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

The Self-Made Myth, and the Truth About How Government Helps Individuals and Businesses Succeed cover
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  • ID: 5467
  • Added: 2025-10-23
  • Updated: 2025-10-24
  • ISBN: 9780191631283
  • Publisher: Oxford University Press
  • Published: 2012-04-26
  • Reviews: 1

The Self delves into the intricate questions surrounding the first-person perspective and the nature of self-identity. Jonardon Ganeri draws on ancient Indian theories of consciousness and mind to propose a new approach that harmonizes the first-person stance with a liberal naturalism. The book explores various ideas about the self, including reflexive self-representation, embodiment, and the role of emotions in self-unity. Ganeri argues that the self is a dynamic negotiation between self-presentation and normative avowal, grounded in the unconscious mind, and that immersion, participation, and coordination are key to understanding the self. Ganeri's exploration challenges the Buddhist claim that there is no self by offering a nuanced perspective that sees the self as a harmonious blend of lived experience and natural processes. The book integrates philosophical inquiry with contemporary theories, providing a fresh and engaging perspective on one of the most fundamental aspects of human existence.

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bookshop.org · Unknown · 2025-10-24
insightful 4.00

The book challenges the notion of the self-made individual, arguing that government support is crucial for success. It provides a nuanced perspective on the American Dream, highlighting the role of public policy in shaping individual and business achievements.

The Self-Made Myth delves into the often romanticized idea of self-made success, presenting a compelling argument that government assistance plays a pivotal role in individual and business achievements. The book offers a fresh perspective on the American Dream, emphasizing the importance of public policy and collective effort in fostering success. It challenges the traditional narrative of individualism, instead highlighting the interconnectedness of success and the support structures provided by the government. This insightful work encourages readers to reconsider their understanding of achievement and the role of government in shaping societal outcomes.


Quick quotes

    The self-made myth is a powerful narrative that has shaped American culture and politics for generations.

    Government support is often invisible, but it is essential for the success of individuals and businesses.

    The American Dream is not just about individual effort; it is about the collective effort of a society that values and supports its members.