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For the Common Good: A Vision for Civic Renewal from the Heart of Our Communities

Mark Twain

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Published in For The Common Good Matthew W Finkin

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For The Common Good Book Cover By Matthew Finkin For The Common Good Matthew W Finkin

In "For the Common Good," Matthew Finkin argues that the decline of civic engagement and the rise of individualism and self-interest are at the root of many of our most pressing social problems. He proposes a vision for civic renewal that is grounded in the idea that we are all interconnected and that we have a responsibility to each other.

For the Common Good

by Matthew W. Finkin

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1635 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	272 pages

The Decline of Civic Engagement

Finkin begins by documenting the decline of civic engagement in the United States. He cites data showing that voter turnout has declined, that people are less likely to volunteer their time or donate to charity, and that they are less likely to belong to civic organizations.

Finkin argues that this decline is due to a number of factors, including the rise of individualism, the decline of social capital, and the increasing complexity of society.

The Rise of Individualism

Finkin argues that the rise of individualism is one of the most significant factors contributing to the decline of civic engagement. He defines individualism as the belief that the individual is the most important unit of society and that the individual's interests should always come first.

Finkin argues that individualism has led to a decline in the sense of community and a decrease in people's willingness to sacrifice their own interests for the good of the common.

The Decline of Social Capital

Finkin also argues that the decline of social capital is a major factor contributing to the decline of civic engagement. He defines social capital as the networks of relationships and trust that exist between people.

Finkin argues that social capital is essential for civic engagement because it provides people with the support and resources they need to get involved in their communities. He argues that the decline of social capital is due to a number of factors, including the increasing mobility of Americans, the decline of traditional institutions, and the rise of social media.

The Increasing Complexity of Society

Finkin also argues that the increasing complexity of society is a factor contributing to the decline of civic engagement. He argues that the modern world is becoming increasingly complex and interconnected, and that this makes it difficult for people to understand how their actions affect others.

Finkin argues that this complexity leads to a sense of powerlessness and alienation, which can make people less likely to participate in civic activities.

A Vision for Civic Renewal

In the second part of the book, Finkin proposes a vision for civic renewal. He argues that the key to civic renewal is to build a more just and equitable society that is grounded in the idea that we are all interconnected and that we have a responsibility to each other.

Finkin proposes a number of specific policies that he believes would help to promote civic renewal, including:

Investing in education and job training
Expanding access to healthcare and affordable housing
Reducing poverty and inequality
Promoting social justice and inclusion
Strengthening our democracy

Finkin argues that these policies would help to create a more just and equitable society that would be more conducive to civic engagement. He also argues that these policies would help to address the root causes of the decline of civic engagement, such as individualism, the decline of social capital, and the increasing complexity of society.

"For the Common Good" is a timely and important book that offers a compelling vision for civic renewal. Finkin's analysis of the decline of civic engagement is persuasive, and his proposals for reform are both ambitious and realistic. This book is a must-read for anyone who is concerned about the state of our democracy and our communities.

For the Common Good

by Matthew W. Finkin

4.7 out of 5