Public Works for the Common Wealth
“According to the Massachusetts theory, all are to have an equal chance for earning, and equal security in the enjoyment of what they earn.” — Horace Mann, Twelfth Annual Report (1848).
The Massachusetts Theory exists to promote a Commonwealth that builds. Material prosperity is both an end in itself and a precondition to a society that can serve vigorous defense against rising authoritarianism and as a testament to the true nature of America. If we are to remain free, liberty must manifestly translate into capacity and prosperity.
Our core project is technocratic, in service of a Commonwealth that builds more than it boasts.
We believe complacency is a killer; we must understand the gravity of our present challenges and make clear that a vastly better public policy is necessary and possible. To that end, we work to promote a diversity of thought on a production-oriented and progressive agenda, from transit project delivery and cost control to housing to cheaper energy. We are especially interested in hearing from civil servants and other practitioners who might not otherwise find a platform.
We may be technocrats, but we are (solely) materialists. We take pride in our history, and believe that an even better future is worth fighting for. Material progress is a necessary step toward better, more dignified lives for all and the continued legitimacy of liberal democracy. We might say we’re fighting to prove that The Massachusetts Theory still holds today. Our forebears worked to build a culture and liberty that reflected the greatness of human nature. Massachusetts has always been at the forefront of American prosperity and social reform, even in the darkest periods of our history. We are once again called to show a better way; succeed or fail, the outcome will speak volumes.
What we believe:
We believe in abundance and prosperity
We believe in a Massachusetts for all
We believe in liberal democracy
We believe a better future is possible
What we do:
Our focus is flexible, but we believe there are a number of policy and intellectual foci present challenges demand we consider as paramount
Increasing state capacity to deliver on our most challenging problems and overcome liberalism’s legitimacy crisis
Building transit and dense housing as a necessary solution to the urban geometry problem and precondition to continued economic and population growth
Developing economic strategy to supercharge our eds-and-meds economy, strengthen R&D activities in support of long-run economic growth and human flourishing, and ensure that Massachusetts remains on the global economic and technological frontier
Understanding our history as a Commonwealth, and engaging in thoughtful and accessible exploration of the lessons the past hold for our present moment, with a particular focus on rescuing history and patriotism from reactionary misinterpretation
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