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-James Poulos is one of the very few consistently interesting writers in America.---Molly Ball, The Atlantic -In a time of radical change, it's essential to connect with enduring values -- and that's what James Poulos has done with his fascinating look at Alexis de Tocqueville. With an engaging voice and an always lively mind, Poulos makes the old story new again, offering Americans hope and perspective in the art of being free.---John Avlon, The Daily Beast -Poulos weaves personal history and literary analysis, high culture and pop culture, in this provocative, wholly unexpected take on Tocqueville's best known work. He updates and intensifies Tocqueville's diagnosis of American life, agitating against a frenzied democratic flattening that risks leaving us overstimulated, overworked, and alone. It's a kind of erudite self-help that forgoes end-of-chapter bullet points for a galvanizing message of recognition and resistance.---Kerry Howley, author of Thrown -No happy rogue is better than James Poulos at laying bare just how ridiculous and insane American life really is.---Ben Dreyfuss, Mother Jones -James Poulos is the new Tocqueville America needs right now.---Pascal-Emmanuel Gobry, The Week -James Poulos blends lucid writing with ambitious thinking. The Art of Being Free skillfully applies the timeless truths that Tocqueville uncovered to the practical questions of daily life in our bizarre era. The result is nothing less than a roadmap for a better life. Read it, learn, and enjoy.---Arthur Brooks, President, American Enterprise Institute -In an earlier age of political and cultural confusion, Alexis de Tocqueville explained Americans to ourselves and to the world. James Poulos, in this smart and timely book, shows how Tocqueville's teachings can make sense of our present age of terror and Tinder--and help us see tomorrow more clearly.---Adam Keiper, editor of The New Atlantis -For those citizens passionately committed to the pursuit of Life, Light, Love, and Liberty for all, James Poulos offers a stimulating celebration of the beautifully paradoxical nature of governmental policy as an institutional mechanism for securing true human freedom.--- Andrew W.K. -Brace yourself. James Poulos boldly, brilliantly shows that we can live freely even in our crazy age.---Yuval Levin, editor of National Affairs, author of The Fractured Republic -In the most crazy-making year of politics in my lifetime, The Art of Being Free helped restore a little bit of my sanity as only a reflection steeped in history's lessons could do. The book was a reminder that much of what feeds our anxiety and dread challenged bygone generations--and that we possess many of the qualities that helped them to survive and even thrive! Drawing on the insights of Alexis de Tocqueville, James Poulos marries a political philosopher's understanding of a celebrated text to a sharp cultural critic's application of it to life today. Few pages pass without an intriguing insight about how to be better at being free.---Conor Friedersdorf, The Atlantic -James Poulos is a visionary at the forefront of ideas about liberty.---Judd Weiss James Poulos is one of the very few consistently interesting writers in America. --Molly Ball, The Atlantic In a time of radical change, it's essential to connect with enduring values -- and that's what James Poulos has done with his fascinating look at Alexis de Tocqueville. With an engaging voice and an always lively mind, Poulos makes the old story new again, offering Americans hope and perspective in the art of being free. --John Avlon, The Daily Beast Poulos weaves personal history and literary analysis, high culture and pop culture, in this provocative, wholly unexpected take on Tocqueville's best known work. He updates and intensifies Tocqueville's diagnosis of American life, agitating against a frenzied democratic flattening that risks leaving us overstimulated, overworked, and alone. It's a kind of erudite self-help that forgoes end-of-chapter bullet points for a galvanizing message of recognition and resistance. --Kerry Howley, author of Thrown No happy rogue is better than James Poulos at laying bare just how ridiculous and insane American life really is. --Ben Dreyfuss, Mother Jones James Poulos is the new Tocqueville America needs right now. --Pascal-Emmanuel Gobry, The Week James Poulos blends lucid writing with ambitious thinking. The Art of Being Free skillfully applies the timeless truths that Tocqueville uncovered to the practical questions of daily life in our bizarre era. The result is nothing less than a roadmap for a better life. Read it, learn, and enjoy. --Arthur Brooks, President, American