a spirit of competition that ultimately harms workers and the workplace; and violence as a pervasive theme in American entertainment. Some of his points are well-taken, others crankily familiar: for instance, he cautions us on the dangers of secondary cigarette smoke inhalation. Spock also strikes a conservative note, as when he complains that a habit of informal dressing is innately antisocial. However, his conversational pitch for idealism (and against cynicism) is basically convincing and sometimes heartening. (Sept.)