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Cass R. Sunstein
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Simpler: The Future of Government Hardcover – April 9, 2013

by Cass R. Sunstein (Author)
4.1 4.1 out of 5 stars 110 ratings
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For nearly four years, Cass R. Sunstein, bestselling author and President Obama’s “Regulatory Czar,” helped to oversee a revolution in better government. He explains how and why—and what comes next.

Simpler government arrived four years ago. It helped put money in your pocket. It saved hours of your time. It improved your children’s diet, lengthened your life span, and benefited businesses large and small. It did so by issuing fewer regulations, by insisting on smarter regulations, and by eliminating or improving old regulations. Cass R. Sunstein, as administrator of the most powerful White House office you’ve never heard of, oversaw it and explains how it works, why government will never be the same again (thank goodness), and what must happen in the future.

Cutting-edge research in behavioral economics has influenced business and politics. Long at the forefront of that research, Sunstein, for three years President Obama’s “regulatory czar” heading the White House Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, oversaw a far-reaching restructuring of America’s regulatory state. In this highly anticipated book, Sunstein pulls back the curtain to show what was done, why Americans are better off as a result, and what the future has in store.

The evidence is all around you, and more is coming soon. Simplified mortgages and student loan applications. Scorecards for colleges and universities. Improved labeling of food and energy-efficient appliances and cars. Calories printed on chain restaurant menus. Healthier food in public schools. Backed by historic executive orders ensuring transparency and accountability, simpler government can be found in new initiatives that save money and time, improve health, and lengthen lives. Simpler: The Future of Government will transform what you think government can and should accomplish.
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  1. Print length
    272 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Simon & Schuster
  4. Publication date
    April 9, 2013
  5. Dimensions
    6.5 x 1 x 9.75 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    1476726590
  7. ISBN-13
    978-1476726595
  8. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"This inspiring book has a tale and a lesson. In the tale, a thinker with a passion for reason moves from the ivory tower to the White House and becomes a doer. The lesson is that regulation is not a dirty word and that thoughtful government works." -- Daniel Kahneman, bestselling author of Thinking, Fast and Slow

"This may be the most important book to come out of President Obama's first term. Contrary to conservative perception, the administration, guided by Cass Sunstein, launched a brilliant effort to simplify and reduce regulations. Sunstein found ingenious ways to protect citizens and nudge corporate behavior while maximizing freedom and business opportunity. Simpler is a fascinating guide to how behavioral economics is improving government, and none too soon." -- Walter Isaacson, bestselling author of Steve Jobs

"Everyone complains that government regulations are often dumb, but how could you make them smarter? Here's a guidebook by someone who did it. It should be read by everyone who sets policies for government, nonprofits, education, or business." -- Chip Heath, co-author of Decisive: How to Make Better Decisions in Life and Work

"Tucked away from the sound and fury of politics, there is the quiet world of policy making. This fantastic book, from a magnificent scholar turned a master of this world, restored my faith in what governments really do, and more importantly in what a smart government could do to help citizens live better, more fulfilled lives." -- Dr. Esther Duflo, Professor of Poverty Alleviation and Development Analysis at Massachusetts Institute of Economics and Co-Founder and Director of the Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab

"Cass Sunstein: scholar, public servant, choice architect. This lays out a new vision for how research from academics and attention from the public can be used to make regulations and government work better and simpler—to protect the public at the lowest possible cost and hassle. No wonder Glenn Beck said Sunstein was the most dangerous man in America." -- Dr. Austan Goolsbee, University of Chicago Booth School of Business and former Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers

"We typically don't associate the idea of simple systems with government and large corporations. But in this fine book, Sunstein provides a glimpse into how we can tame the complexity beast and why it is important, even necessary if we want to improve our collective welfare." -- Dan Ariely, bestselling author of Predictably Irrational: The Hidden Forces that Shape our Decisions

"Federal regulations determine the quality of the air we breathe and water we drink, the safety of our workplaces, the kinds of cars we can buy, and much more. In this book, Cass Sunstein shows how he helped President Obama use the smartest academic ideas to undertake the most important reform of our regulatory system in more than three decades. This revolution in regulation relies on using evidence, rather than ideology, to guide regulatory decisions and by making regulations simpler and easier to understand. Simple is a must (and fun) read for anyone who wants a deeper understanding of how government—and the people in it—are using the insights from the seminal research by Sunstein and others to make our lives healthier, safer, and more prosperous." -- Michael Greenstone, 3M Professor of Environmental Economics at MIT, Department of Economics

