On November 20th we welcomed author and scholar Yuval Levin to discuss the themes in his recent book, A Time to Build: From Family and Community to Congress and the Campus, How Recommitting to Our Institutions Can Revive the American Dream. Levin believes that in our current moment of tension, division, and disillusionment what we need is renewed faith in and commitment to the institutions that support our common life and flourishing.

He writes, “Americans are hungry for hope and renewal. All of us, on every side of all political divides, are increasingly aware that the status quo is not sustainable.” Levin asks us to “consider the problems we face in the context of institutions” and to become builders and rebuilders that will work within institutions to make them trustworthy and serve the common good.

Special thanks to our sponsors: Byron and Beth Smith, and Howard and Ann Dahl

The song is Appalachia Waltz played by Yo-Yo Ma, Mark O’Connor, and Edgar Meyer

The painting is Osmington Village by John Constable, 1817