Robert B. Reich
Full Name and Common Aliases
Robert Bernard Reich, commonly known as Robert B. Reich, is a prominent American economist, professor, author, and political commentator. He is often referred to simply as Robert Reich.
Birth and Death Dates
Robert B. Reich was born on June 24, 1946. As of the latest available information, he is alive and continues to contribute to public discourse.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Robert B. Reich is an American national. His professional roles have spanned across being an economist, professor, author, and political commentator. He is particularly renowned for his work in public policy and economic inequality.
Early Life and Background
Robert B. Reich was born in Scranton, Pennsylvania, to a Jewish family. His early life was marked by a battle with Fairbanks disease, a rare genetic disorder that affected his growth. Despite this challenge, Reich excelled academically. He attended Dartmouth College, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1968. His academic journey continued at the University of Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar, earning a Master of Arts in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics. Reich furthered his education at Yale Law School, where he obtained a Juris Doctor degree in 1973.
Major Accomplishments
Robert B. Reich's career is distinguished by his tenure as the 22nd United States Secretary of Labor under President Bill Clinton from 1993 to 1997. During his time in office, he was instrumental in implementing policies that aimed to improve the skills of the American workforce and increase the minimum wage. Reich's efforts were pivotal in promoting the Family and Medical Leave Act, which provided job-protected leave for family and medical reasons.
Beyond his governmental role, Reich has been a prolific author, writing numerous books on economics and public policy. His works often focus on the themes of economic inequality and the need for systemic reform. Reich's book, "The Work of Nations," published in 1991, is considered a seminal work that explores the changing dynamics of global economies.
Notable Works or Actions
Robert B. Reich has authored several influential books, including "Aftershock: The Next Economy and America's Future" and "Saving Capitalism: For the Many, Not the Few." These works critically examine the economic challenges facing the United States and propose solutions to create a more equitable society. Reich's ability to distill complex economic concepts into accessible language has made his books popular among both academics and the general public.
In addition to his writing, Reich is a sought-after speaker and commentator. He has appeared on numerous television programs and has been a regular contributor to publications such as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and The Atlantic. His engaging style and insightful analysis have made him a respected voice in discussions about economic policy and social justice.
Impact and Legacy
Robert B. Reich's impact on public policy and economic thought is significant. His advocacy for economic equality and social justice has influenced both policymakers and the public. Reich's tenure as Secretary of Labor is remembered for his efforts to improve labor standards and his commitment to addressing income inequality.
Reich's legacy is also evident in his role as an educator. As a professor at the University of California, Berkeley, he has inspired countless students to engage with issues of economic policy and social justice. His online courses and lectures have reached a global audience, further extending his influence.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Robert B. Reich is widely quoted and remembered for his incisive analysis of economic and social issues. His ability to articulate the complexities of economic inequality and propose actionable solutions has resonated with audiences worldwide. Reich's quotes often emphasize the importance of fairness, justice, and the need for systemic change, making them relevant in ongoing discussions about economic policy.
Reich's contributions to public discourse, both through his written works and public speaking, have cemented his status as a leading voice in the fight for economic equality. His insights continue to inspire and challenge individuals to think critically about the structures that shape our society and the ways in which they can be reformed for the betterment of all.
Quotes by Robert B. Reich
Democracy depends on citizens who are able to recognize the truth, analyze and weigh alternatives, and civilly debate their future, just as it depends on citizens who have an equal voice and equal stake in it. Without an educated populace, a common good cannot even be discerned. This is fundamental.
It’s no mere coincidence that over the last century the top earners’ share of the nation’s total income peaked in 1928 and 2007 – the two years just preceding the biggest downturns.
Bill Clinton was a great politician. Bill Clinton loved a fight. He was willing to fight. But he also wanted to be loved. He wanted to be admired.
I think the Obama Administration has done a lousy job marketing and selling and explaining this entire thing. And, as a result, all of these right-wing front organizations financed by the Koch brothers, are blanketing the airwaves with lies about Obamacare. And people are scared.
They found that flights with a first-class section were nearly four times more likely to have incidents of “belligerent behavior” or “emotional outbursts” in their economy class. Such incidents were even more likely when economy passengers had to walk through the first-class section to get to their seats than when they entered through the middle of the plane and bypassed the first-class section.
As the economic historian Karl Polanyi recognized, those who argue for “less government” are really arguing for a different government – often one that favors them or their patrons.1.
But in modern America we often shame the wrong people. Instead of deterring behavior that undermines the common good, shame is too often deployed against people who don’t fit in – to ostracize them even further.
For three decades almost all the gains from economic growth have gone to the top. In the 1960s and 1970s, the wealthiest 1 percent of Americans got 9–10 percent of our total income. By 2007, just before the Great Recession, that share had more than doubled, to 23.5 percent. Over the same period the wealthiest one-tenth of 1 percent tripled its share. We haven’t experienced this degree of concentrated wealth since the Gilded Age of the late nineteenth century.
Without voluntary adherence to a set of common notions about right and wrong, daily life would be insufferable. We would be living in a jungle where only the strongest, cleverest, and most wary could hope to survive. This would not be a society. It wouldn’t even be a civilization, because there would be no civility at its core.