"Sunstein’s firsthand knowledge and distinct humor give his account a real dynamism." -- Kirkus Reviews

"[Simpler is] ...a lucid, engaging treatment of behavioral economics that sees a role for the state in nudging humans towards rationality and responsibility. The result is a forthright, compelling vision of technocratic government that's both efficient and humane." ― Publishers Weekly, starred review

“A remarkably fun, engaging read.” ― Fortune.com

“This book should be on every federal leader’s reading list…common-sense tips leaders at any level can use to be more effective.” ― WashingtonPost.com

“Optimistic in its vision of a government that can do good, a positive message in a year that seems to be filled with signs pointing to the opposite…a great read for any aspiring economist or individual on the fence on what to think about the state of regulatory affairs in America today.” ― InTheCapital.Streetwise.com

"Mr. Sunstein is a long-standing champion of the cost-benefit analysis of regulation, and his criticisms are often spot-on. The idea is simple and sensible. . . . deeply informed by the insights of behavioral economics—a field of research that reveals several psychological quirks that affect human decision-making." ― Wall Street Journal

A more detailed, more nuanced look at how rules and regulations can be made simpler, and how the social environment in which we make decisions can be "nudged" in ways that help us to make more rational, sensible choices. -- Michiko Kakutani ― The New York Times

About the Author

Cass R. Sunstein is the nation’s most-cited legal scholar who, for the past fifteen years, also has been at the forefront of behavioral economics. From 2009 to 2012, he served as the administrator of the White House Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs. He is the Robert Walmsley University Professor at Harvard Law School. His book, Nudge, coauthored with Richard Thaler, was a national bestseller.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Simon & Schuster; 0 edition (April 9, 2013)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 272 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1476726590
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1476726595
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.1 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.5 x 1 x 9.75 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.1 4.1 out of 5 stars 110 ratings

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Cass R. Sunstein

Cass R. Sunstein

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Cass R. Sunstein is the Robert Walmsley University Professor at Harvard Law School, where he is the founder and director of the Program on Behavioral Economics and Public Policy. He is by far the most cited law professor in the United States. From 2009 to 2012 he served in the Obama administration as Administrator of the White House Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs. He has testified before congressional committees, appeared on national television and radio shows, been involved in constitution-making and law reform activities in a number of nations, and written many articles and books, including Simpler: The Future of Government and Wiser: Getting Beyond Groupthink to Make Groups Smarter.

Customer reviews

4.1 out of 5 stars
110 global ratings

Customers say

Customers find the book very good and a pleasure to read. They also appreciate the insights on every page and the author's writing quality. Readers describe the book as interesting, profound, and speaks simply to everyone.

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ReadabilityInsightWriter quality
10 customers mention "Readability"10 positive0 negative

Customers find the book very good, a pleasure to read, and brilliant. They appreciate the well-developed approaches by the author.

"...The book is a pleasure to read, and there are insights on every page...." Read more

"This book is Ok and interesting. It has important concepts and insights. Nonetheless, I think the author focuses most of the book on himself...." Read more

"...Remarkably deserving, thank you Mr. Cass Sunstein for your effort clarifying this kind of information - a gift to the public...." Read more

"...Yet, this is a good read. It makes one understand the personality complexities that exist in Washington, and he highlights some of these issues." Read more

6 customers mention "Insight"6 positive0 negative

Customers find the book insightful, interesting, and helpful. They say the author is well-qualified to explain OIRA and how it works. Readers also appreciate the details revealed and thoughtful directions.

"...Sunstein is a brilliant intellectual and a fine writer who commands a broad range of exptert knowledge, but always presents issues in a lucid,..." Read more

"This book is Ok and interesting. It has important concepts and insights. Nonetheless, I think the author focuses most of the book on himself...." Read more

"...This small profound book speaks simply to everyone." Read more

"...I have been reading this book, however the impressions I got, details revealed, the span of thoughtful directions taken in the process of carving..." Read more

4 customers mention "Writer quality"4 positive0 negative

Customers find the book to be a highly readable addition to the canon.

