What do you think?
Rate this book
Dignity in a Digital Age: Making Tech Work for All of Us
Congressman Ro Khanna offers a revolutionary roadmap to facing America’s digital divide , offering greater economic prosperity to all. In Khanna’s vision, “just as people can move to technology, technology can move to people. People need not be compelled to move from one place to another to reap the benefits offered by technological progress” (from the foreword by Amartya Sen, Nobel Laureate in Economics).
In the digital age, unequal access to technology and the revenue it creates is one of the most pressing issues facing the United States. There is an economic gulf between those who have struck gold in the tech industry and those left behind by the digital revolution; a geographic divide between those in the coastal tech industry and those in the heartland whose jobs have been automated; and existing inequalities in technological access—students without computers, rural workers with spotty WiFi, and plenty of workers without the luxury to work from home.
Dignity in the Digital Age tackles these challenges head-on and imagines how the digital economy can create opportunities for people all across the country without uprooting them. Congressman Ro Khanna of Silicon Valley offers a vision for democratizing digital innovation to build economically vibrant and inclusive communities. Instead of being subject to tech’s reshaping of our economy, Representative Khanna argues that we must channel those powerful forces toward creating a more healthy, equal, and democratic society.
Born into an immigrant family, Khanna understands how economic opportunity can change the course of a person’s life. Anchored by an approach Khanna refers to as “progressive capitalism,” he shows how democratizing access to tech can strengthen every sector of economy and culture. By expanding technological jobs nationwide through public and private partnerships, we can close the wealth gap in America and begin to repair the fractured, distrusting relationships that have plagued our country for far too long.
Moving deftly between storytelling, policy, and some of the country’s greatest thinkers in political philosophy and economics, Khanna presents a bold vision we can’t afford to ignore. Dignity in a Digital Age is a roadmap to how we can seek dignity for every American in an era in which technology shapes every aspect of our lives.
In the digital age, unequal access to technology and the revenue it creates is one of the most pressing issues facing the United States. There is an economic gulf between those who have struck gold in the tech industry and those left behind by the digital revolution; a geographic divide between those in the coastal tech industry and those in the heartland whose jobs have been automated; and existing inequalities in technological access—students without computers, rural workers with spotty WiFi, and plenty of workers without the luxury to work from home.
Dignity in the Digital Age tackles these challenges head-on and imagines how the digital economy can create opportunities for people all across the country without uprooting them. Congressman Ro Khanna of Silicon Valley offers a vision for democratizing digital innovation to build economically vibrant and inclusive communities. Instead of being subject to tech’s reshaping of our economy, Representative Khanna argues that we must channel those powerful forces toward creating a more healthy, equal, and democratic society.
Born into an immigrant family, Khanna understands how economic opportunity can change the course of a person’s life. Anchored by an approach Khanna refers to as “progressive capitalism,” he shows how democratizing access to tech can strengthen every sector of economy and culture. By expanding technological jobs nationwide through public and private partnerships, we can close the wealth gap in America and begin to repair the fractured, distrusting relationships that have plagued our country for far too long.
Moving deftly between storytelling, policy, and some of the country’s greatest thinkers in political philosophy and economics, Khanna presents a bold vision we can’t afford to ignore. Dignity in a Digital Age is a roadmap to how we can seek dignity for every American in an era in which technology shapes every aspect of our lives.
368 pages, Hardcover
First published February 1, 2022
58 people are currently reading
1019 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
April 13, 2022
There are some great ideas in the book and a lot of great policy prescriptions. Some of which have been submitted and many which have not. I'd pretty much support most of them.
But, it is a lot! The first sections of the book stick to digital divide and access. These parts were easier to digest and follow. The last few chapters could have been cut out for another book or put into a series of articles. A worthwhile read on the whole.
But, it is a lot! The first sections of the book stick to digital divide and access. These parts were easier to digest and follow. The last few chapters could have been cut out for another book or put into a series of articles. A worthwhile read on the whole.
