The System

Who Rigged It, How We Fix It

By: Robert B. Reich

Narrated by: Robert B. Reich

Length: 6 hrs and 7 mins

Publisher's summary

From the best-selling author of Saving Capitalism and The Common Good, an urgent analysis of how the "rigged" systems of American politics and power operate, how this status quo came to be, and how average citizens can enact change.

Millions of Americans have lost confidence in our political and economic system. After years of stagnant wages, volatile job markets, and an unwillingness by those in power to deal with profound threats such as climate change, there is a mounting sense that the system is fixed, serving only those select few with enough money to secure a controlling stake. With the characteristic clarity and passion that has made him a central civil voice, Robert B. Reich shows how wealth and power have interacted to install an elite oligarchy, eviscerate the middle class, and undermine democracy.

Using Jamie Dimon, the chairman and CEO of JPMorgan Chase as an example, Reich exposes how those at the top propagate myths about meritocracy, national competitiveness, corporate social responsibility, and the "free market" to distract most Americans from their accumulation of extraordinary wealth, and power over the system. Instead of answering the call to civic duty, they have chosen to uphold self-serving policies that line their own pockets and benefit their bottom line.

Reich's objective is not to foster cynicism, but rather to demystify the system so that we might instill fundamental change and demand that democracy works for the majority once again.

©2020 Robert B. Reich (P)2020 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

"Reich has an almost unmatched ability to make insightful observations about the nation’s inequities, and in The System, he observes that the question is no longer Democrat versus Republican or left versus right, but 'democracy versus oligarchy'.... Valuable...the anger [it] will generate may prove politically energizing." (Jeff Madrick, The New York Times Book Review)

"Robert Reich is one of our country’s most insightful commentators on politics and economics. Both a diagnosis and a call to arms, The System shows how our economy and our democracy are rigged to work for the wealthy and well-connected. Change is possible - if we are willing to fight for it." (Sen. Elizabeth Warren)

"Robert Reich is one of the most important voices in America, fighting for an economy that works for all people and not just those at the top. Understanding what is happening in our country is critical if we want to fix it and Robert Reich is an exceptional teacher." (Sen. Bernie Sanders)

Excellent Read!

Thank you so much Mr. Reich for writing this impartial, insightful and informative book. Knowledge of the truth will set us all free. This book is a must read for those trying to get a deeper understanding of the current political and economic climate in the US. Read and form an opinion for yourself, you don’t have to agree with everything written to gain at least some new insight from the book. I think most importantly, be willing and open to be exposed to viewpoints that differ from your current beliefs. Nothing is ever 100% as it seems.

Good book

This is a good book lots of detail, and yes you will find yourself backing the audio file back so you can re-listen to certain content sections.

understanding for my citizenship

Understanding the problem is the first step to solving it. The book presents a clear explanation.

The truth about how the oligarchs run the system…

Great book that provides evidence, facts, and numbers. Reich doesn’t just says or alleges, he provides evidence of how the oligarchs created, and run the system.

Best explanation of the real threat to democracy!

I just finished The System by Robert B Reich. It is hands down the clearest and most inspiring political book I have ever read or listened to. The author is a brilliant teacher, explaining how our current system is controlled by the oligarchy and how Americans can reclaim our God given rights and freedoms. I am currently living in Finland, where egalitarianism is fundamental. The rich are happy to pay taxes to enhance life for all. In fact 93 percent of tax payers think it’s important to support the government in providing free health care, education, child care and other necessities. Finnish people can live happy low-stress lives without worrying about the next injury, illness, job loss or other crisis destroying their lives.

Mr. Reich stresses the myth (maintained by those at the top) that Americans’ earnings are a reflection of their value to society. I enjoyed the fact that parts of the book are directly addressed CEO, Jamie Dimon, as a representative of big money. I’d love to know If Mr. Dimon was moved to use his substantial influence to even the playing field.

I strongly encourage everyone, regardless of political party to avail yourselves of the inspiring wisdom of The System.

Robert Reich is always committed to his belief

Good to get varying opinion. Author makes some good points, yet cant go as far as he wants on many opinions.

The System - An Excellent Read

The System, Who Rigged It, How We Fix It is a book to read NOW. You have a sense of being behind the scenes in Washington, DC where decisions and/or deals are made, corruption is explored, analyzed and potential solutions revealed to the reader.
This book is a smooth and easy read. .Robert B. Reich is a knowledgeable expert regarding this subject I suggest the public read it before the November 2020 election.

Enlightenment

I used one word in the subject to describe, why one should read this book or rather listen. I’ve shared it with many friends and urged them to read/listen to understand why and what is happening when they express frustration in what many describe as the daily grind and how and why we are where we are. A must read!!

Listen up oligarchs!

I wish I could send this to Jamie Dimon and the other Titans of industry to read.

Read this book!

Robert Reich has written an important book about how our country has been hijacked onto the wrong track and ideas for the path forward. Please, Read this book!