On Freedom - by Cass R Sunstein (Hardcover)

About the Book

"In this pathbreaking book, New York Times bestselling author Cass Sunstein asks us to rethink freedom. He shows that freedom of choice isn't nearly enough. To be free, we must also be able to navigate life. People often need something like a GPS device to help them get where they want to go--whether the issue involves health, money, jobs, children, or relationships. In both rich and poor countries, citizens often have no idea how to get to their desired destination. That is why they are unfree. People also face serious problems of self-control, as many of them make decisions today that can make their lives worse tomorrow. And in some cases, we would be just as happy with other choices, whether a different partner, career, or place to live--which raises the difficult question of which outcome best promotes our well-being. Accessible and lively, and drawing on perspectives from the humanities, religion, and the arts, as well as social science and the law, On Freedom explores a crucial dimension of the human condition that philosophers and economists have long missed--and shows what it would take to make freedom real."--Page [2] of cover.

Book Synopsis

From New York Times bestselling author Cass Sunstein, a brisk, provocative book that shows what freedom really means--and requires--today

In this pathbreaking book, New York Times bestselling author Cass Sunstein asks us to rethink freedom. He shows that freedom of choice isn't nearly enough. To be free, we must also be able to navigate life. People often need something like a GPS device to help them get where they want to go--whether the issue involves health, money, jobs, children, or relationships.

In both rich and poor countries, citizens often have no idea how to get to their desired destination. That is why they are unfree. People also face serious problems of self-control, as many of them make decisions today that can make their lives worse tomorrow. And in some cases, we would be just as happy with other choices, whether a different partner, career, or place to live--which raises the difficult question of which outcome best promotes our well-being.

Accessible and lively, and drawing on perspectives from the humanities, religion, and the arts, as well as social science and the law, On Freedom explores a crucial dimension of the human condition that philosophers and economists have long missed--and shows what it would take to make freedom real.

Review Quotes

"[A] dazzling little book."-- "Times Higher Education"

"A tiny, commuter-friendly pamphlet between hard covers. . . . On Freedom economically and elegantly takes apart the accusation that nudges undermine liberty."---Julian Baggini, Financial Times

"An engaging discussion of the relationships between individual freedom, welfare, and paternalism. . . . I highly recommend Sunstein's book to anyone interested in a readable and well-argued study of the relationships between freedom, welfare, and the law."---Guido Pincione, Law & Liberty

"Sunstein's examples and his breakdown of what can be done are illuminating."---Siddharth Singh, Open Magazine

"The argument is clearly articulated and raises important ethical and economic issues."-- "Paradigm Explorer"

"This book is a very clear and by construction concise case for nudges as freedom."---Diane Coyle, Enlightened Economist

"This slip of a book can be quickly read, but puts forth important concepts. Its ideas will stay with readers a long time."-- "Publishers Weekly"

About the Author

Cass R. Sunstein is the Robert Walmsley University Professor at Harvard Law School, where he is the founder and director of the Program on Behavioral Economics and Public Policy. From 2009 to 2012, he led the White House Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs. His many books include the New York Times bestsellers Nudge: Improving Decisions about Health, Wealth, and Happiness (with Richard H. Thaler) and The World According to Star Wars. The 2018 recipient of Norway's Holberg Prize, he lives in Concord, Massachusetts. Twitter @CassSunstein