Why people recommend it
A Time to Build by Yuval Levin is a thoughtful examination of American social and political institutions, arguing that the nation's civic decline stems from a shift in how citizens use institutions. On an episode of The Ezra Klein Show published on September 19, 2025, titled "Spencer Cox Wants to Pull Our Politics Back From the Brink," Utah Governor Spencer Cox appeared as a guest to discuss the state of modern governance and polarization. Responding to the host's final question requesting book recommendations, Cox highlighted Yuval Levin's work, declaring it to be one of the most important books written on the subject. The governor praised Levin's insights into institutional decay and the need for individuals to see institutions not merely as platforms for performance, but as molds that shape character and foster civic health. By endorsing the book, Cox underscored the urgent need for a cultural and political return to constructive institutional participation as a remedy for contemporary democratic dysfunction. The recommendation provided listeners with a constructive framework for understanding how civic renewal might begin from the ground up, emphasizing responsibility and structural commitment over superficial political posturing. Through this endorsement on a widely heard policy podcast, Cox directed attention toward a text offering pragmatic, long-term solutions for healing a fractured political landscape.
Who recommended it
- Spencer Cox Recommended
Spencer Cox — 1 mention
“He's written two books that I think are are the most important books. Um the first one was called A Time to Build.”