April 9, 2023
In this book, Ro Khanna articulates what true progressivism should look like. While promoting dignity and equitable opportunity for persons from all walks of life the default posture is communication and problem solving, without paternalism—from any quarter.
Khanna confronts head on the monopolistic behaviors of big tech, and the concentration of jobs in major metropolitan areas. The author does this by demonstrating that such concentration and its resultant exclusion of large portions of the population is both unnecessary and unjustified.
Remote work has already enabled the diffusion of tasks that once required everyone to work in close proximity. Physical tasks also are spreading to places in the flyover states where it was previously impractical locate them. This book skillfully and credibly encourages this trend.
Our current employment culture is wrong to filter humanity down to just human capital. Every human is a whole person—that's a feature not a bug. Everyone would be better off with the implementation of Khanna's legislative and practical recommendations—it's a plan worth following.
Khanna confronts head on the monopolistic behaviors of big tech, and the concentration of jobs in major metropolitan areas. The author does this by demonstrating that such concentration and its resultant exclusion of large portions of the population is both unnecessary and unjustified.
Remote work has already enabled the diffusion of tasks that once required everyone to work in close proximity. Physical tasks also are spreading to places in the flyover states where it was previously impractical locate them. This book skillfully and credibly encourages this trend.
Our current employment culture is wrong to filter humanity down to just human capital. Every human is a whole person—that's a feature not a bug. Everyone would be better off with the implementation of Khanna's legislative and practical recommendations—it's a plan worth following.
July 10, 2022
Fill in the blank, the future is ”utopian” , “already here”, or “female”. All may be true, but may it be something less determinate. Something created and structured from planning now.
“Dignity in a Digital Age” explores how we retain democratic values through the accelerated change of life in the digital age. Chapters on “building community”, “progressive capitalism” and “deliberation online” and the “internet bill of rights” are reminders that technology and policy are always woven together.
Since so much of the book focuses on economic drivers, I appreciated how Khanna explored input and agency from employees. Considering the “Great Resignation” or unionization efforts at Starbucks and Amazon, the search for meaningful work will not be replaced by automation. The success of re-training employees to move into tech roles and provide the accreditations needed is demonstrated with the Interapt apprentice program. Building character and a solid liberal arts education is wonderful, but we have to include an emphasis on computer science for the vast majority of people to excel in the new economy. Khanna states “the call for universal science education is not some conformist vision to make everyone a coder…many would benefit from understanding the basics about apps, coding and the internet. Computer science classes tech problem solving and give us confidence about using technology (p.44).
The larger economic realities of childcare, health care access and bias play roles in giving space for people who historically have not had the same access to the american dream. Programs like the American Housing and Economic Mobility Act (AHEMA) redeem dignity and provide shelter. Expanding the “Earned Income Tax Credit” can positive affect the targeted population that needs relief for those with long-standing wage stagnation. I agree whole-heartedly that this expansion of freedom is part of our patriotism, and not the narrower fear of coercion by the State . Our pride as Americans can always be based in our plurality, with strong traditions and faith, civility and fairness of opportunity.
‘The Internet Bill of Rights’ is probably the most directive chapter about protecting the user experiences for data collection, abusive content, competitive ISPs, and preventing discrimination. The excessive power and capital accumulated by the FAANG firms needs to be understood, and Khanna helps to identify the drivers of some of the unfair practices.
All of this is a really compelling book. Pulling together a lot of great examples and policy ideas. Sometimes, I get a little lost in these 30,000 foot view books. But I think Khanna has really captured pressing issues of this moment and the ever-present concerns for well being, community and achievement we all have.
“Dignity in a Digital Age” explores how we retain democratic values through the accelerated change of life in the digital age. Chapters on “building community”, “progressive capitalism” and “deliberation online” and the “internet bill of rights” are reminders that technology and policy are always woven together.
