The American Experiment

“In this fascinating compilation of interviews with historians, musicians, athletes, journalists, and other notables of our times, David Rubenstein paints what he calls the genetic picture of this country, and why it has succeeded—so far.” —Nina Totenberg, legal affairs correspondent, NPR “David Rubenstein is a deeply committed citizen and patriot, and a keen observer of human nature with a passion for history. As fellow citizen experimenters, he is suggesting we all engage in thinking about the past and present in order to forge a future that fulfills the promise of America.” — Yo-Yo Ma, cellist “In this timely and important book, David Rubenstein explores the lessons of the past that will help us through this historically challenging time. It is just the right book at exactly the right time.” — Tom Brokaw, author of The Greatest Generation “David Rubenstein’s insatiable curiosity and intellect bring out the best from those with whom he is in conversation, evoking rich interactions and making history entertaining. The American Experiment captures the essence of the American leader and the pivotal moments in our country’s history.” — Deborah F. Rutter, former president, John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts “An extraordinary opportunity to marvel at the United States—and to understand her principles so that we might advance them in service to the republic.” — Lawrence Bacow, former president, Harvard University “In this brilliant book, we hear from the best minds in the country about the unfinished voyage of American life. A must-read to understand our unique nation, its extraordinary legacy, and our collective future!” — Admiral James Stavridis, former 16th Supreme Allied Commander at NATO and author of Sailing True North: Ten Admirals and the Voyage of Character “David Rubenstein has a unique ability to ask the right penetrating questions that elicit illuminating answers from fascinating people who paint a complete and detailed picture of the American experiment from all sides. As the country’s pre-eminent patriotic philanthropist, David is now doing even more to preserve American history with this important project.” — Bret Baier, chief political anchor, Fox News, and New York Times bestselling author “At this turbulent moment in our nation’s history, this captivating dialogue about the meaning of democracy and the American dream provides much needed inspiration and hope. What a terrific book!” — Doris Kearns Goodwin “A truly amazing new book. The American Experiment is urgently needed especially during this very strenuous moment in our American history.” — Wolf Blitzer “A stirring reminder of what our ‘American experiment’ has achieved so far and what’s at stake as we move forward.” —Katie Couric “A dazzling set of conversations that inspire and illuminate. David Rubenstein highlights the salient features of the American experiment, an experiment so novel that when it began most serious observers thought it would collapse in a few years.” — Fareed Zakaria “At a time when listening is harder and divisions run deeper, David’s interviews soar above the noise. They are hopeful, inspiring, and rigorously authentic.” — Valerie Jarrett “A book that forces America to look in the mirror. It’s a reality pill.” — LL COOL J “Influential Americans talk about the nation’s past and future… . These conversations—warm, engaging, and informative—help Rubenstein point up America’s particular qualities that “have made the whole American Experiment work” even though, facing significant challenges, the country has fallen short.” — Kirkus Reviews

David M. Rubenstein is the New York Times bestselling author of How to Invest, How to Lead, The American Experiment, The American Story, The Highest Calling, and Inside the Owner’s Box. He is Cofounder and Cochairman of The Carlyle Group, one of the world’s largest and most successful private investment firms.