"...Sunstein is a brilliant intellectual and a fine writer who commands a broad range of exptert knowledge, but always presents issues in a lucid,..." Read more

"Cass Sunsunstein is a very lucid writer. Interesting items throughout the book, however, some were recycled info. Yet, this is a good read...." Read more

"...As was its predecessor, this book is well written, but in the end represents a recipe for statism...." Read more

"...it remains an entertaining, easily digestible and highly readable addition to the canon." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

Michael Hernandez
5.0 out of 5 stars An authentic review, not a libertarian bully pulpit statement.
Reviewed in the United States on May 6, 2013
Verified Purchase
The intent of this Amazon review is to describe one layman's apolitical opinion of a book, not to espouse extremist rhetoric. (Unfortunately I have to make this explicit to help those consumers on the fence about a purchase.)

This book generally revolves around two topics: an explanation of one particular method for deriving and implementing public policy, and how Sunstein adopted this method in order to fulfill his purpose as a public servant. The former is complicated, and he is mostly successful at trying not to lose his readers. The latter is achieved by weaving personal narrative with examples while remaining candid. Perhaps to the surprise of some, he admits when neither government nor his method are perfect. Those of you who believe citations and evidence lend credence and credibility in an argument will be pleased. 1/3 of the book consists of the bibliography.

His method is synonymous with choice architecture, libertarian paternalism, or "framing" a decision, but goes one step further by emphasizing the importance of cost-benefit analysis. Here Sunstein transcends politics by explaining how numbers can be used to drive policy. This should appeal to those of you who believe data, analysis, the scientific method, transparency and accountability all have a place in government. Sunstein's candor especially shines here by admitting caveats. For example, how do you quantify the value of a human life? What is the right amount of information we should be armed with in order to make a decision--there is such a thing as not knowing enough, but can we be bombarded with so much information that we couldn't or wouldn't be able to decide? These difficult questions do become addressed, but those seeking a Goldilocks prescription or magical algorithm to everything may be disappointed.

A qualitative portrayal as head of OIRA for the Obama administration prevents Simpler from being just a dry series of studies. Examples are often both enlightening and amusing, with results and conclusions often countering intuition. In fact, Sunstein even takes proper time to explain how our intuition is subject to biases, adopting psychology and economics in simple words. Again, those with a penchant for science will be pleased. Ironically, the only thing the book lacks is a complete, data-laden comparison of the effectiveness of his work versus prior administrations. A few statistics are mentioned, but a table or chart integrated with the prose would help quell any skepticism. Whether this was an architectural decision or simply unfeasible within the scope of publishing remains. Perhaps academics and Sunstein's peers are best left to decide if his methods should truly pave the future of government. At least he has one reader convinced.
9 people found this helpful
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Herbert Gintis
4.0 out of 5 stars Fine Follow-up to Nudge
Reviewed in the United States on September 20, 2013
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You might consider reading Thaler and Sunstein, Nudge, before going through this book. Basically, this is a follow-up that uses Sunstein's experience in government and the policy initiatives that have occurred of the "nudge" form, to lay down some principles of efficient government.

Sunstein is a brilliant intellectual and a fine writer who commands a broad range of exptert knowledge, but always presents issues in a lucid, straightforward manner. The book is a pleasure to read, and there are insights on every page.

Sunstein tells us that there are three main principles that he has learned. First, the experts that make regulations and laws should use cost-benefit analysis, all the science possible, and deliberate extensively. Special interests should be listened to for advice as how best to do this, but their desires should play no role in decision-making. Second, the public should be presented with simple choices that require no extensive deliberation, but people should have the freedom to reject the "default" choice if they so desire. Third, policy and regulation-makers should listen to the public because people often have ideas and information that the higher-ups do not have, and they many have preferences that decision-makers have not thought of.

If only all public servants had Sunstein's intelligence and moral character!
5 people found this helpful
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Felipe Andrés Gómez
3.0 out of 5 stars Too much "I" in this book
Reviewed in the United States on July 15, 2013
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This book is Ok and interesting. It has important concepts and insights. Nonetheless, I think the author focuses most of the book on himself. It is obvious that every author writes from their experience or imagination. Sunstein reminds us far too often what HE has done, where HE has done it, with whom HE has done it, and so on. This constant reference to himself ends up hurting a book that is OK but not brilliant.
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Justine Kilpatrick
5.0 out of 5 stars A thoughtful view of regulation, effectively applied!
Reviewed in the United States on May 31, 2013
Verified Purchase
Cass Sunstein has developed a new approach to regulation that centers on providing good information. As head of the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs during President Obama's first term, he applied it to proposed new regulations and to a review of existing ones. In effect, he maximized the benefits and minimized the cost to producers and customers of overseeing the wellbeing of Americans.

