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Political philosopher Michael Sandel says we have a “toxic brew of anger and resentment” in America, and our social bonds are frayed. A deep resentment of “self-satisfied” elites has led many Americans to be attracted to authoritarian populists, even if they would not benefit. 

The elites, Sandel says, have foisted a neoliberal version of globalization that has heaped the rewards on the very few at the top, while the vast majority of people at the bottom have stagnant wages and no opportunity to advance in life.

“The rewards are poorly aligned with the social contribution that people make. And the skewing of rewards has undermined the dignity of work,” he said.

Sandel concludes that the slogan "we're all in this together" does not seem to be true anymore.

He says we need to build a “less rancorous, more generous, public life, with obligations to our shared democratic project.” 

There is a “meritocratic hubris” among the winners in society, the “successful” people and a disdain for the rest, he adds. 

“Elites and expertise have been discredited and eroded by the elites and experts themselves,” Sandel concludes. We need more listening, and to reason together.

Sandel spoke as part of the Aspen Ideas Series about his new book, "The Tyranny of Merit: What's Become of the Common Good?" Elliot Gerson of the Aspen Institute was the moderator.

Use the audio player above to listen to the program. 

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Political philosopher Michael Sandel of Harvard University speaks in the Aspen Ideas series about his new book, “The Tyranny of Merit: What’s Become of the Common Good?”

Philosopher Michael Sandel on the politics of the common good

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