Reich, a former Kennedy School professor, spokeof the increasing gap between classes in America.
"There was a faith in the 1950s and 1960s thateconomic growth would benefit all Americans,...Butfrom 1979 to today, economic growth has not beenequal for all income groups," Reich said.
"Adjusted for inflation, the top 20 percent ofincomes have increased by 18 percent... [while]the bottom 20 percent have seen a 11 percentdecline," Reich said. "Unlike the 1950s and 1960s,we didn't grow together, but we grew apart."
Reich attributed the growing income disparitiesto technology's new importance in the economy.
"With an education, you have a good chance fora good job today, but without skills, the economyis unfriendly," Reich told the audience.
Reich returned to the subject of publicdiscontent. "Disillusionment is growing. In thesetimes, it is easy to blame immigrants, or welfaremothers, or whoever else."
He said improvement in education and job skillsis needed to combat this apathy.
At Harvard, "people here believe in dignity andservice," but all Americans should be watchful ofthe gaps between classes, he added