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Reset: How This Crisis Can Restore Our Values and Renew America
“This is the end of the world as we’ve known it,” Kurt Andersen writes in Reset. “But it isn’t the end of the world.” In this smart and refreshingly hopeful book, Andersen–a brilliant analyst and synthesizer of historical and cultural trends, as well as a bestselling novelist and host of public radio’s Studio 360–shows us why the current economic crisis is actually a moment of great opportunity to get ourselves and our nation back on track.
Historically, America has always shifted between wild, exuberant speculation and steady, sober hard work, as well as back and forth between economic booms and busts, and between right and left politically. This is one of the rare moments when all these cycles shift dramatically and simultaneously–a moment when complacency ends, ossified structures loosen up, and enormous positive change is possible.
The shock to the system can enable each of us to rethink certain habits and focus more on the things that make us authentically happy. The present flux can enable us as a society to consolidate the enormous gains of the last several decades in areas such as technology, crime prevention, women’s and civil rights, and the democratization of the planet. We can reap the fruits of a revival of realism and pragmatism at home and abroad. As we enter a new era of post-party-line common sense, we can start to reinvent hopelessly broken systems–in health care, education, climate change, and more–and rediscover some of the old-fashioned American values of which we’ve lost sight.
In Reset, Andersen explains how we’ve done it before and why we are about to do it again–and better than ever.
From the Hardcover edition.
Historically, America has always shifted between wild, exuberant speculation and steady, sober hard work, as well as back and forth between economic booms and busts, and between right and left politically. This is one of the rare moments when all these cycles shift dramatically and simultaneously–a moment when complacency ends, ossified structures loosen up, and enormous positive change is possible.
The shock to the system can enable each of us to rethink certain habits and focus more on the things that make us authentically happy. The present flux can enable us as a society to consolidate the enormous gains of the last several decades in areas such as technology, crime prevention, women’s and civil rights, and the democratization of the planet. We can reap the fruits of a revival of realism and pragmatism at home and abroad. As we enter a new era of post-party-line common sense, we can start to reinvent hopelessly broken systems–in health care, education, climate change, and more–and rediscover some of the old-fashioned American values of which we’ve lost sight.
In Reset, Andersen explains how we’ve done it before and why we are about to do it again–and better than ever.
From the Hardcover edition.
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First published January 1, 2009
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About the author
Kurt Andersen
44 books542 followersKurt Andersen is the author of the novels Turn of the Century, Heyday, and True Believers, and and, with Alec Baldwin of You Can't Spell America Without Me. His non-fiction books include Fantasyland, Reset and The Real Thing.
He is also host of the Peabody Award-winning weekly public radio program Studio 360,.
Previously, Kurt was a co-founder and editor-in-chief of the satirical magazine Spy, editor-in-chief of New York magazine, a columnist for New York, staff writer at The New Yorker, and design and architecture critic for Time.
He is also host of the Peabody Award-winning weekly public radio program Studio 360,.
Previously, Kurt was a co-founder and editor-in-chief of the satirical magazine Spy, editor-in-chief of New York magazine, a columnist for New York, staff writer at The New Yorker, and design and architecture critic for Time.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
January 10, 2025
American Renewal
Written during the depths of the recession in 2009 and just after the inauguration of President Obama, Kurt Andersen's short book, "Reset-- How this Crisis Can Restore Our Values and Renew America", sounded a note of optimism. Anderson, a novelist, radio host, and former editor, tried to show the sources of the difficulty in which the United States found itself and how it could rebound from them and emerge wiser and stronger. I recently (2010) had the opportunity to hear Andersen speak and then to read his book.
In a brief 70 pages, the book covers a good deal in a sweeping way. Andersen finds that the difficulties in which the United States found itself was due to what he terms a "casino economy" in which Americans adopted a model of gambling and easy money and satisfaction in their economic and personal lives. He attributes this attitude to the Reagan years with 1986 as a pivotal point, but he also looks back to the late 1960s with their emphasis on individuality and doing one's own thing. Then, Andersen takes a historical view. He finds that much of American history can be characterized in terms of the fable of the ant and the grasshopper. Periods of hard work and self-sacrifice by Americans have alternated with periods of hedonism and good times. The Recession signals emphatically the end of a latter such period, Andersen argues, and presents an opportunity for Americans to reflect and take stock on where they have been and where they want to go. In other words, the industrious ant will again come to the fore but with differences from analogous ant-like periods in the past. We have the opportunity to learn from our experiences and mistakes.
