The Hypomanic Edge: The Link Between (A Little) Craziness and (A Lot of) Success in America
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | 4.20 (950 Votes) |
| Asin | : | 0743243455 |
| Format Type | : | paperback |
| Number of Pages | : | 368 Pages |
| Publish Date | : | 2015-10-12 |
| Language | : | English |
DESCRIPTION:
John Winthrop, who settled and defined it, believed Americans were God's new chosen people. America has an extraordinarily high number of hypomanics - grandiose types who leap on every wacky idea that occurs to them, utterly convinced it will change the world. Why is America so rich and powerful? The answer lies in our genes, according to psychologist John Gartner. But there is an enormous upside in terms of spectacular entrepreneurial zeal, drive for innovation, and material success. Andrew Carnegie, who began America's industrial revolution, was sure that he was destined personally to speed up human evolution and bring world peace. Bringing his audacious and persuasive thesis to life, Gartner offers case histories of some famous Americans who represent this phenomenon of hypomania. This self-selection process is the boldest natural experiment ever conducted. Americans may have a lot of crazy ideas, but some of them lead to brilliant inventions. Alexander Hamilton, the indispensable founder who envisioned America's economic future, self-destructed because of pride and impulsive behavior. Craig Venter decoded the human genome. Hypomania, a genetically based mild form of man
ETRM Guru said If I had known this at "If I had known this at 21 I would have been able to achieve even more than I have, especially having known the downside" according to ETRM Guru. A must read for all who have aspirations and for those who don't get - pun intended.. 1 I would have been able to achieve even more than I have, especially having known the downside. A must read for all who have aspirations and for those who don't get - pun intended.. Four Stars Good biographies, good stories. "Five Stars" according to Steven Goldmark. Just as described. Thanks.
Gartner does provide some proof of his theory with Venter, whose life and work can be scrutinized firsthand, though he hasn't been on Gartner's couch. He also contends that hypomania is a peculiarly American trait. Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. Applying terms like "depression" and "hypomania" to Winthrop's spiritual ups and downs, for instance, is anachronistic and reductionist. The author offers us few useful insights into the lives of these historical figures, nor does he seem to have any qualms about framing his case for an "American temperament" solely in male terms. Selznick and Craig Venter, the genome entrepreneur. He argues that hypomania--a mild form of mania--drove many of America's most famous leaders and entrepreneurs to succeed. From Publishers Weekly Diagnosing the psychiatric condition of dead historical figures is risky bus