The Dying Citizen by Victor Davis Hanson Summary
Overview of The Dying Citizen
Victor Davis Hanson's bestselling "The Dying Citizen" reveals how progressive elites, globalization, and unchecked immigration threaten American democracy. Praised by Mark Levin as "essential reading," this controversial analysis has sparked fierce debates about what happens when citizenship erodes and the middle class disappears.
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The Eroding Foundation of American Democracy
The concept of citizenship - the cornerstone of Western democracy - stands at a critical crossroads. In "The Dying Citizen," Victor Davis Hanson delivers a powerful warning: the very idea that founded our republic faces extinction through multiple converging threats. This isn't merely academic concern; it's an existential crisis for American democracy. Citizenship represents more than just legal status - it embodies the delicate balance between rights and responsibilities that has sustained our constitutional republic for over two centuries. Citizenship wasn't invented in Philadelphia but in ancient Athens 2,500 years ago. The concept evolved to mean enjoying "lawful freedom" by consenting to laws, "civil equality" where no person can bind another without reciprocity, and "civil independence" where rights derive from membership in the commonwealth - not from another's whim. Unlike temporary residents, citizens are rooted within constitutional borders with obligations to honor traditions, obey laws, and potentially sacrifice for their nation. The Constitution guarantees security and liberties, but republics can collapse within a single generation without vigilant citizens to preserve them. Western citizenship developed through the Middle Ages, Renaissance, and Enlightenment toward greater inclusion, despite periods of retrenchment. By the twenty-first century, after millennia of evolution, citizenship approached its logical fruition with full emancipation of the poor, women, and minorities. What's alarming is how many Americans blame their founders for past illiberalism while failing to appreciate how close we've come to equality. A 2019 poll found 92% of Americans believe their rights are "under siege," yet many cannot name basic constitutional protections or historical facts.
The New Feudalism and Economic Dependency
Borders, Residency, and National Identity
Tribal Regression and Identity Politics
The Administrative State and Bureaucratic Power
Globalism and the Dilution of National Sovereignty
Reclaiming Our Civic Heritage
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From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
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