In 'Age of Ambition,' Evan Osnos takes readers on a riveting journey through contemporary China, exploring the fervent pursuit of wealth, truth, and spirituality amidst rapid social change. The narrative centers on compelling stories of individuals striving for their dreams in a country torn between tradition and modernity. Osnos reveals the complexities of a society where ambition knows no bounds, yet is shadowed by government control and societal expectations. Through his vivid storytelling, he captures the hopes and struggles of a generation fighting for identity and purpose. This book offers an intimate glimpse into a world where the promise of prosperity conflicts with the quest for authenticity.
By Evan Osnos
Published: 2015
"In the pursuit of ambition, we grapple not only with our aspirations but also with the truths of our identity and the faith we place in our future."
Pulitzer Prize in General Nonfiction finalist Winner of the 2014 National Book Award in nonfiction. An Economist Best Book of 2014. A vibrant, colorful, and revelatory inner history of China during a moment of profound transformation From abroad, we often see China as a caricature: a nation of pragmatic plutocrats and ruthlessly dedicated students destined to rule the global economy-or an addled Goliath, riddled with corruption and on the edge of stagnation. What we don't see is how both powerful and ordinary people are remaking their lives as their country dramatically changes. As the Beijing correspondent for The New Yorker, Evan Osnos was on the ground in China for years, witness to profound political, economic, and cultural upheaval. In Age of Ambition, he describes the greatest collision taking place in that country: the clash between the rise of the individual and the Communist Party's struggle to retain control. He asks probing questions: Why does a government with more success lifting people from poverty than any civilization in history choose to put strict restraints on freedom of expression? Why do millions of young Chinese professionals-fluent in English and devoted to Western pop culture-consider themselves "angry youth," dedicated to resisting the West's influence? How are Chinese from all strata finding meaning after two decades of the relentless pursuit of wealth? Writing with great narrative verve and a keen sense of irony, Osnos follows the moving stories of everyday people and reveals life in the new China to be a battleground between aspiration and authoritarianism, in which only one can prevail.
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“In the pursuit of ambition, we grapple not only with our aspirations but also with the truths of our identity and the faith we place in our future.”
Age of Ambition
By Evan Osnos
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.
Evan Osnos is an acclaimed American journalist and author known for his insightful analysis of political and social issues. He is a staff writer at The New Yorker and has previously served as the Beijing bureau chief for the publication, where he covered China’s rapid transformation and the complexities of its global influence. Osnos is the author of several notable works, including 'Age of Ambition: Chasing Fortune, Truth, and Faith in the New China,' which was a finalist for the National Book Award, and 'Joe Biden: The Life, the Run, and What Matters Now,' a thorough exploration of the American president's life and career. His writing is characterized by its thoughtful narratives, rich detail, and a keen ability to weave personal stories with broader societal themes.
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