Enterprise Institute In an earlier age of political and cultural confusion, Alexis de Tocqueville explained Americans to ourselves and to the world. James Poulos, in this smart and timely book, shows how Tocqueville's teachings can make sense of our present age of terror and Tinder--and help us see tomorrow more clearly. --Adam Keiper, editor of The New Atlantis For those citizens passionately committed to the pursuit of Life, Light, Love, and Liberty for all, James Poulos offers a stimulating celebration of the beautifully paradoxical nature of governmental policy as an institutional mechanism for securing true human freedom. -- Andrew W.K. Brace yourself. James Poulos boldly, brilliantly shows that we can live freely even in our crazy age. --Yuval Levin, editor of National Affairs, author of The Fractured Republic In the most crazy-making year of politics in my lifetime, The Art of Being Free helped restore a little bit of my sanity as only a reflection steeped in history's lessons could do. The book was a reminder that much of what feeds our anxiety and dread challenged bygone generations--and that we possess many of the qualities that helped them to survive and even thrive! Drawing on the insights of Alexis de Tocqueville, James Poulos marries a political philosopher's understanding of a celebrated text to a sharp cultural critic's application of it to life today. Few pages pass without an intriguing insight about how to be better at being free. --Conor Friedersdorf, The Atlantic James Poulos is a visionary at the forefront of ideas about liberty. --Judd Weiss James Poulos is one of the very few consistently interesting writers in America. --Molly Ball, The Atlantic In a time of radical change, it's essential to connect with enduring values -- and that's what James Poulos has done with his fascinating look at Alexis de Tocqueville. With an engaging voice and an always lively mind, Poulos makes the old story new again, offering Americans hope and perspective in the art of being free. John Avlon, The Daily Beast Poulos weaves personal history and literary analysis, high culture and pop culture, in this provocative, wholly unexpected take on Tocqueville s best known work. He updates and intensifies Tocqueville s diagnosis of American life, agitating against a frenzied democratic flattening that risks leaving us overstimulated, overworked, and alone. It s a kind of erudite self-help that forgoes end-of-chapter bullet points for a galvanizing message of recognition and resistance. --Kerry Howley, author of Thrown No happy rogue is better than James Poulos at laying bare just how ridiculous and insane American life really is. --Ben Dreyfuss, Mother Jones James Poulos is the new Tocqueville America needs right now. --Pascal-Emmanuel Gobry, The Week James Poulos blends lucid writing with ambitious thinking. The Art of Being Free skillfully applies the timeless truths that Tocqueville uncovered to the practical questions of daily life in our bizarre era. The result is nothing less than a roadmap for a better life. Read it, learn, and enjoy. Arthur Brooks, President, American Enterprise Institute In an earlier age of political and cultural confusion, Alexis de Tocqueville explained Americans to ourselves and to the world. James Poulos, in this smart and timely book, shows how Tocqueville s teachings can make sense of our present age of terror and Tinder and help us see tomorrow more clearly. --Adam Keiper, editor of The New Atlantis For those citizens passionately committed to the pursuit of Life, Light, Love, and Liberty for all, James Poulos offers a stimulating celebration of the beautifully paradoxical nature of governmental policy as an institutional mechanism for securing true human freedom. Andrew W.K. Brace yourself. James Poulos boldly, brilliantly shows that we can live freely even in our crazy age. --Yuval Levin, editor of National Affairs, author of The Fractured Republic In the most crazy-making year of politics in my lifetime, The Art of Being Free helped restore a little bit of my sanity as only a reflection steeped in history's lessons could do. The book was a reminder that much of what feeds our anxiety and dread challenged bygone generations and that we possess many of the qualities that helped them to survive and even thrive! Drawing on the insights of Alexis de Tocqueville, James Poulos marries a political philosopher's understanding of a celebrated text to a sharp cultural critic's application of it to life today. Few pages pass without an intriguing insight about how to be better at being free. --Conor Friedersdorf, The Atlantic James Poulos is a visionary at the forefront of ideas about liberty. Judd Weiss