Since so much of the book focuses on economic drivers, I appreciated how Khanna explored input and agency from employees. Considering the “Great Resignation” or unionization efforts at Starbucks and Amazon, the search for meaningful work will not be replaced by automation. The success of re-training employees to move into tech roles and provide the accreditations needed is demonstrated with the Interapt apprentice program. Building character and a solid liberal arts education is wonderful, but we have to include an emphasis on computer science for the vast majority of people to excel in the new economy. Khanna states “the call for universal science education is not some conformist vision to make everyone a coder…many would benefit from understanding the basics about apps, coding and the internet. Computer science classes tech problem solving and give us confidence about using technology (p.44).
The larger economic realities of childcare, health care access and bias play roles in giving space for people who historically have not had the same access to the american dream. Programs like the American Housing and Economic Mobility Act (AHEMA) redeem dignity and provide shelter. Expanding the “Earned Income Tax Credit” can positive affect the targeted population that needs relief for those with long-standing wage stagnation. I agree whole-heartedly that this expansion of freedom is part of our patriotism, and not the narrower fear of coercion by the State . Our pride as Americans can always be based in our plurality, with strong traditions and faith, civility and fairness of opportunity.
‘The Internet Bill of Rights’ is probably the most directive chapter about protecting the user experiences for data collection, abusive content, competitive ISPs, and preventing discrimination. The excessive power and capital accumulated by the FAANG firms needs to be understood, and Khanna helps to identify the drivers of some of the unfair practices.
All of this is a really compelling book. Pulling together a lot of great examples and policy ideas. Sometimes, I get a little lost in these 30,000 foot view books. But I think Khanna has really captured pressing issues of this moment and the ever-present concerns for well being, community and achievement we all have.
April 15, 2022
Feels good to know that there are members in Congress who are focused on tech and how it can work for us, all of us. He takes the time to educate himself about many of the problems that confront our country and delves deeply into understanding how they might be resolved. He seems to be kind of a geek actually, and I say that as a compliment. We need more of our legislators to work at understanding all the sides of an issue rather than just proposing knee-jerk solutions based on bias and misunderstanding.
His optimism is also refreshing. He recognizes the depth of our problems but is determined to move forward with solutions. He acknowledges that there are no quick and easy fixes for the problems of this world that we find ourselves in, but he encourages us to keep learning and trying.
Worth reading.
His optimism is also refreshing. He recognizes the depth of our problems but is determined to move forward with solutions. He acknowledges that there are no quick and easy fixes for the problems of this world that we find ourselves in, but he encourages us to keep learning and trying.
Worth reading.
October 7, 2025
As a former co-chair of Bernie Sanders’s 2020 campaign with clear presidential ambitions himself, Congressman Ro Khanna is an unlikely champion of techno-capitalism. The left flank of the Democratic Party has grown deeply skeptical of the tech industry—especially in recent years as many of its leaders have drifted rightward. While that skepticism is understandable, the wholesale villainization of tech also puts progressives at odds with an American electorate that still values economic growth, much of which has been driven by big-tech innovation and market gains. For all of Bernie Sanders’s enduring appeal and renewed relevance in a post-2024 political landscape, his lack of a coherent vision for the private sector has long limited his reach among families more concerned with economic prosperity than the purity of economic justice.
In Dignity in a Digital Age, Khanna sketches a pragmatic third way — one that “insists that democratic values guide [the tech industry’s] development, accessibility, commitment to fairness, and boundaries.” He draws a compelling contrast between the independent, risk-taking, world-changing ethos of Silicon Valley and the cautious, consensus-driven incrementalism of Washington, D.C. His case is that both forces — innovation and guardrails — are essential for national vitality.