Andersen offers a brief "seven step program for America" which centers upon recognizing that Americans have been living unduly large for the prior quarter century, identifying the deficiencies of character that has led to this condition, and working to change them. He calls for a revival of the spirit of pragmatism in solving problems as opposed to a spirit of ideological commitment. He finds that in his campaign and in the early days of his presidency that President Obama exemplified a pragmatic spirit. Besides a spirit of moderation and self-reflection, and the realization that Americans should pursue goals in addition to maximizing wealth and instant gratification,Andersen sees opportunities for growth and creativity in the current economy. He celebrates the "amateur spirit" in which new economic realities allow people to move forward and succeed without preoccupations. In one of the finest passages of the book, Andersen writes:
"I like paradoxes which is why, even though I'm not particularly religious, Zen Buddhism has always appealed to me. Take the paradoxical state that Buddhists seek to achieve, what they call sho-shin or 'beginners mind.' The twentieth-century Japanese Zen master Shunryu Suzuki, who spent the last dozen years of his life in America, wrote that 'in the beginner's mind there are many possibilities, but in the expert's mind there are few.' Which sounds to me very much like the core of Daniel Boorstin's amateur spirit. "The main obstacle to progress is not ignorance,' Boorstin wrote, 'but the illusion of knowledge.' (p.69)
Writing in early 2009, Andersen did not anticipate much of the divisiveness that the United States has experienced since then and he may have been overly-optimistic about the end of the current Recession. I don't think these developments undercut the basic value of Andersen's advice.
The book is short and sketchy and unconvincing in some of its particulars but worth reading nevertheless. Andersen has read widely, but his book does not identify many of the works which may have influenced his thinking. In its historical approach, I was reminded of Daniel Walker Howe's study of Pre-Civil War America, "What Hath God Wrought". In its emphasis on pragmatism, I was reminded of Louis Menand's study, "The Metaphysical Club".
Robin Friedman
Written during the depths of the recession in 2009 and just after the inauguration of President Obama, Kurt Andersen's short book, "Reset-- How this Crisis Can Restore Our Values and Renew America", sounded a note of optimism. Anderson, a novelist, radio host, and former editor, tried to show the sources of the difficulty in which the United States found itself and how it could rebound from them and emerge wiser and stronger. I recently (2010) had the opportunity to hear Andersen speak and then to read his book.
In a brief 70 pages, the book covers a good deal in a sweeping way. Andersen finds that the difficulties in which the United States found itself was due to what he terms a "casino economy" in which Americans adopted a model of gambling and easy money and satisfaction in their economic and personal lives. He attributes this attitude to the Reagan years with 1986 as a pivotal point, but he also looks back to the late 1960s with their emphasis on individuality and doing one's own thing. Then, Andersen takes a historical view. He finds that much of American history can be characterized in terms of the fable of the ant and the grasshopper. Periods of hard work and self-sacrifice by Americans have alternated with periods of hedonism and good times. The Recession signals emphatically the end of a latter such period, Andersen argues, and presents an opportunity for Americans to reflect and take stock on where they have been and where they want to go. In other words, the industrious ant will again come to the fore but with differences from analogous ant-like periods in the past. We have the opportunity to learn from our experiences and mistakes.
Andersen offers a brief "seven step program for America" which centers upon recognizing that Americans have been living unduly large for the prior quarter century, identifying the deficiencies of character that has led to this condition, and working to change them. He calls for a revival of the spirit of pragmatism in solving problems as opposed to a spirit of ideological commitment. He finds that in his campaign and in the early days of his presidency that President Obama exemplified a pragmatic spirit. Besides a spirit of moderation and self-reflection, and the realization that Americans should pursue goals in addition to maximizing wealth and instant gratification,Andersen sees opportunities for growth and creativity in the current economy. He celebrates the "amateur spirit" in which new economic realities allow people to move forward and succeed without preoccupations. In one of the finest passages of the book, Andersen writes:
"I like paradoxes which is why, even though I'm not particularly religious, Zen Buddhism has always appealed to me. Take the paradoxical state that Buddhists seek to achieve, what they call sho-shin or 'beginners mind.' The twentieth-century Japanese Zen master Shunryu Suzuki, who spent the last dozen years of his life in America, wrote that 'in the beginner's mind there are many possibilities, but in the expert's mind there are few.' Which sounds to me very much like the core of Daniel Boorstin's amateur spirit. "The main obstacle to progress is not ignorance,' Boorstin wrote, 'but the illusion of knowledge.' (p.69)
Writing in early 2009, Andersen did not anticipate much of the divisiveness that the United States has experienced since then and he may have been overly-optimistic about the end of the current Recession. I don't think these developments undercut the basic value of Andersen's advice.