This small profound book speaks simply to everyone.
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Ernest R. Saucier
5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant, conscientious, generous natured, helpful minded master governmental servant wrote this book.
Reviewed in the United States on September 10, 2013
Verified Purchase
Memory fails me because of the manner I have been reading this book, however the impressions I got, details revealed, the span of thoughtful directions taken in the process of carving out appropriate needed regulations is all of awsome accomplishment. Remarkably deserving, thank you Mr. Cass Sunstein for your effort clarifying this kind of information - a gift to the public.

Ernest Saucier
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rjreidy2@aol.com
4.0 out of 5 stars Government is not Simple for sure!
Reviewed in the United States on June 9, 2013
Verified Purchase
Cass Sunsunstein is a very lucid writer. Interesting items throughout the book, however, some were recycled info. Yet, this is a good read. It makes one understand the personality complexities that exist in Washington, and he highlights some of these issues.
One person found this helpful
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tom
5.0 out of 5 stars Sunstein does it again
Reviewed in the United States on May 4, 2013
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I really enjoyed the examples of simple thins that can be done to move all of government in a more active role in helping us make decisions about how we move forward. Sunstein offers us more good 'nudges' and examples of how we need to consider choice architecture in where, when and how government can help us live better lives.
One person found this helpful
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j bennett
3.0 out of 5 stars Say Obama one more time...
Reviewed in the United States on September 8, 2013
Verified Purchase
According to the kindle search this book uses the word "Obama" 100 times in two hundred pages. Really? Every other page?
The author refuses to say administration, it is always the Obama Administration. We know which administration. You already told us... Several times... Very annoying and came off as self serving. Also there was a toot your own horn aspect with this book that didn't sit well.
There are some interesting ideas here, but this book could have been drastically condensed. It seems that points are repeated needlessly.
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ARUN KUMAR
1.0 out of 5 stars Fake Copy and Damaged
Reviewed in India on October 27, 2021
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This is Fake copy of the original book. Book is damaged and torn.

Very unsatisfied with this purchase.
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Alexander Kellner
5.0 out of 5 stars Very good!
Reviewed in Brazil on April 14, 2017
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Muito boa leitura. Great book! O autor discorre sobre formas modernas de atingir eficiência estatal através de insights relacionados com economia comportamental.
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Ian Smith
3.0 out of 5 stars Measure-Kiss-Consult
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 20, 2013
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My only quibble with this excellent little book is its extraordinary subtitle; 'The Future of Government'. Delusions of grandeur, methinks. No, a far better subtitle would be something on the lines of 'The Three Habits of Highly Effective Regulators' (and that's regulators of the government rather than the mechanical variety).

Three enormously helpful habits for those involved in policy development, which I would paraphrase as 'MEASURE-KISS-CONSULT'. MEASURE; base your rules on evidence, notably a robust cost-benefit analysis. KISS, which as we all know, means 'Keep it simple, stupid.' Perhaps better 'keep it short and simple' in this context. CONSULT; wisdom and ideas are widely dispersed. It always helps to consult with those who will be affected by a new set of rules or regulations.

Much of the book explores the role of 'behavioural economics' and is based on Sunstein's earlier book 'Nudge'. In 'Simpler' he describes how this influenced his work as head of the White House Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs under Obama from 2009 to 2012.

Shortcomings? OK - I have another quibble. The book could be much shorter. Another similarity to Steven Covey's 'Seven Habits.." - great book, but too much padding. So somewhat worrying to learn in the acknowledgements that Sunstein decided to forgive his editor for slashing 30,000 words from the original manuscript!

And do read the acknowledgements - if only for the most delightful dedication I have ever read. A dedication to his wife, Samantha Power, who happens to be the fiery US ambassador to the UN in New York!
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Vitor Chaves Bomfim
4.0 out of 5 stars Ótima leitura e péssima encadernação
Reviewed in Brazil on January 23, 2020
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A leitura excelente e exemplifica os conceitos trazidos em obras anteriores do autor. A encadernação, assim como a de “Nudge”, é pífia: molenga e não protege nada.
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Daniel
5.0 out of 5 stars Excelente livro
Reviewed in Brazil on November 25, 2015
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Excelentes artigos do autor, resumindo suas ideias anteriores publicadas em outros livros. Altamente recomendado para quem se interessa pelo tema.
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