The Age of Entitlement

America Since the Sixties

Christopher Caldwell

Recommended By

Book Synopsis

"The Age of Entitlement" by Christopher Caldwell is a thought-provoking exploration of America's transformation from a society focused on individual rights to one driven by group entitlements. Caldwell investigates the roots of this shift, tracing its origins to the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and subsequent movements that sought to rectify historical injustices. He argues that while these efforts were initially necessary and just, they eventually led to unintended consequences, fostering a culture of perpetual grievance and heightening divisions within society.

Through meticulous research, Caldwell identifies key turning points in American politics, economics, and culture that have perpetuated the era of entitlement. He delves into topics such as affirmative action, the expansion of welfare programs, and the evolution of identity politics, highlighting their impact on social, political, and economic dynamics. Drawing on a wide range of sources, from historical documents to contemporary interviews, Caldwell examines the effects of these policies on different demographic groups and challenges prevailing narratives about race, ethnicity, and social justice.

In "The Age of Entitlement," Caldwell engagingly argues that the proliferation of entitlements undermines individual responsibility and fosters a victimhood mentality. He contends that the erosion of personal accountability has had a profound impact on various aspects of American society, including educational outcomes, political discourse, and economic mobility. Caldwell ultimately contends that the time has come for society to reexamine the balance between individual rights and group privileges in order to restore a sense of fairness and harmony.

With its incisive analysis and well-reasoned arguments, "The Age of Entitlement" offers an illuminating perspective on the complex issues surrounding entitlements in America. Caldwell prompts readers to critically examine the consequences of policies aimed at rectifying historical injustices, ultimately encouraging a thoughtful reassessment of how society can work towards greater equality while preserving individual liberty.

Explore More Books

See All
Focus
The Prophet
Masters of Doom
The Professor in the Cage
Life on the Edge
Waiting for Godot
Lateral Thinking
The Sketchbooks of Chris Wilkinson
Work Hard. Be Nice.
What Do You Care What Other People Think?
Big World, Small Planet
Where The Wild Things Are
Eating to Extinction
The Spectator
One Monster After Another
Wonderworks
Tragedy and Hope
Sex, Ecology, Spirituality
A Brief History of Time
Rick and Morty Book One
Black Flags
Pale Rider
Hooked
For The Love Of Physics
The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind
The Man Who Invented Fidel
The Cost Of Hope
America's War for the Greater Middle East
Chaos
The Celestine Prophecy
Between The World And Me
She Said
Plagues and Peoples
How The West Grew Rich
Competing Against Luck
Consolations
Survival to Thrival
Mother of God
Believe Me
These Truths
Gay Like Me
Dealers of Lightning
Lake Success
The Holy Bible
Journey to the Center of the Earth
Bend The Curve
The Price We Pay
Broken Money
Setting The Table
Fallout
Race and Culture
Snow Crash
The Fabric of Reality
Mismatch
Origins of Political Order
Diffusion of Innovations
Frisco Kid
The New Penguin Atlas of Ancient History
Margin of Safety
The Social Animal
Mohammed and Charlemagne
Contrarian Investment Strategies
Hit Men
No Easy Day
Every Life Is On Fire
Creativity, Inc.
Graphs, Maps, Trees
The Sports Gene
Wake Up: Why The World Has Gone Nuts
Fast Food Nation
The Third Pillar
Parents Who Lead
Lean Thinking
Consciousness Medicine
Hidden Potential
Why Wages Rise
Lord of Light
Creating Shareholder Value
Beating The Street
The Soul of A New Machine
The Jungle Grows Back
The Breakthrough
Tao Te Ching
Count Down
The Snow Leopard
UFO Hunters
The Rise of Superman
The Best We Could Do
Lean Solutions
Mindset
Founding Brothers
Fortune's Formula
Zoning Rules!
Working Backwards
Foundation's Edge
Clearing The Air
Super Maker
Resistance (At All Costs)
Hold 'em Poker
Science and Method