JonathanHDavis reviewed Once and Future Worker by Oren Cass
None
1 star
The book opens with promise but quickly reveals itself as a pro-corporate argument cloaked in worker-friendly language. Oren Cass seems convinced that what Americans need most is simply to be working—full stop. As the book progresses, his digressions into tariffs and deportation policies feel increasingly out of place, feeling like reluctant chapters for the American First readers. Much of the book ends up focused on deregulation, underpinned by the assumption that fewer regulations will naturally lead to more work.
Ultimately, the book is undermined by Cass’s central belief that work alone is the solution to social and economic challenges. Goodreads summarizes the premise as: “If we reinforce their vital role, workers supporting strong families and communities can provide the foundation for a thriving, self-sufficient society that offers opportunity to all.” But Cass never delivers on this promise. Had he instead clearly stated that this is a book about why work …
The book opens with promise but quickly reveals itself as a pro-corporate argument cloaked in worker-friendly language. Oren Cass seems convinced that what Americans need most is simply to be working—full stop. As the book progresses, his digressions into tariffs and deportation policies feel increasingly out of place, feeling like reluctant chapters for the American First readers. Much of the book ends up focused on deregulation, underpinned by the assumption that fewer regulations will naturally lead to more work.
Ultimately, the book is undermined by Cass’s central belief that work alone is the solution to social and economic challenges. Goodreads summarizes the premise as: “If we reinforce their vital role, workers supporting strong families and communities can provide the foundation for a thriving, self-sufficient society that offers opportunity to all.” But Cass never delivers on this promise. Had he instead clearly stated that this is a book about why work is all people need—and then built a strong case for that thesis—I would have rated it much more favorably. Instead, the book misrepresents its goals and fails to argue for pro-family, pro-community policies.