At his most persuasive, Khanna reframes the Sanders agenda as a catalyst for small-business innovation. “Medicare for All is pro-business,” he argues, freeing entrepreneurs from the need to cling to day jobs for health coverage and sparing start-ups from crushing premiums before they ever generate revenue. He also channels a Lina-Khan-style vision of curbing monopolistic power in tech to benefit consumers and small business. At his least persuasive, Khanna drifts toward idealistic prescriptions — such as decentralized tech hubs meant to spread innovation across the country — that sound good on paper but feel unlikely to materialize given the lack of near-term political incentives.
Still, Khanna stands out as the only progressive leader who truly understands Silicon Valley from the inside out. His geographic and intellectual proximity gives him credibility few on the left can match. It’s telling that even Elon Musk — who regularly mocks Sanders — has called Khanna a “sensible moderate.” The deeper question for the progressive movement is whether it’s willing to court and negotiate with the tech establishment, which Khanna has suggested, rather than simply condemn it. Can the left articulate a vision of shared success that keeps Big Tech from spending hundreds of millions in opposition while still holding firm on accountability and fairness? Khanna’s book doesn’t solve that dilemma, but it might offer the first real blueprint for trying.
The book could certainly be tighter and more concise, but the ideas and courage of forging a third way deserves five stars.
In Dignity in a Digital Age, Khanna sketches a pragmatic third way — one that “insists that democratic values guide [the tech industry’s] development, accessibility, commitment to fairness, and boundaries.” He draws a compelling contrast between the independent, risk-taking, world-changing ethos of Silicon Valley and the cautious, consensus-driven incrementalism of Washington, D.C. His case is that both forces — innovation and guardrails — are essential for national vitality.
At his most persuasive, Khanna reframes the Sanders agenda as a catalyst for small-business innovation. “Medicare for All is pro-business,” he argues, freeing entrepreneurs from the need to cling to day jobs for health coverage and sparing start-ups from crushing premiums before they ever generate revenue. He also channels a Lina-Khan-style vision of curbing monopolistic power in tech to benefit consumers and small business. At his least persuasive, Khanna drifts toward idealistic prescriptions — such as decentralized tech hubs meant to spread innovation across the country — that sound good on paper but feel unlikely to materialize given the lack of near-term political incentives.
Still, Khanna stands out as the only progressive leader who truly understands Silicon Valley from the inside out. His geographic and intellectual proximity gives him credibility few on the left can match. It’s telling that even Elon Musk — who regularly mocks Sanders — has called Khanna a “sensible moderate.” The deeper question for the progressive movement is whether it’s willing to court and negotiate with the tech establishment, which Khanna has suggested, rather than simply condemn it. Can the left articulate a vision of shared success that keeps Big Tech from spending hundreds of millions in opposition while still holding firm on accountability and fairness? Khanna’s book doesn’t solve that dilemma, but it might offer the first real blueprint for trying.
The book could certainly be tighter and more concise, but the ideas and courage of forging a third way deserves five stars.
December 4, 2022
The digital age and technology will be a major part of industry and society in the future. I first learned of Ro Khanna and what he stood for during the first presidential campaign for Bernie Sanders in 2016. Rohit Khanna is the original co-sponsor of Senator Bernie Sanders's College For All Act, and he supports progressive economic reforms. What also interested me was Ro Khanna's push for a more inclusive tech industry for working class people.
The Tech industry has enjoyed massive profits especially for business owners and for people in the coasts. Ro Khanna believes the United States would be more successful by making sure to spread tech companies throughout the United States and enabling the government to enact regulations to stop high cost of living in tech hubs and by allowing access to young people that are willing to work hard no matter their racial or ethnic background. Programs to help poor children have access to computers and internships into the tech field can help working class kids enter the tech industry.
Technology has brought easy communication with people from all over the world as well as easy access to information. It has help in helping push political movements and progressive causes but it has also help spread conspiracy theories, misinformation, and lies. These are problems that future governments and companies will have to deal with if they want to provide factual information to consumers. Rohit Khanna discusses a few solutions to these problems. In conclusion, technology will be a vital part of the economy and society and we need hardworking and talented people to have access to these careers if we want to progress as a nation.
