"One of the 50 most influential policy books of all time."
- Policy.com
"A richly documented, controversial history of the welfare state."
- Publishers Weekly
"Significant changes in government social welfare policy have unfolded since The Tragedy of American Compassion emerged in 1992—just think about the paradigm-shifting federal welfare reform of 1996. Both the book's critics and its promoters would argue that Olasky's ideas mattered and gave shape, to some degree, to some of those changes."
- Amy L. Sherman, Senior Fellow, Sagamore Institute for Policy Research
"Those who read and understand Olasky's work will be better prepared to move creatively in affirming the dignity of the poor, and in affirming work as a virtue."
- John M. Perkins, President, John M. Perkins Foundation for Reconciliation and Development
"For domestic policy understanding, no better book recommends itself than Marvin Olasky's splendid The Tragedy of American Compassion."
- Orange County Register
"One of 'eight books that changed America.'"
- Philanthropy
"—Illuminating."
- Colorado Gazette-Telegraph
"Fascinating."
- Wall Street Journal
"There is no disagreement between liberals and conservatives about whether to help the lot of the poor, but there is grave disagreement about how to help them, especially because the wrong kind of 'help' is more likely to harm. In The Tragedy of American Compassion, Marvin Olasky shows that although government can assist the merciful efforts of persons, organizations, and communities of faith, it cannot take their place."
- J. Budziszewski, Professor of Government and Philosophy, University of Texas at Austin; author of What We Can't Not Know: A Guide
"A comprehensive, well documented, and much needed study of the decline of true compassion that provides fresh analysis and provocative insight into the causes and cures of this American tragedy. Must reading for people who want to understand and help correct the plight of hurting people."
- Anthony T. Evans, Founder, The Urban Alternative
