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Title details for 99% Perspiration by Adam Chandler - Available

99% Perspiration

A New Working History of the American Way of Life

by Adam Chandler
Adam Chandler
Audiobook
1 of 1 copy available
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1 of 1 copy available
An enlightening and entertaining interrogation of the myth of American self-reliance and the idea of hard work as destiny
“Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration.” This phrase, arguably Thomas Edison’s most famous quote, has been drilled into the minds of generations of Americans. A fairly straightforward  iteration of the  idea that innovation, discovery, and ingenuity are the result of drive and grit above all, it has also come to represent much darker myths: that hard work always leads to success and that achievement is the product of individuals and not communities. In this model, those who come out on top are there because they earned it, and everyone else needs to buckle down, glove up, and, maybe one day, they’ll get there too.
As the wealth gap widens, communities crumble, and Americans work more for less, Adam Chandler raises the question: What happens when perspiration isn’t enough? To answer it, he crisscrosses the country interviewing mayors, teachers, generals, pastors, construction workers, and entrepreneurs, to reveal just how untenable relying on “perspiration” as a strategy has truly become. He also delves into America’s past to reveal how our government, education system, and culture at large have woven the idea of meritocracy deep into the fabric of American society and how some of history’s most famous so-called bootstrappers really built their wealth. From George Washington to Seattle,Washington, Jay Gatsby to Bill Gates, 99% Perspiration unpacks the misguided obsession with hard work that has come to define both the American dream and nightmare, offering insight into how we got here and hope for where we may go.

  • Creators

  • Publisher

  • Release date

    January 7, 2025

  • Formats

    • OverDrive Listen audiobook

      • ISBN: 9780593913208
      • File size: 245191 KB
      • Duration: 08:30:48

  • Languages

    • English

  • Reviews

    • AudioFile Magazine
      Journalist and author Adam Chandler uses meticulous research and interviews with people from all walks of life to debunk a powerful American myth--that success can be achieved only through the drive, grit, and hard work of individuals. Arguing that significant achievement almost always involves the collaboration of teams and communities, he reveals a remarkable grasp of history that encourages listeners to look at all forms of success more broadly. He's also a gifted narrator whose performance makes this audiobook an engaging way to refresh our ideas about effort and work. With his natural diction and perfect phrasing, his detailed research and broad grasp of cultural dynamics provide an enlightening alternative to the tropes and myths being promoted about work and workers in America today. T.W. © AudioFile 2025, Portland, Maine

Formats

  • OverDrive Listen audiobook

subjects

Languages

  • English

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