# Our Common Good: If the State Provides Less Who Will Provide More?

- Link: https://fundraising.co.uk/books/our-common-good-if-the-state-provides-less-who-will-provide-more/
- Published: 2017-02-21T14:06:33+00:00
- Author: Howard Lake

**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](https://fundraising.co.uk/2013/06/10/new-book-published-why-giving-good-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

Video: Howard Lake

 John Nickson is the author of [Giving is Good for You](https://fundraising.co.uk/books/giving-is-good-for-you-why-britain-should-be-bothered-and-give-more/).

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