The book is short and sketchy and unconvincing in some of its particulars but worth reading nevertheless. Andersen has read widely, but his book does not identify many of the works which may have influenced his thinking. In its historical approach, I was reminded of Daniel Walker Howe's study of Pre-Civil War America, "What Hath God Wrought". In its emphasis on pragmatism, I was reminded of Louis Menand's study, "The Metaphysical Club".
Robin Friedman
January 9, 2022
Kurt Andersen's essay emphasizing that we can and should turn our current political and economic lemons into lemonade is an interesting monologue. Andersen makes the argument that, historically, in times of trouble American society has re-evaluated its needs vs its wants and walked away stronger as a result.
That's all fine and dandy, but I can't help feeling a little less optimistic than the author regarding our willingness and ability to do what's right for the country vs what we think is right for ourselves. Mr Andersen acknowledges the uniqueness of today's climate vs the last major shift (led by Ronald Reagan) - today's shift (Mr Andersen suggests it's currently underway) is more abrupt than the attitude evolution of 30 years ago [review originally written August 2009]; in Reagan's day partisan differences were put (to a larger degree) aside to pull out of economic slump and post-Vietnam malaise; today's political crazies (my word, not his) on Fox, MSNBC, etc., etc., tend to fuel polarization.
I look at what pollutes the airwaves 24x7, and I seriously wonder if there's anyone left in the public eye who cares what's right for the country. I'm all for making a buck in the entertainment industry (Fox, MSNBC, etc., etc.), but I think today's discourse is truly making us all poorer and dumber; I don't foresee Mr Andersen's musings changing the tone of "dialog" (perhaps pairings of hurled insults is a better description) one iota.
That's all fine and dandy, but I can't help feeling a little less optimistic than the author regarding our willingness and ability to do what's right for the country vs what we think is right for ourselves. Mr Andersen acknowledges the uniqueness of today's climate vs the last major shift (led by Ronald Reagan) - today's shift (Mr Andersen suggests it's currently underway) is more abrupt than the attitude evolution of 30 years ago [review originally written August 2009]; in Reagan's day partisan differences were put (to a larger degree) aside to pull out of economic slump and post-Vietnam malaise; today's political crazies (my word, not his) on Fox, MSNBC, etc., etc., tend to fuel polarization.
I look at what pollutes the airwaves 24x7, and I seriously wonder if there's anyone left in the public eye who cares what's right for the country. I'm all for making a buck in the entertainment industry (Fox, MSNBC, etc., etc.), but I think today's discourse is truly making us all poorer and dumber; I don't foresee Mr Andersen's musings changing the tone of "dialog" (perhaps pairings of hurled insults is a better description) one iota.
March 14, 2018
Written at the on set of the great recession and just after Obama's election, this little book is dated today. If nothing else, the author's speculation about what may or should happen in the future is interesting reading.
December 4, 2024
I wish his 2009 optimism had come true.
July 14, 2010
This book started strong, making a case for using the fiscal crisis to change the way we think about our lives, but dissolved into weak arguments. I still like his premise, though.
My favorite quote:
It used to be that when our economy thrived and productivity grew, pay for working people rose accordingly. But for most of the last decade, that central piece of the American social contract simply stopped operating. People put up with it for the same reason that the great mass of losers in casinos put up with odds that favor the house. The spectacle of a few ecstatic big winners encourages the losers to believe that, hey, them might get lucky and win. In effect we turned the United States into a winner-take-all casino economy, substituting the gambling hall for the factory floor as our governing economic metaphor, an assembly of anxious individual strangers whose fortunes depend overwhelmingly on random luck rather than on productive work in collective enterprises. Risk taking is fabulous, central to the American ethos - but not when it's involuntary and extreme. Too many Americans were too suddenly herded into our new national economic casino, and without debate turned into the suckers whose losses became the elite's winnings.
