The Age of Grievance

This timely examination of contemporary political culture dissects how grievance has become the dominant force shaping our public discourse and personal identities. Frank Bruni meticulously traces the evolution of victimhood from legitimate claims of injustice into a pervasive mindset that now fuels political movements across the ideological spectrum. He demonstrates how both progressive activists and conservative populists have weaponized resentment, creating a society where claiming oppression often provides more social currency than seeking solutions. The book offers a sobering analysis of how this grievance economy rewards performative outrage over substantive dialogue.

Bruni's particular strength lies in his balanced approach, refusing to favor one political faction over another while exposing the corrosive effects of competitive victimhood. Readers exhausted by the constant outrage cycle will find this work both validating and challenging, as it calls for personal accountability alongside systemic critique. The book ultimately serves as both diagnosis and potential antidote to the toxicity of contemporary political discourse, making it essential reading for anyone seeking to understand our fractured moment. Bruni leaves readers with the provocative question of whether we can reclaim our capacity for grace and mutual understanding before grievance completely consumes our civic life.