James Poulos is one of the very few consistently interesting writers in America. --<b>Molly Ball, <i>The Atlantic</i></b></p> In a time of radical change, it's essential to connect with enduring values -- and that's what James Poulos has done with his fascinating look at Alexis de Tocqueville. With an engaging voice and an always lively mind, Poulos makes the old story new again, offering Americans hope and perspective in the art of being free. <b>John Avlon, </b><i><b>The Daily Beast</b></i></p> Poulos weaves personal history and literary analysis, high culture and pop culture, in this provocative, wholly unexpected take on Tocqueville s best known work. He updates and intensifies Tocqueville s diagnosis of American life, agitating against a frenzied democratic flattening that risks leaving us overstimulated, overworked, and alone. It s a kind of erudite self-help that forgoes end-of-chapter bullet points for a galvanizing message of recognition and resistance. --<b>Kerry Howley, author of <i>Thrown</i></b></p> No happy rogue is better than James Poulos at laying bare just how ridiculous and insane American life really is. <b>--Ben Dreyfuss, <i>Mother Jones</i></b></p> James Poulos is the new Tocqueville America needs right now. --<b>Pascal-Emmanuel Gobry, <i>The Week</i></b></p> In an earlier age of political and cultural confusion, Alexis de Tocqueville explained Americans to ourselves and to the world. James Poulos, in this smart and timely book, shows how Tocqueville s teachings can make sense of our present age of terror and Tinder and help us see tomorrow more clearly. --<b>Adam Keiper, editor of <i>The New Atlantis</i></b></p> Brace yourself. James Poulos boldly, brilliantly shows that we can live freely even in our crazy age. --<b>Yuval Levin, editor of <i>National Affairs</i>, author of <i>The Fractured Republic</i></b></p><b><i> </i></b>In the most crazy-making year of politics in my lifetime, <i>The Art of Being Free</i> helped restore a little bit of my sanity as only a reflection steeped in history's lessons could do. The book was a reminder that much of what feeds our anxiety and dread challenged bygone generations and that we possess many of the qualities that helped them to survive and even thrive! Drawing on the insights of Alexis de Tocqueville, James Poulos marries a political philosopher's understanding of a celebrated text to a sharp cultural critic's application of it to life today. Few pages pass without an intriguing insight about how to be better at being free. <b>--Conor Friedersdorf, <i>The Atlantic </i></b></p>

James Poulos is one of the very few consistently interesting writers in America. --<b>Molly Ball, <i>The Atlantic</i></b></p> In a time of radical change, it's essential to connect with enduring values -- and that's what James Poulos has done with his fascinating look at Alexis de Tocqueville. With an engaging voice and an always lively mind, Poulos makes the old story new again, offering Americans hope and perspective in the art of being free. <b>John Avlon, </b><i><b>The Daily Beast</b></i></p> Poulos weaves personal history and literary analysis, high culture and pop culture, in this provocative, wholly unexpected take on Tocqueville s best known work. He updates and intensifies Tocqueville s diagnosis of American life, agitating against a frenzied democratic flattening that risks leaving us overstimulated, overworked, and alone. It s a kind of erudite self-help that forgoes end-of-chapter bullet points for a galvanizing message of recognition and resistance. --<b>Kerry Howley, author of <i>Thrown</i></b></p> No happy rogue is better than James Poulos at laying bare just how ridiculous and insane American life really is. <b>--Ben Dreyfuss, <i>Mother Jones</i></b></p> James Poulos is the new Tocqueville America needs right now. --<b>Pascal-Emmanuel Gobry, <i>The Week</i></b></p> James Poulos blends lucid writing with ambitious thinking. <i>The Art of Being Free</i> skillfully applies the timeless truths that Tocqueville uncovered to the practical questions of daily life in our bizarre era. The result is nothing less than a roadmap for a better life. Read it, learn, and enjoy. <b>Arthur Brooks, </b><b>President, American Enterprise Institute</b></p> In an earlier age of political and cultural confusion, Alexis de Tocqueville explained Americans to ourselves and to the world. James Poulos, in this smart and timely book, shows how Tocqueville s teachings can make sense of our present age of terror and Tinder and help us see tomorrow more clearly. --<b>Adam Keiper, editor of <i>The New Atlantis</i></b></p> For those citizens passionately committed to the pursuit of Life, Light, Love, and Liberty for all, James Poulos offers a stimulating celebration of the beautifully paradoxical nature of governmental policy as an institutional mechanism for securing true human freedom. <b> Andrew W.K.