Brook’s most recent book provides a powerful case for democracy and how it can survive, based on historical analysis of civilization’s best known, long-enduring democracies (ancient Athens & Rome, modern Britain & America). Democracy flourishes only if citizens are willing to adapt and keep relevant the agreement—“the civic bargain”–that they make with one another to govern themselves, free of a boss. It is a lesson modern democracies must confront to survive the continuing challenges of today’s world.