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.

©2018 Robert B. Reich (P)2018 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

"Brief but well-argued...a provocative essay." (Kirkus)

"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)

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.

This can be a gift from the USA to other nations.

As an outsider to the USA, living and working here as a Permanent Resident with the Green Card, I learned a lot from this book about this country, its current sociopolitical contexts, and how it got here. In reflecting on my own background, it occurred to me that Reich's arguments may be transplanted to Japan, where I was born. I also lived in several other nations, and I think parts of Reich's points can definitely be used in their contexts, as well. I wonder when it will come out in the Japanese language?

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 a great concept

hard to believe our society has gotten so out of touch with it. regardless of your political leaning, religious beliefs or socioeconomic status, read this book and apply at least some small part to how you contribute to your community. our world will be a better place for it.

Filled with examples and inspiration

Reich always seems to hit the mark on what factors contribute to the big picture. He definitely prefers to emphasize a macro perspective over micro analysis but it's simply his method of staying consistent and concise. Naturally, as a professor, he gives the reader more than enough examples to prompt further exploration into his claims. Exactly what pupils need.

Excellent....but

Would you listen to The Common Good again? Why?

Not really. The thesis posited by Prof. Reich is compelling, and well explained enough to make a second reading unnecessary,

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Common Good?

The first two sections.

What do you think the narrator could have done better?

Avoid changing his voice to sound like, for example, Lincoln, or other personalities. I think Reich has no need to "act" his quotes.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Not that type of book

Important reading!

Important reading about important matters in our time! Robert is a good man with good moral trying to inspire modern society to take responsibility and focus on the common good.