</b></p> Brace yourself. James Poulos boldly, brilliantly shows that we can live freely even in our crazy age. --<b>Yuval Levin, editor of <i>National Affairs</i>, author of <i>The Fractured Republic</i></b></p><b><i> </i></b>In the most crazy-making year of politics in my lifetime, <i>The Art of Being Free</i> helped restore a little bit of my sanity as only a reflection steeped in history's lessons could do. The book was a reminder that much of what feeds our anxiety and dread challenged bygone generations and that we possess many of the qualities that helped them to survive and even thrive! Drawing on the insights of Alexis de Tocqueville, James Poulos marries a political philosopher's understanding of a celebrated text to a sharp cultural critic's application of it to life today. Few pages pass without an intriguing insight about how to be better at being free. <b>--Conor Friedersdorf, <i>The Atlantic </i></b></p> James Poulos is a visionary at the forefront of ideas about liberty. <b>Judd Weiss</b></p>

-James Poulos is one of the very few consistently interesting writers in America.---Molly Ball, The Atlantic-In a time of radical change, it's essential to connect with enduring values -- and that's what James Poulos has done with his fascinating look at Alexis de Tocqueville. With an engaging voice and an always lively mind, Poulos makes the old story new again, offering Americans hope and perspective in the art of being free.---John Avlon, The Daily Beast -Poulos weaves personal history and literary analysis, high culture and pop culture, in this provocative, wholly unexpected take on Tocqueville's best known work. He updates and intensifies Tocqueville's diagnosis of American life, agitating against a frenzied democratic flattening that risks leaving us overstimulated, overworked, and alone. It's a kind of erudite self-help that forgoes end-of-chapter bullet points for a galvanizing message of recognition and resistance.---Kerry Howley, author of Thrown -No happy rogue is better than James Poulos at laying bare just how ridiculous and insane American life really is.---Ben Dreyfuss, Mother Jones -James Poulos is the new Tocqueville America needs right now.---Pascal-Emmanuel Gobry, The Week-James Poulos blends lucid writing with ambitious thinking. The Art of Being Free skillfully applies the timeless truths that Tocqueville uncovered to the practical questions of daily life in our bizarre era. The result is nothing less than a roadmap for a better life. Read it, learn, and enjoy.---Arthur Brooks, President, American Enterprise Institute -In an earlier age of political and cultural confusion, Alexis de Tocqueville explained Americans to ourselves and to the world. James Poulos, in this smart and timely book, shows how Tocqueville's teachings can make sense of our present age of terror and Tinder--and help us see tomorrow more clearly.---Adam Keiper, editor of The New Atlantis-For those citizens passionately committed to the pursuit of Life, Light, Love, and Liberty for all, James Poulos offers a stimulating celebration of the beautifully paradoxical nature of governmental policy as an institutional mechanism for securing true human freedom.--- Andrew W.K. -Brace yourself. James Poulos boldly, brilliantly shows that we can live freely even in our crazy age.---Yuval Levin, editor of National Affairs, author of The Fractured Republic-In the most crazy-making year of politics in my lifetime, The Art of Being Free helped restore a little bit of my sanity as only a reflection steeped in history's lessons could do. The book was a reminder that much of what feeds our anxiety and dread challenged bygone generations--and that we possess many of the qualities that helped them to survive and even thrive! Drawing on the insights of Alexis de Tocqueville, James Poulos marries a political philosopher's understanding of a celebrated text to a sharp cultural critic's application of it to life today. Few pages pass without an intriguing insight about how to be better at being free.---Conor Friedersdorf, The Atlantic -James Poulos is a visionary at the forefront of ideas about liberty.---Judd Weiss

