The Common Good by Robert Reich
Have We Lost the Common Good? by Robert Reich
What nonfiction book has impacted the way you see the world in a powerful way?
I heard Robert B. Reich speak in Houston virtually in 2020, and he delighted me with his knowledge about our American political system, his intelligence, and his ethics. I immediately set out to read something he's written, and I was happy to find The Common Good by Reich at my local library.
I read it as soon as I brought it home, and---wow---everyone needs to read this book. Reich opens the book by relating how he heard President John F. Kennedy's famous line, "Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country," when he was a teen. Reich is saddened by how much the overall attitude of our country has changed over the years since then to "What's in it for me?" He goes on to look at the idea of the common good and how that has developed through history, and then he examines the key events of the past that have torn the fabric of the common good from government as well as business. He concludes by proposing several ways (thank goodness!) we can all nurture the idea of the common good in America today.
An exceptional book that could change our country. I want to buy multiple copies and hand them out to everyone I know.
If you are feeling bleak about America, I urge you to read this book and act in ways that will work for the common good. I intend to try.
Sounds like an amazing book. Thank you 😊 so much for your thoughts on this ❤️
ReplyDeleteRobert Reich you has been an important voice in American political discourse and I can only imagine that this book is terrific. For many of us who live outside the United States the country we once knew and visited is hardly recognizable.
ReplyDeleteI occasionally watch Robert Reich’s podcast, and read an article by him, but I haven't read any of his books. I am adding this one to my TBR list
ReplyDeleteI get Reich’s frequent emails about the economy — the current one is a discussion of “what we know about Trump’s truly sh*tty economy.” He’s a very insightful observer of our society. He also has a column in the Guardian. Definitely a very informative writer!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds good! I truly appreciate books that don't just illuminate the problem but also seek to find solutions.
ReplyDeleteI just added this book to my tbr list. Thanks for sharing your enthusiasm about it because, yes, I do feel bleak about the country right now and need to find a bright spot. :)
ReplyDeleteGood choice. Robert Reich is saying good things these days and brining sanity to the mainstream. I hope lots of people are paying attention.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your thoughts, Deb. I may recommend this to my book group for our 2026 calendar. I suspect it will provide a stimulating conversation.
ReplyDeleteI am so impressed by Robert Reich and love his substack. I don't know this book -- thanks for the recommendation.
ReplyDeletesunds so essential, thanks.
ReplyDeleteI just reviewed Solnit's book: https://wordsandpeace.com/2025/11/17/book-review-orwells-roses/
Thanks for introducing me to Robert Reich.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the recommendation.
ReplyDeleteI never miss Reich's column in The Guardian. He helps me to make sense of current events.
ReplyDeleteActing for the common good is in the best interests of all of us, and is up to all of us.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a fascinating book, and maybe just right in time?
ReplyDeleteI like Robert Reich's little talks with his drawings. He makes so much sense! I'll have to see if the library has this book. This month has exploded my book budget!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds an important read. I am trying to consciously work for the common good locally, where I can, for example getting involved in saving our local community centre and helping to revitalise it to be an inclusive hub for the whole community.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a book I need. Thanks for the review!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the advice. I think I'll take you up on it. We all need to get back to common sense and polite manners.
ReplyDelete