The Self-Made Myth: And the Truth About How Government Helps Individuals and Businesses Succeed

“This book challenges a central myth that underlies today’s antigovernment rhetoric: that an individual’s success is the result of gumption and hard work alone. Miller and Lapham clearly show that personal success is closely tied to the supports society provides. Must reading for all who want to get our nation back on track.”
—Robert Reich, former US Secretary of Labor; Chancellor’s Professor of Public Policy, University of California, Berkeley; and author of Aftershock

“Miller and Lapham debunk the self-made myth that has been bought and sold by the corporate media. I urge anyone who cares about forging a more just and fair economy to buy this book and take its smart ideas to heart.”
—Katrina vanden Heuvel, Editor and Publisher, The Nation

“After decades of disingenuous bashing of community and our common interests, this book serves as a reality check, reminding us that no one can survive without the contributions of the rest of us.”
—Carol Moseley Braun, former US Senator

“Miller and Lapham have powerfully demonstrated that there is no self-made man or woman. Individual success is absolutely dependent on public contributions to infrastructure, education, health, transportation, the stock market, and other protections of all kinds. If you use a computer, you are using the public’s research contributions to satellites, GPS systems, the Internet, and decades of computer science funding. Self-made? Ridiculous.”
—George Lakoff, author of The Political Mind and Don’t Think of an Elephant!

“At this critical time in our country’s history, The Self-Made Myth’s message about the vitally important role of government in the success of individuals, businesses, and the nation is a must-read. Miller and Lapham expose the dangerous and self-serving course espoused by those interested only in furthering their political, personal, or corporate success while pulling up the ladder of opportunity for others.”
—Frank Knapp, Jr., Vice Chair, American Sustainable Business Council, and President and CEO, South Carolina Small Business Chamber of Commerce

“Whether it was my father getting educated on the GI bill or the guy at the Small Business Administration encouraging me, I have always counted my blessings and been aware of my responsibility to give back. The Self-Made Myth reminds us that we should be grateful for all government does to support individual and business success in this country.”
—Wayne Silby, Founding Chair, Calvert Funds

“We take for granted the interdependence of successful for-profit ventures and a civil society (laws, taxes, and a shared responsibility for the commons). The Self-Made Myth is an elegant statement of the case and an excellent reminder to put forward the argument or forfeit the future.”
—Trish Karter, cofounder, Dancing Deer Baking Company

“The Self-Made Myth could be a political game changer. Powerful, compelling, and well researched, it gives serious meaning to the term community wealth and demolishes what may be the most destructive myth in America. I urge everyone to read it, absorb it, promote it, and share it with friends and relatives.”
—David Korten, Board Chair, YES! Magazine, and author of Agenda for a New Economy and When Corporations Rule the World

“The Self-Made Myth rebuts the idea that the wealthy got rich entirely through their hard work and talent. The public must recognize that none of us can succeed on our own. The wealth the country as a whole enjoys is the result of the physical and social infrastructure we have collectively created; unfortunately, the rules have been rigged so that a small minority gets to enjoy the bulk of the benefits. As Miller and Lapham compellingly argue, this must change.”
—Dean Baker, economist, writer, and Codirector, Center for Economic and Policy Research

“The Self-Made Myth will change the way we think about taxes and policy as we enter a great debate on the role of public investment in the success of business. We have a profound responsibility to our children and grandchildren to invent ways to make sure the new American Dream is an economy with heart. This book is an important tool for getting us there.”
—Jeffrey Hollender, founder, Jeffrey Hollender Partners, and cofounder, Seventh Generation

Brian Miller is executive director of United for a Fair Economy (UFE), drawing on nearly twenty years as a community organizer, coalition leader, media spokesperson, writer, and nonprofit director.Mike Lapham is the project director, a cofounder, and a member of UFE’s Responsible Wealth project, a network of over 700 business leaders and wealthy individuals.

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