It's a cliche that the Senate is broken, and like most cliches, it's true. George Packer breakclichesenate Change image and share on social
In its lowest, most common form, inspiration is simple charisma that becomes magnified by the media, as with Ronald Reagan or Bill Clinton. George Packer billcharismaclinton Change image and share on social
Jay-Z is a hero, Sam Walton is a hero - these are not exactly communitarian champions. These are - in some cases, literally; in others, just figuratively - gangster heroes. That's who is worshipped: people who get away with it. George Packer casechampioncommunitarian share on social
Inspiration is an underexamined part of political life and presidential leadership. George Packer inspirationleadershiplife Change image and share on social
Obama is the splendid fruit of a meritocracy. George Packer fruitmeritocracyobama Change image and share on social
That's why I'm not on Twitter and don't have an iPhone. It's not because I'm superior to it: it's because I would be a slave to it, and I don't want that to happen. George Packer happeniphoneslave Change image and share on social
I don't think they need to be nice to reporters, but the White House seems to imagine that releasing information is like a tap that can be turned on and off at their whim. George Packer houseimagineinformation Change image and share on social
So many writers grew up in tortured isolation, in revolt against their families. I and my sister were in a house where writing was considered the worthiest thing you could try to do. George Packer considerfamilygrow Change image and share on social
Over the years, America had become more like Wal-Mart. It had gotten cheap. Prices were lower, and wages were lower. There were fewer union factory jobs and more part-time jobs as greeters. George Packer americacheapfactory Change image and share on social
I actually think that self-interest is overrated as an all-purpose guide to political motive. It leaves out something at least as powerful and immovable - individual psychology. George Packer guideimmovableindividual Change image and share on social