July 14, 1997

This issue examined America's booming 1990s economy and the cultural transformations accompanying it. The cover package explored whether capitalism had become recession-proof and whether American society was prepared for the new corporate culture emerging in the era. The issue also featured pieces on James Stewart's iconic status in Hollywood, Bill Clinton's approach to national conversation and history, and Christopher Caldwell's critique of meritocratic ideology, while reflecting on themes ranging from 1950s anxiety to Nietzschean philosophy.