In a lively style, peppered with self-deprecating humor, Richardson traces the evolution of his worldview from his youth at an elite prep school and his stint as a paratrooper during WWII through his foray into business as a Wall Street lawyer and an investment banker, and finally to his lengthy career in public service. A New Vision for America recounts his earlier adventures as well as his eight years as CEO of Radio Free Europe--touching on its ties to the CIA-- and his later service as Assistant Secretary of State for Educational and Cultural Affairs, CEO of Youth for Understanding, chair of the National Endowment for Democracy, and board member of numerous educational and service organizations.