The Common Good

Buchzusammenfassung

Robert B. Reich is the Chancellor’s Professor of Public Policy at the University of California at Berkeley. Prior to this, he served in three presidential administrations, most recently as labor secretary under former US President Bill Clinton.

Across America, countless individuals, from healthcare workers to educators and first responders, dedicate themselves to the well-being of society, embodying the principle of the common good—a shared commitment to values like justice, equality, and community. Rooted in both religious teachings and Enlightenment philosophy, this concept has historically guided societal cohesion. However, its erosion is evident in actions prioritizing profit and power over collective welfare, such as Martin Shkreli’s unethical price hikes, Wall Street’s role in the 2008 financial crisis, and political leaders exploiting divisions for personal gain. Critics like Ayn Rand and Robert Nozick argue against the common good, viewing it as unsustainable and prone to abuse. Yet, its absence fosters distrust and societal fragmentation. Restoring the common good requires ethical leadership, a renewed focus on truth, and education that emphasizes justice and democracy. As institutions increasingly neglect public welfare, the consequences—rising inequality, diminished trust, and a "by all means necessary" mentality—threaten democracy itself. The next section delves deeper into how this shift has reshaped societal norms.

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