The book highlights a number of practices that put the United States at a competitive disadvantage vis-à-vis other world powers and threaten the quality of life of Americans.The author stresses the need to adopt a lifestyle that is more resource efficient, especially energy efficient, and targets for improvements in housing, transportation and consumption.The author also points to the risks of mounting public debt and proposes bold measures to balance the federal budget.The last chapter underscores the strengths of the United States, especially its demographic advantages.