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  • The Bill of Obligations

  • The Ten Habits of Good Citizens
  • Written by: Richard Haass
  • Narrated by: Richard Haass
  • Length: 4 hrs and 6 mins
  • 5.0 out of 5 stars (1 rating)

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The Bill of Obligations

Written by: Richard Haass
Narrated by: Richard Haass
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Publisher's Summary

Watch the PBS companion documentary “A Citizen’s Guide to Preserving Democracy”

“An indispensable guide to good citizenship in an era of division and rancor.”—Anne Applebaum

There is no question that the United States faces dangerous threats from without; the greatest peril to the country, however, comes from within. In The Bill of Obligations, bestselling author Richard Haass argues that, to solve our climate of division and safeguard our democracy, the very idea of citizenship must be revised and expanded. The Bill of Rights is at the center of our Constitution, yet the most intractable conflicts often emerge from cases that, as former Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer pointed out, “are not about right versus wrong. They are about right versus right.”

There is a way forward: to place obligations on the same footing as rights. The ten obligations that Haass introduces here reenvision what it means to be an American citizen, to commit to our fellow citizens and counter the growing apathy, anger, and violence that threaten us all.

Through an expert blend of civics, history, and political analysis, this book illuminates how Americans across the political spectrum can rediscover how to contribute to and reshape this country’s future.

©2023 Richard Haass (P)2023 Penguin Audio

What the critics say

“Richard Haass has turned his keen mind and large heart to the most important of questions: The meaning of citizenship. If American democracy is to endure, it will require all of us to embrace what Haass calls our common obligations. This is a vital work for a decisive time.”—Jon Meacham, author of And There Was Light: Abraham Lincoln and the American Struggle

“Democracy is more than procedures and laws. It is an ethical ideal that requires much of us if it is to succeed. Richard Haass powerfully describes what he calls the Bill of Obligations, commitments and values needed for these challenging times. We may not see eye-to-eye on all the issues, but here I agree: we need a clear and thoughtful statement of our obligations to each other and to the country if this grand and fragile experiment in democracy is to survive. The Bill of Obligations does just that!”—Eddie Glaude, James S. McDonnell Distinguished University Professor, Princeton University

“Americans argue a lot about their rights, but, as Richard Haass reminds us, democracy only works if we also recognize our responsibilities. His newest book reminds us of what those are, providing an indispensable guide to good citizenship in an era of division and rancor.”—Anne Applebaum, author of Twilight of Democracy: The Seductive Lure of Authoritarianism

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Haas At His Best

Fantastic writing about civic obligation that should (re)energize any reader's commitment to their democracy. Haas' own reading adds depth to the narration and message. His voice is always calming, even when he speaks about the worst parts of humanity on CFR's podcasts. Should be read in all schools in their civics classes. My kids will read this.

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