One Billion Americans: The Case for Thinking Bigger by Matthew Yglesias

One Billion Americans challenges the status quo by proposing that America's path to greatness lies in increasing its population to one billion. Author Matthew Yglesias argues that a larger population would drive innovation, economic growth, and global competitiveness. The book delves into policies that support parents and children, welcome immigrants, and improve infrastructure, education, and climate change mitigation. Drawing on international examples, Yglesias presents a vision of a thriving, forward-moving America./n/nYglesias's argument is not just about numbers but about creating a society that fosters ambition and utilizes resources effectively. He explores creative solutions like more affordable housing, better transportation, and revitalized welfare systems. The book is a call to action, urging America to think bigger and implement bold policies to secure its future as a global leader.

Reviews

The StoryGraph · freedom410 · 2025-12-14

comprehensive 3.80

The author spends most of the book explaining the benefits of a larger population and addressing potential objections. The book is appreciated for its comprehensive approach.

In this review, the author is commended for spending most of the book explaining the benefits of a larger population and addressing any and all possible objections. The reviewer appreciates the comprehensive approach taken by the author, which makes the book a valuable read for those interested in policy and demographics. They highlight the book's detailed examination of the policies needed to achieve a larger population and the potential benefits that could come from it. However, they also note that some of the arguments might be controversial and not everyone will agree with the author's conclusions.

Quick quotes

Yglesias spends most of the book explaining the benefits of a larger population and addressing seemingly any and all possible objections.

I appreciate the detailed examination of the policies we'd need to make this happen.

The book is a provocative new book offers a controversial approach to our nation's future.

Quillette · 2020-09-23

solid 4.00

The book is a solid contribution to the genre, with the author being a thoughtful analyst and provocative writer. It presents a liberal nationalist perspective on population growth.

This review highlights the book as a solid contribution to the genre of policy analysis. The author is praised for being a thoughtful analyst and provocative writer, presenting a liberal nationalist perspective on population growth. The book argues that American leadership and dominance are good and that the U.S. can and should remain the world's leading superpower. The reviewer appreciates the book's optimistic tone and the detailed examination of the policies needed to achieve this vision. However, they also note that some of the arguments might be controversial and not universally accepted.

Quick quotes

One Billion Americans is a solid contribution to the genre. Yglesias is a thoughtful analyst, a provocative writer, and, often, a ...

This is fundamentally a liberal nationalist book, with an argument delivered softly, but firmly.

The book strikes a decidedly optimistic tone. Yglesias argues that the U.S. can and should remain the world's leading superpower — a statement ...

Goodreads · 2020-01-01

interesting 3.90

The book is very interesting and useful because it challenges common assumptions about population growth. It provides a thought-provoking perspective on the benefits of a larger population.

This book is a fascinating read that challenges many of the assumptions we hold about population growth and its impact on society. The author presents a compelling case for why a larger population could be beneficial for America, both economically and culturally. They argue that a larger population would drive innovation, increase economic growth, and help maintain America's global leadership. The book is well-researched and presents a variety of perspectives, making it a thought-provoking read for anyone interested in policy or demographics. However, some of the arguments might be controversial, and not everyone will agree with the author's conclusions.

Quick quotes

Yglesias' book is very interesting and useful because it shows how something many Americans, including him, assume to be so obvious as to be ...

The book is a detailed examination of the policies we'd need to make this happen.

This is an original, engaging, and necessary book.

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