The Upswing: How America Came Together a Century Ago and How We Can Do It Again

by Robert D. Putnam

Thus, a critical reading of the moment when we last turned the corner from “I” to “we” offers lessons about how we can put our nation on an upward course again. But it also cautions us that doing so without fidelity to individual liberty, and an unwavering commitment to equality and inclusion, will ultimately compromise the very best of our efforts. It is therefore imperative that—alongside the remarkable example of moral awakening, civic revival, cross-pollination of ideas, grassroots mobilization, astute political leadership, and youthful mobilization the Progressive Era provides—we also pay close attention to its failures, and seek to correct them as we look to turn the corner again.