| Q. You're right. They hear the opposite from the media. A. The media mob also tells us that American exceptionalism is nothing but a crude form of patriotism. That is completely untrue. It's not just that the U.S. is the richest and most powerful nation on Earth. We are the world leader in technological innovation. The dollar is the world's reserve currency. We lead the world in science, engineering, entertainment, and the arts. No nation attracts more immigrants, more students or more investment capital. Our military is the primary defender of the free world. Americans adopt more foreign-born children than any country in the world. And Americans are the most charitable people in the world, both in the aggregate and per capita. And we're not exceptional? Q. Why don't more people understand this? A. Part of the problem is the public education system and the pervasive negativity bias in the media. Also, people don't draw their conclusions from the facts. They often get their opinions from other people. But they've adopted a meta-narrative that is depressing, dispiriting and - not least of all - unwarranted. Q. That's sad when they could adopt a more optimistic point of view, one that is warranted, and that would help them reach their goals and live their dreams. A. Think about this... Gallup just did a poll that shows that a record number of Americans support socialism. In fact, two-thirds of self-identified Democrats say they prefer socialism to capitalism. That's hard to believe. Socialism has failed everywhere it's been tried. Look at Cuba, Venezuela and North Korea. Socialism always leads to authoritarianism. Why? If you're going to take away folks' economic rights, you also must take away their political rights. Because people won't stand for it. Meanwhile, capitalism is the greatest wealth creator and anti-poverty program of all time. As I explain in the book, capitalism tells you that you can have anything you want if you provide enough other people with what they want. You just have to make it better, faster, cheaper, or longer lasting. Yet schools don't teach this, and the national media - except for a few conservative outlets - won't even discuss it. Q. True. Your book is subversive because it puts the lie to the mainstream media's narrative. Yet this is not a political book. It's not about how the nation or its institutions need to change. It's about how the individual needs to change. A. Exactly. Yet even there, the book steps on conventional wisdom. For example, each spring commencement speakers tell new college graduates to "follow their bliss." That's great if your goal is to be a doctor, an engineer, or a pilot, and you're on track to be one. But a lot of kids are like me. I didn't know what the heck I would do when I graduated. And, in that case, it doesn't really matter what kind of work you might find personally fulfilling. The key is to find someone who needs something done... and is willing to pay you to do it. That was my first epiphany as a young man. Success is not about fulfilling my own wants or needs. That only comes from serving someone else. Too many kids miss that these days, especially the ones living in their parents' basement. Q. People need to hear this, even if they don't necessarily agree with it. A. The book offers the quickest route to get ahead, to live the American Dream. The problem is that a lot of people don't want to hear it. "The United States offers every citizen an opportunity to rise as far as their talent, persistence and ambition will take them." That statement is now viewed as a microaggression on some college campuses. Telling young people that they need to finish high school, get a full-time job, and wait to have children until they can afford them... that's called "blaming the victim." Yet only 3% of Americans who do those three things live below the poverty line. Q. You point out that the American Dream is an achievement not an entitlement. You don't collect your Dream at some government office. A. That's true. Yet some people don't want to take responsibility for their lives. They would rather hear that it's their parents' fault, or their bosses' fault, or their ex's fault. And maybe it is to some extent. But the problem with blaming others is that it takes away your sense of agency. Taking responsibility for our choices is how we make the giant leap from childhood to adulthood. And it's empowering. You can't control what other people do. But you have complete control over what you do. So all I'm suggesting is that you put the power back into your own hands... and enjoy a feeling of earned success. If you're willing to work, save and invest, I can show you how to live the American Dream. But if you're not willing to work, not willing to save, or not willing to invest, I can't help you. And, you know what? Neither can anyone else. Q. Thanks so much for joining us today, Alex. And good luck with your subversive book! For what it's worth, I think it's one of the most inspiring books I've ever read, and a perfect holiday gift for someone who might benefit from hearing an optimistic message. A. Thanks so much.
Have a fantastic weekend! Good investing, Rachel P.S. For more information about The American Dream - or to pick your copies - click here. | 
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