Live at the National Constitution Center

Michael Lewis on Who Is Government?

Apr 1, 2025

Best-selling author Michael Lewis, known for his insightful works on politics and government, discusses his latest book, which sheds light on public service amid rising distrust in officials. He shares inspiring stories of civil servants like Arthur A. Allen, emphasizing their crucial yet often overlooked contributions. The conversation delves into the importance of storytelling in a polarized society, as well as personal anecdotes highlighting the intersection of government, engineering, and art. Uncover the untold tales behind the bureaucracy that keeps society functioning.

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ANECDOTE

Unexpected Discovery

Michael Lewis was initially intrigued by the Trump administration's dismissal of the presidential transition team.
This led him to explore the inner workings of seemingly overlooked government departments.

ANECDOTE

The Coal Miner's Son

Christopher Mark, a former coal miner, dedicated his career to solving the problem of coal mine roof collapses.
His work at the Department of Labor ultimately saved thousands of lives.

INSIGHT

Unsung Heroes

Mission-driven individuals, often unaware of their own remarkable qualities, make compelling characters.
Their dedication to a purpose, not personal recognition, resonates deeply.

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Who Is Government? The Untold Story of Public Service

The Untold Story of Public Service

Michael Lewis

Michael Lewis's "Who Is Government?" offers a compelling look into the lives and work of unsung federal employees. The book challenges the common negative stereotypes surrounding government workers, showcasing their dedication, expertise, and often overlooked contributions to society. Through a series of essays, Lewis and other writers highlight the crucial roles these individuals play in various sectors, from environmental protection to economic data collection. The book underscores the importance of these often-unseen public servants and the threats they face in the current political climate. It serves as a powerful reminder of the essential functions of government and the individuals who make it work.

The Premonition

A Pandemic Story

Michael Lewis

The Premonition by Michael Lewis is a gripping account of the individuals who foresaw the impending COVID-19 pandemic and the failures in the American public health system. The book focuses on characters such as Charity Dean, a public health officer, and the 'Gang of Seven,' a group of doctors and scientists who created their own pandemic plan. It highlights their tireless work, the use of computer models to predict viral spread, and the challenges they faced amidst political pressure, financial constraints, and public criticism. The narrative underscores the courage and dedication of these unsung heroes and the need for more proactive approaches to public health preparedness.

Moneyball

The Art of Winning an Unfair Game

Michael Lewis

The book tells the story of the Oakland Athletics' 2002 season, where General Manager Billy Beane and his assistant Paul DePodesta used advanced statistical analysis, known as sabermetrics, to assemble a competitive team despite a limited budget. The approach, pioneered by Bill James, focused on metrics such as on-base percentage and slugging percentage rather than traditional measures like batting average and runs batted in. This data-driven strategy allowed the Athletics to compete with teams having much larger payrolls, like the New York Yankees, and achieve significant success, including a 20-game winning streak and a playoff appearance[2][3][5].

The Fifth Risk

Michael Lewis

In *The Fifth Risk*, Michael Lewis delves into the Trump administration’s botched presidential transition, highlighting the consequences of willful ignorance and greed among its leaders. The book explores the critical services managed by the U.S. government, including ensuring food and drug safety, predicting extreme weather events, and tracking black market uranium. Lewis focuses on the Departments of Energy, Agriculture, and Commerce, revealing their often-overlooked roles and the dedicated employees who work within them. The title 'The Fifth Risk' refers to 'project management,' the unforeseen and long-term risks that only a vigilant and committed agency can forecast and prevent. Lewis's narrative is character-driven, featuring interviews with former federal staff members and historical context to illustrate the importance of effective government management and the dangers of short-term solutions[1][4][5].

Michael Lewis on Who Is Government?

Unexpected Discovery

The Coal Miner's Son

Unsung Heroes

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