The Common Good

By: Robert B. Reich

Narrated by: Robert B. Reich

Robert B. Reich makes a powerful case for the expansion of America’s moral imagination. Rooting his argument in common sense and everyday reality, he demonstrates that a common good constitutes the very essence of any society or nation. Societies, he says, undergo virtuous cycles that reinforce the common good as well as vicious cycles that undermine it, one of which America has been experiencing for the past five decades. This process can and must be reversed. But first we need to weigh the moral obligations of citizenship and carefully consider how we relate to honor, shame, patriotism, truth, and the meaning of leadership.

Powerful, urgent, and utterly vital, this is a heartfelt missive from one of our foremost political thinkers.

Critic reviews

“Against the grain of much liberal thinking . . . Reich’s proposals would make a good starting point for a new progressive political project.” —Michael J. Sandel, The New York Times Book Review

“Very timely . . . Reich’s work is an important call for reform that should appeal to a wide audience disaffected with the status quo.” —Library Journal (starred review)

“Reich’s lucidly defining and empowering call for revitalized civic awareness—complete with an enticing list of recommended reading and discussion guide—is an ideal catalyst for book-group conversations.” —Booklist

“Clear-voiced and accessible.” —Publishers Weekly

“Brief but well-argued . . . a provocative essay.” —Kirkus

Edifying

This is a very timely essay. Reich takes a look at Adam Smith’s economic design, ideal of truth and equitable competition. Reich states we are a nation of law and order bound on the common good. He says the enemies of the common good range from the slumlords to megabanks and untrammeled hedge funds. These all disregard the rules of society for selfish gains. Reich stresses the importance of the truth; he proceeds to point out the problems caused by lies.

Robert B. Reich is following the lead of Sandra Day O’Connor who is advocating the renewal of civic education to enable people “to work with others; to separate facts and logic from values and beliefs”. I found this to be a most interesting discussion and a good review of citizenship. This book is easy to read. My only complaint is the repetition of key points throughout the book.

Robert B. Reich is a professor of public policy at the Goldman School of Public Policy at the University of California Berkeley. He served in the administration of President Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter and was Clinton’s Secretary of Labor from 1993 to 1997. Reich narrator the book himself. The book is just over five hours.

A must read for everyone

It explains why we're in the mess we're in as a nation and what we should do about it to correct it

Good is True and Good. Thank you RR!

Loved it! At any cost is too expensive. Courtesy, logical facts and engaging with all Americans are key to our common good.

What we need right now

Reich is as engaging and passionate and ever. i will use parts of this book in my classroom, i teach civics and this has reenergized me for the coming school year. Will listen again for sure.

Required Reading!

I am a fan of Robert Reich. He is quite insightful, and tuned into actions and words as they fit into life politically, socially and morally. This book is a good place to start for refreshing ourselves on our civics lessons, or learning them for the first time.

I don't remember all the events in history quite the same way he recounts, but he was closer to the events and people, so I am grateful for his perspective. His conclusions for living lives of public service and moral responsibility are spot on. Don't miss this chance to feel inspired again to do the right thing.

Listen to this book. (Or better, read it. Mr. Reich's voice is not great for audiobooks.) Make your kids listen, and your grandkids, if you have them. Tell your friends. I didn't realize that civics is not a requirement to graduate high school. It should be, of course. It's required for naturalized citizens. This book is full of thoughtful wisdom, and important information.