The Bill of Obligations

The Ten Habits of Good Citizens

By: Richard Haass

Narrated by: Richard Haass

Length: 4 hrs and 6 mins

Publisher's summary

Watch the PBS companion documentary “A Citizen’s Guide to Preserving Democracy”

“An indispensable guide to good citizenship in an era of division and rancor.”—Anne Applebaum

There is no question that the United States faces dangerous threats from without; the greatest peril to the country, however, comes from within. In The Bill of Obligations, bestselling author Richard Haass argues that, to solve our climate of division and safeguard our democracy, the very idea of citizenship must be revised and expanded. The Bill of Rights is at the center of our Constitution, yet the most intractable conflicts often emerge from cases that, as former Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer pointed out, “are not about right versus wrong. They are about right versus right.”

There is a way forward: to place obligations on the same footing as rights. The ten obligations that Haass introduces here reenvision what it means to be an American citizen, to commit to our fellow citizens and counter the growing apathy, anger, and violence that threaten us all.

Through an expert blend of civics, history, and political analysis, this book illuminates how Americans across the political spectrum can rediscover how to contribute to and reshape this country’s future.

©2023 Richard Haass (P)2023 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

“Richard Haass has turned his keen mind and large heart to the most important of questions: The meaning of citizenship. If American democracy is to endure, it will require all of us to embrace what Haass calls our common obligations. This is a vital work for a decisive time.”—Jon Meacham, author of And There Was Light: Abraham Lincoln and the American Struggle

“Democracy is more than procedures and laws. It is an ethical ideal that requires much of us if it is to succeed. Richard Haass powerfully describes what he calls the Bill of Obligations, commitments and values needed for these challenging times. We may not see eye-to-eye on all the issues, but here I agree: we need a clear and thoughtful statement of our obligations to each other and to the country if this grand and fragile experiment in democracy is to survive. The Bill of Obligations does just that!”—Eddie Glaude, James S. McDonnell Distinguished University Professor, Princeton University

“Americans argue a lot about their rights, but, as Richard Haass reminds us, democracy only works if we also recognize our responsibilities. His newest book reminds us of what those are, providing an indispensable guide to good citizenship in an era of division and rancor.”—Anne Applebaum, author of Twilight of Democracy: The Seductive Lure of Authoritarianism

Great Book

After listening to this book on Audible I’ve decided to purchase it as a reference book. Civics has always seemed elusive in our education system for apparently many reasons… none of which are good. We owe at least a basic understanding of our country’s foundational principles lest we flounder and lose our democracy.

Insightful & Powerful

Richard Haass effectively outlines tens habits to be good citizens. His proposals are well thoughtout and acceptable for any reasonable American citizen. I appreciated how he highlighted communication and compromise as the keys to effective resolution.

Important

Short and generally common sense but important reminders of the perils that face our democracy and what we as ordinary citizens have as obligations.

Motivating

Excellent!! We should be obligated!!! Great ideas and thoughts to motivate the average joe /Jane to move from political couch potato to political activist and preserve our democracy!

Trying His Best to Be Balenced

My now and future reviews will have a recommendation first and then a review. Respect for time is my reason. This book is worth the cost of purchase and then some: This book in which I have both in hard copy and audible is a great book for the test of being a citizen. Inhabiting a space does not make you a good citizen but along with enjoying the privilege taking on the responsibility makes you a good citizen. This book shares what some of that responsibility is. As an Black American I expected the worst but got the better. Being a Baby boomer I had to take civic courses in school along with state history and American history. I was totally surprised at the lack of informed people and this book explained both the problem and a cure. He did not shirk the fact that America has not only not lived up to it’s creed "E Pluribus Unum” out of many one even if not t was only mentioned multiple times and not detailed. I think this book should be both read and discussed in book clubs and forums on American citizenship by diverse Americans. Former Europeans this book is for you. Original inhabitants you can add much to his thesis. Former slaves you are not forgotten but this book leaves much room for your input. Our brown brothers and sisters of Hispanic and Latin descent you too have much to add but the book is a perfect spring board. Last but not least if you have come recently enough and or desire citizenship this book will help you keep from being disillusioned by what you experience vs your expectations.
PS the one additional comment to the above suggestions is this. Local history should be some how added. Your city,town, village or whatever has a distinct founding that makes it what it is. If you live there you should know at least some of it.

Short, Thoughtful, Reflective Book

At age 70, I listened to this book and used it in my own reflective practice to evaluate my public service. I found it interesting to see how what I chose to do with my life fulfilled or neglected the obligations of a good citizen as spelled out so aptly by Mr. Haass. I found that my life was spent in service to others, but lacked the depth of meaning that I should have developed over time. I made many good decisions, but I lacked a framework such as this to make it more meaningful. Based on that reflection I could also see how a young person, just starting our in life, could use the book as a touchstone to see how they are supporting our country and what choices they make can enhance the direction it will take in their lifetime.Mr. Haass has a wonderful way of making the listener think about the course of this country by telling us that that course is dependent on all of us who call the United States home. Please listen to this book regardless of your political bias or age, because fulfilling our obligations as citizens will assure that our democracy continues into the future. Thanks Mr. Haass for making me reflect on my past service and what it means to be a citizen in the greatest country on earth. Let's keep it that way.

Enlightening

This book is dangerously nonpartisan, I fear what might happen should all people regardless of party read and adhere to the guidance in this book. We just might get along and respect this great country again.

Intriguing message

If all Americans tried to use the info presented we would be a better democratic republic.

A GREAT read ( OK, lusten)

Richard Haass is that rare individual who can step back from a contentious political fight and make sense of it with civility. The concept of this book ( that society isn't all about our rights) is another refreshing reminder that we owe something ( i.e. have responsibilities to one another) to make the system work. It is a shame that too many of our political leaders do not read and take this book to heart, before we face another crisis "that brings us together as people first".

Everyone

Everyone should listen it would make for a much better country for everyone. I like it so much I purchase 2 hardbacks.