Democracy in America
Check out this very smart blogger at The Atlantic commenting on the classic political and cultural analysis of DeTocqueville in Democracy in America.  This book has always been a worthy read (thus, the label classic and timeless).  But it may be even more worth our time today, because it speaks to the specific challenges we face.  DeTocqueville also reminds us of powerful perspectives, attitudes, and analytical tools deeply embedded within our own traditions that we might more productively utilize in our current problem solving efforts.  But even if you do not read, or re-read the book, check out this blogger.