Sludge; What Stops Us from Getting Things Done and What to Do about It

Sludge: How Bureaucratic Red Tape Holds Us Back—And What We Can Do About It

From the New York Times bestselling author of Nudge comes a sharp and engaging examination of “sludge”—the administrative roadblocks, excessive paperwork, and bureaucratic red tape that frustrate, delay, and sometimes even prevent people from accessing essential services and opportunities.

*"If nudges have a mortal enemy, or perhaps the equivalent of antimatter to matter, it’s ‘sludge’." —Forbes

We’ve all encountered sludge: endless forms, long wait times, and convoluted processes that make everything from applying for benefits to renewing a driver’s license unnecessarily difficult. But as Cass Sunstein reveals, sludge isn’t just an inconvenience—it has real and damaging consequences. It can worsen inequality, deny people access to healthcare, hinder economic mobility, and even suppress voter participation. When faced with excessive barriers, people often give up, forfeiting opportunities that could improve their lives.

In Sludge, Sunstein explores the hidden costs of bureaucracy, argues for systematic “Sludge Audits” to measure its impact, and makes the case for reducing unnecessary friction in government, business, and everyday life. Ultimately, he shows how cutting through the clutter isn’t just about efficiency—it’s about dignity, fairness, and making sure people get the help and opportunities they deserve.