The Tech industry has enjoyed massive profits especially for business owners and for people in the coasts. Ro Khanna believes the United States would be more successful by making sure to spread tech companies throughout the United States and enabling the government to enact regulations to stop high cost of living in tech hubs and by allowing access to young people that are willing to work hard no matter their racial or ethnic background. Programs to help poor children have access to computers and internships into the tech field can help working class kids enter the tech industry.
Technology has brought easy communication with people from all over the world as well as easy access to information. It has help in helping push political movements and progressive causes but it has also help spread conspiracy theories, misinformation, and lies. These are problems that future governments and companies will have to deal with if they want to provide factual information to consumers. Rohit Khanna discusses a few solutions to these problems. In conclusion, technology will be a vital part of the economy and society and we need hardworking and talented people to have access to these careers if we want to progress as a nation.
March 3, 2022
Silicon Valley Congressman Ro Khanna, born to an immigrant family, tackles the disparities between those in his district who have become wildly successful in the tech industry, and those in the rest of the country who are getting left behind. Better access to Wi-Fi, computers and tech jobs that abound will help level this playing field, Khanna argues. He casts a vision for democratizing digital innovation, even reaching across the aisle to put forth bi-partisan legislation with CM Mace from SC. The idea here is to keep the economy vibrant over more of its citizens to close the wealth gap which would ultimately lead to less reliance on government subsidies for those falling behind. Khanna deftly traverses storytelling with policy discussions and realistic solutions to boldly take us there.
February 10, 2023
An US centric view in which Congressman Ro Khanna presents a vision that "just as people can move to technology, technology can move to people. People need not be compelled to move from one place to another to reap the benefits offered by technological progress".
The author explore the existing inequalities in technological access: students without computers, rural workers with spotty WiFi, and plenty of workers without the luxury to work from home.
Navigating through storytelling, US policy discussion, and some of the US thinkers in political philosophy and economics, Khanna presents a roadmap to how they can seek dignity for every American in an era in which technology shapes every aspect of our lives.
The author explore the existing inequalities in technological access: students without computers, rural workers with spotty WiFi, and plenty of workers without the luxury to work from home.
Navigating through storytelling, US policy discussion, and some of the US thinkers in political philosophy and economics, Khanna presents a roadmap to how they can seek dignity for every American in an era in which technology shapes every aspect of our lives.
September 16, 2023
I really wanted to give this 2 stars, but since I agree with almost 100% of what the author says, and believe that what he says is important, I added 2 more stars.
My complaint: if you're even moderately into progressive politics, you will consider this book at least 75% basic, surface level issue spotting and addressing. Nothing deep. Just a list of issues, really. So it wasn't necessarily poorly written or boring or inaccurate or anything like that, but it was just so surface level that it was truly useless for me.
This is a GREAT book for someone who doesn't truly understand progressive politics. For others, you might want to tread lightly.
4.5/10
My complaint: if you're even moderately into progressive politics, you will consider this book at least 75% basic, surface level issue spotting and addressing. Nothing deep. Just a list of issues, really. So it wasn't necessarily poorly written or boring or inaccurate or anything like that, but it was just so surface level that it was truly useless for me.
This is a GREAT book for someone who doesn't truly understand progressive politics. For others, you might want to tread lightly.
4.5/10
June 14, 2022
At first, I thought this book would be about a generation of people without shame and dignity who put everything they do on Twitter and Facebook. I was wrong. Ro Khanna wants equality for all. I agree with his statements, but I don't know how it would be possible to make them happen.
Beyond that, I haven't been in a reading mood recently. I have some things I need to take care of in real life, and all those things are piling up on me.
So if you wanted a more in-depth review of this book, I apologize in advance. Thanks for reading my review, and see you next time.