-James Poulos is one of the very few consistently interesting writers in America.---Molly Ball, The Atlantic-In a time of radical change, it's essential to connect with enduring values -- and that's what James Poulos has done with his fascinating look at Alexis de Tocqueville. With an engaging voice and an always lively mind, Poulos makes the old story new again, offering Americans hope and perspective in the art of being free.---John Avlon, The Daily Beast -Poulos weaves personal history and literary analysis, high culture and pop culture, in this provocative, wholly unexpected take on Tocqueville's best known work. He updates and intensifies Tocqueville's diagnosis of American life, agitating against a frenzied democratic flattening that risks leaving us overstimulated, overworked, and alone. It's a kind of erudite self-help that forgoes end-of-chapter bullet points for a galvanizing message of recognition and resistance.---Kerry Howley, author of Thrown -No happy rogue is better than James Poulos at laying bare just how ridiculous and insane American life really is.---Ben Dreyfuss, Mother Jones -James Poulos is the new Tocqueville America needs right now.---Pascal-Emmanuel Gobry, The Week-James Poulos blends lucid writing with ambitious thinking. The Art of Being Free skillfully applies the timeless truths that Tocqueville uncovered to the practical questions of daily life in our bizarre era. The result is nothing less than a roadmap for a better life. Read it, learn, and enjoy.---Arthur Brooks, President, American Enterprise Institute -In an earlier age of political and cultural confusion, Alexis de Tocqueville explained Americans to ourselves and to the world. James Poulos, in this smart and timely book, shows how Tocqueville's teachings can make sense of our present age of terror and Tinder--and help us see tomorrow more clearly.---Adam Keiper, editor of The New Atlantis-For those citizens passionately committed to the pursuit of Life, Light, Love, and Liberty for all, James Poulos offers a stimulating celebration of the beautifully paradoxical nature of governmental policy as an institutional mechanism for securing true human freedom.--- Andrew W.K. -Brace yourself. James Poulos boldly, brilliantly shows that we can live freely even in our crazy age.---Yuval Levin, editor of National Affairs, author of The Fractured Republic-In the most crazy-making year of politics in my lifetime, The Art of Being Free helped restore a little bit of my sanity as only a reflection steeped in history's lessons could do. The book was a reminder that much of what feeds our anxiety and dread challenged bygone generations--and that we possess many of the qualities that helped them to survive and even thrive! Drawing on the insights of Alexis de Tocqueville, James Poulos marries a political philosopher's understanding of a celebrated text to a sharp cultural critic's application of it to life today. Few pages pass without an intriguing insight about how to be better at being free.---Conor Friedersdorf, The Atlantic -James Poulos is a visionary at the forefront of ideas about liberty.---Judd Weiss James Poulos is one of the very few consistently interesting writers in America. --Molly Ball, The Atlantic In a time of radical change, it's essential to connect with enduring values -- and that's what James Poulos has done with his fascinating look at Alexis de Tocqueville. With an engaging voice and an always lively mind, Poulos makes the old story new again, offering Americans hope and perspective in the art of being free. --John Avlon, The Daily Beast Poulos weaves personal history and literary analysis, high culture and pop culture, in this provocative, wholly unexpected take on Tocqueville's best known work. He updates and intensifies Tocqueville's diagnosis of American life, agitating against a frenzied democratic flattening that risks leaving us overstimulated, overworked, and alone. It's a kind of erudite self-help that forgoes end-of-chapter bullet points for a galvanizing message of recognition and resistance. --Kerry Howley, author of Thrown No happy rogue is better than James Poulos at laying bare just how ridiculous and insane American life really is. --Ben Dreyfuss, Mother Jones James Poulos is the new Tocqueville America needs right now. --Pascal-Emmanuel Gobry, The Week James Poulos blends lucid writing with ambitious thinking. The Art of Being Free skillfully applies the timeless truths that Tocqueville uncovered to the practical questions of daily life in our bizarre era. The result is nothing less than a roadmap for a better life. Read it, learn, and enjoy. --Arthur Brooks, President, American Enterprise Institute In an earlier age of political and cultural confusion, Alexis de Tocqueville explained Americans to ourselves and to the world. James Poulos, in this smart and timely book, shows how Tocqueville's teachings can make sense of our present age of terror and Tinder--and help us see tomorrow more clearly. --Adam Keiper, editor of The New Atlantis For those citizens passionately committed to the pursuit of Life, Light, Love, and Liberty for all, James Poulos offers a stimulating celebration of the beautifully paradoxical nature of governmental policy as an institutional mechanism for securing true human freedom. -- Andrew W.K. Brace yourself. James Poulos boldly, brilliantly shows that we can live freely even in our crazy age. --Yuval Levin, editor of National Affairs, author of The Fractured Republic In the most crazy-making year of politics in my lifetime, The Art of Being Free helped restore a little bit of my sanity as only a reflection steeped in history's lessons could do. The book was a reminder that much of what feeds our anxiety and dread challenged bygone generations--and that we possess many of the qualities that helped them to survive and even thrive! Drawing on the insights of Alexis de Tocqueville, James Poulos marries a political philosopher's understanding of a celebrated text to a sharp cultural critic's application of it to life today. Few pages pass without an intriguing insight about how to be better at being free. --Conor Friedersdorf, The Atlantic James Poulos is a visionary at the forefront of ideas about liberty. --Judd Weiss James Poulos is one of the very few consistently interesting writers in America. --Molly Ball, The Atlantic In a time of radical change, it's essential to connect with enduring values -- and that's what James Poulos has done with his fascinating look at Alexis de Tocqueville. With an engaging voice and an always lively mind, Poulos makes the old story new again, offering Americans hope and perspective in the art of being free. John Avlon, The Daily Beast Poulos weaves personal history and literary analysis, high culture and pop culture, in this provocative, wholly unexpected take on Tocqueville s best known work. He updates and intensifies Tocqueville s diagnosis of American life, agitating against a frenzied democratic flattening that risks leaving us overstimulated, overworked, and alone. It s a kind of erudite self-help that forgoes end-of-chapter bullet points for a galvanizing message of recognition and resistance. --Kerry Howley, author of Thrown No happy rogue is better than James Poulos at laying bare just how ridiculous and insane American life really is. --Ben Dreyfuss, Mother Jones James Poulos is the new Tocqueville America needs right now. --Pascal-Emmanuel Gobry, The Week James Poulos blends lucid writing with ambitious thinking. The Art of Being Free skillfully applies the timeless truths that Tocqueville uncovered to the practical questions of daily life in our bizarre era. The result is nothing less than a roadmap for a better life. Read it, learn, and enjoy. Arthur Brooks, President, American Enterprise Institute In an earlier age of political and cultural confusion, Alexis de Tocqueville explained Americans to ourselves and to the world. James Poulos, in this smart and timely book, shows how Tocqueville s teachings can make sense of our present age of terror and Tinder and help us see tomorrow more clearly. --Adam Keiper, editor of The New Atlantis For those citizens passionately committed to the pursuit of Life, Light, Love, and Liberty for all, James Poulos offers a stimulating celebration of the beautifully paradoxical nature of governmental policy as an institutional mechanism for securing true human freedom. Andrew W.K. Brace yourself. James Poulos boldly, brilliantly shows that we can live freely even in our crazy age. --Yuval Levin, editor of National Affairs, author of The Fractured Republic In the most crazy-making year of politics in my lifetime, The Art of Being Free helped restore a little bit of my sanity as only a reflection steeped in history's lessons could do. The book was a reminder that much of what feeds our anxiety and dread challenged bygone generations and that we possess many of the qualities that helped them to survive and even thrive! Drawing on the insights of Alexis de Tocqueville, James Poulos marries a political philosopher's understanding of a celebrated text to a sharp cultural critic's application of it to life today. Few pages pass without an intriguing insight about how to be better at being free. --Conor Friedersdorf, The Atlantic James Poulos is a visionary at the forefront of ideas about liberty. Judd Weiss

Author Information

JAMES POULOS is an internationally recognized writer and social theorist. From National Affairs to Foreign Policy and Good to Vice, his work on freedom and equality has won praise from The Atlantic, New York, and The New York Times. A columnist for The Week and The Federalist, he has appeared on HBO, MSNBC, and NPR. He received five fellowships in doctoral work at Georgetown. A director at the Heraion Foundation, he lives in Los Angeles with his son.

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