My favorite quote:
It used to be that when our economy thrived and productivity grew, pay for working people rose accordingly. But for most of the last decade, that central piece of the American social contract simply stopped operating. People put up with it for the same reason that the great mass of losers in casinos put up with odds that favor the house. The spectacle of a few ecstatic big winners encourages the losers to believe that, hey, them might get lucky and win. In effect we turned the United States into a winner-take-all casino economy, substituting the gambling hall for the factory floor as our governing economic metaphor, an assembly of anxious individual strangers whose fortunes depend overwhelmingly on random luck rather than on productive work in collective enterprises. Risk taking is fabulous, central to the American ethos - but not when it's involuntary and extreme. Too many Americans were too suddenly herded into our new national economic casino, and without debate turned into the suckers whose losses became the elite's winnings.
March 18, 2015
This is an interesting read about how the meltdown our culture has been through provides an opportunity to recalibrate so that we move forward in a more productive, humane way in our work and lives. It is broad in scope touching on economic, political, and societal trends but practical in nature. The author provides examples we can all relate to while putting our current situation into a historical context. It is a refreshing way to counter the relentlessly negative news regarding our dark world situation.
July 7, 2015
Published in 2009, in the wake of the financial meltdown, Reset is a thoughtful book about materialistic "needs vs wants." Six years on, having read the book as we're staring at another global financial disruption with Greece's default, the story continues to resonate as "we" continue to struggle with our impulse purchases. Oh yeah, I read last week that interest-only home loans are making a comeback. Get ready for another reset.
August 3, 2009
I am not a big fan of the big presumptive social trends "we." But Andersen pulls it off. how and why he does this is going to require more thought on my part. Partly it's my sympathy with him: we're both natural moderates. We're both from the midwest. Partly I will forgive a great wordsmith and sharp think a great deal.
August 11, 2009
This is an essay, not a book. Took me an hour to read. I realize it was timely and necessary for Andersen to get it out fast, but it came across as just a cheap way to sell books with a good hook but not much substance. As a huge fan of Andersen's two (lengthy) novels, as well as his respect for literature and history in the context of modern living, I was highly disappointed.
August 19, 2009
Here's a short review for a short (74 pages) book. I am not exactly sure why Anderson decided to publish this in book form. It would have worked better as an online serial or, as it first appeared, as a Time magazine essay. Regardless, it was extremely repetitive and obvious. How do we restore America? Focus on needs and not wants? Seriously, now why didn't I think of that?
October 18, 2009
I wish I had read this book last month. It is hopeful as it puts the current time in perspective. He states that history does not repeat but rather rhymes. He suggests that it is time to act as adults instead of the kids we have been (instant gratification)-To find our inner ants - To act in a more sustatinable manner. I liked his matter of factness and his calmness.
November 9, 2013
A quick read and a perspective that cannot be overlooked. I think the author is right about trying to find the correct way to restart or better yet, jumpstart the American economic engine. My prayer is that something happens soon so we can once again work and earn a respectable man's wage.
August 9, 2009
very interested to read this - like his previous fiction
Currently reading
August 16, 2009check it out
September 3, 2009
This took one sitting to read, and was completely worth it.
Very much a Public Radio listener read.
Very much a Public Radio listener read.
September 16, 2009
Smart, succinct and full of the common sense wisdom that people need to be reminded of these days.
November 3, 2010
Quick, short read on why the current economic crisis might be good for us and how we got ourselves in this mess to begin with.
December 1, 2009
I should re-read this book once a month. Originally appeared as an article in Time Magazine, it was
added to and republished earlier in 2009. Fantastic...
added to and republished earlier in 2009. Fantastic...
January 4, 2010
More of an extended Op-Ed or magazine article than a book, I still enjoyed this, particularly the notion that history doesn't repeat, but rhymes with itself.
February 1, 2010
My issues is with the length. I feel he had some great insight into trends within American culture and thinking, but never expounded a lot on them because the book was so short.
February 18, 2010
Eh, this was OK. I felt like it wasn't anything new or reveling. At least it's a quick read; more like an essay than a full book.
March 25, 2010
This book changed my mindset on the current struggling economy. If you are going to read it please read it soon.
May 27, 2010
This book gives me hope that the current economic crisis might just offer this country the opportunity it needs to kick back into gear as a nation of doers, innovators, and people who make things.
July 20, 2016
Though I "liked" this book, I had hoped for something more enlightening from this book, something that would be more profound. I didn't get it.
August 30, 2014
This book is very short offering a few simple U.S. problems with no solutions. I felt like I was having a quick conversation with a liberal.
February 1, 2016
Insightful and brilliant. Possibly the solution to America's problems.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews