A noted social commentator, John W. Gardner was a former cabinet secretary and the founder of Common Cause.

"This is the most exciting and significant book that I have read in years. The subject is the self-renewal of societies and of individuals—why do some atrophy and decay, while others remain innovative and creative? There is no more vital problem than this, especially for an era of constantly accelerating change such as the present."

A noted social commentator, John W. Gardner was a former cabinet secretary and the founder of Common Cause.

"This is the most exciting and significant book that I have read in years. The subject is the self-renewal of societies and of individuals—why do some atrophy and decay, while others remain innovative and creative? There is no more vital problem than this, especially for an era of constantly accelerating change such as the present."

A noted social commentator, John W. Gardner was a former cabinet secretary and the founder of Common Cause.

"This is the most exciting and significant book that I have read in years. The subject is the self-renewal of societies and of individuals—why do some atrophy and decay, while others remain innovative and creative? There is no more vital problem than this, especially for an era of constantly accelerating change such as the present."