Our Common Good: If the State Provides Less Who Will Provide More?
Contemporary Britain is defined by the personal generosity and social commitment of our predecessors as much as by the state. But, as the state retreats, demands on the voluntary sector grow, the gap between the rich and the poor increases and charitable giving stagnates, our way of life is at risk. Will future generations live in a liberal democracy – or a plutocracy devoted to the interests of the rich and powerful?
In this timely book, John Nickson, one of Britain’s most experienced and successful fundraisers, argues that there will be catastrophic effects on our democracy unless we all commit to creating the social, cultural and intellectual capital we need to sustain society and our economy.
SEE ALSO: New book published on why giving is good for you (10 June 2013)
Amid the challenges we face, there are opportunities: not least to transform the role of the state and the way the public, private and voluntary sectors work together to find innovative and enterprising solutions. Our Common Good explores the efforts of philanthropists, social entrepreneurs, and local authority, charity and business leaders, and reveals how their inspiring and practical solutions can build a better and fairer society.
Reviews
“In Britain, we are proud of our mixed economy; the taxes we pay, our charitable donations and our volunteering have all contributed to sustaining our public services and the common good. Now all that is at risk as public services have been slashed and charitable giving has not grown. It is imperative we understand the risk to our democracy. All of us – the state, local government, international corporations, local businesses and individual men and women – must commit to the common good. Our way of life depends upon it.
John Nickson demonstrates what a practical and moral response to current challenges might be and how the public-spirited are devising innovative and vibrant services that will benefit everyone.”
–The Rt Hon. Dame Margaret Hodge MP, former chair of the House of Commons Public Accounts Committee
“We must save the concept of the collective before it is eclipsed. When you cut out a sense of the collective, you end up facing a dystopian future. If the state does less, we need an initiative that encourages more citizens to participate and do more. John Nickson’s book is a vital contribution to the debate.”
–Sir Clive Cowdery, founder, the Resolution Foundation
WATCH: John Nickson on Our Common Good
John Nickson is the author of Giving is Good for You.
