A few years ago I became interested in the work of Samuel Moyn, a Professor of Law and History at Yale University. He had achieved an important name in the field of human rights, having written several acclaimed books on the subject.

Then, recently, I stumbled onto a 2026 book he had just written about the need for a new approach to social policy on old age. In the May issue of Harper’s Magazine, I found that he had written a precis of that book and, after reading it, thought it would it be useful to call it to your attention. With only six years left before the U.S. Social Security Trust Fund runs out, the essay makes for remarkably timely reading.