Beyond that, I haven't been in a reading mood recently. I have some things I need to take care of in real life, and all those things are piling up on me.
So if you wanted a more in-depth review of this book, I apologize in advance. Thanks for reading my review, and see you next time.
July 5, 2022
This book covered a lot and has a lot of ideas. It included both domestic and international themes, including how to distribute tech jobs and wealth domestically, opportunities for manufacturing jobs, and ideas for regulating big tech companies and technologies such as artificial intelligence. At times the ideas felt uneven in their development: some seemed very well thought-out, while others were less developed and seemed kind of stream-of-consciousness. Khanna also offers a lot of his thoughts on democracy, and overall I found the book hopeful and motivating.
October 21, 2024
This book should be on the shelves of lawmakers throughout the country. Part one of the boo could easily appeal to any lawmaker regardless of political party as Khanna offers ideas for dispersing the tech economy throughout the country especially to places that have been de industrialized over the last fifty years. Part Two of the book offers a variety policy ideas to address the excesses of internet and social media. Many of these prescriptions have been incorporated into various bills in Congress but have stalled due to the lobbying efforts of Big Tech. Finally, Khanna proposes a revitalization of our democracy by respecting differences and working together to solve problems. Given our current politics Khanna’s approach may seem unrealistic but his optimism for future is heartening.
January 2, 2023
DNF-ing at the end of 2022. This book triggered many work-related Google news alerts so initially picked it up for research and awareness purposes. Some good discourse, but lacking depth, and I disagree with some of the policy conclusions put forth.
Wide-ranging and very much feels like testing ideological and political messages as a pseudo/pre-campaign book. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Khanna seek higher office in CA or even nationally at some point.
Wide-ranging and very much feels like testing ideological and political messages as a pseudo/pre-campaign book. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Khanna seek higher office in CA or even nationally at some point.
April 23, 2022
Fairly typical American pol 'issue' book - no surprises here from Khanna and no 3rd rails touched. Techno optimist as expected and of course the 'rah-rah, we can do what we've done in the Valley to the "Heartland"' with the usual hand wringing over digital natives vs. those that are being left behind.
August 1, 2022
This gave me a lot to consider. It may need another read to grasp the details but the big picture has merit. We can bring digital work to flyover country. We can respect those we are leaving behind without culture wars. Now it is a matter of seeking leaders who will work for everyone’s good not any narrow minority.
March 27, 2023
“A spirit of civility stems from intellectual humility-a recognition of the limitations of reason to resolve ultimate issues which creates in us space for openness about how others choose to live while maintaining our own firm convictions about what is good and true.”
Some interesting thoughts and takeaways from Silicon Valley’s Congressman.
Some interesting thoughts and takeaways from Silicon Valley’s Congressman.
June 25, 2022
Rep Khanna provides a path that is full of hope and promise. It will require us to make many changes to make it happen. I pray that we have the courage to embrace this vision - for our nation and our children.
August 3, 2022
Excels more when giving concrete ideas, particularly about non-partisan solutions in the second half of the book. The first part felt more like a political stump speech rather than what was promised by the books title.
February 16, 2023
While I agree with most of the suggestions from the author I did not realize I was purchasing a political announcement. The strength in this book is that it actually make suggests and not just identifies problems / issues.
March 9, 2022
Every leader should read this book. It's refreshing to hear an elected official put down the partisan pie-fight and talk to voters like they're intelligent, reasonable decision makers.
March 25, 2022
National policy considerations regarding how tech needs to reach all. How job market changes. Interesting
September 13, 2022
2.5/5. Had to read for school but wow this book is a lot. Covers inequality, racism, sexism, climate change, trump, and more and it was just a lot to digest. No idea what my report will cover.
September 13, 2022
A policy manifesto for the Democratic Party focused largely on the role that technology can/should play as America moves forward.
July 19, 2023
I'll write something out later.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews