In "Our Own Worst Enemy," Thomas M. Nichols embarks on a provocative exploration of the troubling currents undermining democracies worldwide, laying the blame not at the feet of distant elites or impersonal forces of globalization, but squarely on the shoulders of the very citizens who profess to cherish democratic values. With a keen eye, Nichols dissects the paradox of societies gripped by illiberal tendencies despite enjoying unprecedented levels of peace and prosperity. This incisive account delves into the heart of contemporary discontent, tracing its roots to a potent mix of narcissism, resistance to change, and a sense of entitlement that pervades modern life. Through this lens, the rise of illiberal and anti-democratic movements is seen not as an anomaly, but as a natural outcome of societal shifts that have eroded the foundations of civic virtue and democratic cooperation. Nichols does not merely diagnose the malaise afflicting democracies; he offers a path forward, championing the revival of forgotten virtues such as altruism, compromise, stoicism, and cooperation. "Our Own Worst Enemy" is a clarion call to citizens everywhere to recognize their role in their own disenfranchisement and to reclaim the ideals that have made democracy a beacon of hope for centuries. By confronting the uncomfortable truth that the greatest threat to democracy comes from within, Nichols challenges readers to reflect on their own contributions to the current crisis and to consider how they might act differently. This book is not just a critique but a critical step towards understanding how to heal and fortify the very foundations of democratic society.