Includes bibliographical references (p. 325-351) and index.

Introduction: Ready-made opinions in American culture -- Pt. 1. The Words. 1. Do Unto Others: Words of Respect: The Evolution of the Golden Rule. 2. We Hold These Truths: Words of Belief and Conviction: Creeds and Other Professions of Faith. 3. So Help Me God: Words of Obedience: Loyalty Oaths and Pledges of Allegiance. 4. 'Til Death Do Us Part: Words of Consent: Oaths of Citizenship, Rites of Secret Initiation, Temperance Pledges, and Wedding Vows. 5. On My Honor I Will Do My Best: Words of Good Intent: Codes of Ethics and Conduct. 6. To Thine Own Self Be True: Words of Experience: The Secrets of Success, Advice from Parents, and the Gospel According to Murphy, Parkinson, and Others. 7. Semper Fi: Fighting Words: Mottoes, Maxims, and Slogans. 8. In God We Trust: Words of Common Currency: The National Mottoes. 9. Neither Snow Nor Rain Nor Heat Nor Gloom of Night: Words Set in Stone: Architectural Inscriptions of the American Renaissance -- Pt. 2. The Texts. Golden Rules. Creeds. Oaths, Vows, and Pledges. Codes of Ethics and Conduct. Advice and Rules of Life. Mottoes, Maxims, and Slogans. Inscriptions.