In 'Selling Free Enterprise,' Elizabeth A. Fones-Wolf uncovers the compelling narrative behind the promotion of free enterprise in America. Through a detailed exploration of advertising, media, and public relations, she reveals how the concept of free enterprise became ingrained in the American psyche. The book challenges readers to consider the powerful forces that shape economic ideals and societal values. Fones-Wolf's meticulous research highlights the intersection of capitalism and culture, posing critical questions about freedom and market values. This thought-provoking work invites readers to reflect on the implications of selling not just products, but a way of life.
By Elizabeth A. Fones-Wolf
Published: 1994
"In the marketplace of ideas, the truth is often drowned out by the clamor of profit; yet, it is the earnest voices of those who dare to question that light the way toward genuine progress."
The post-World War II years in the United States were marked by the business community's efforts to discredit New Deal liberalism and undermine the power and legitimacy of organized labor. In Selling Free Enterprise, Elizabeth Fones-Wolf describes how conservative business leaders strove to reorient workers away from their loyalties to organized labor and government, teaching that prosperity could be achieved through reliance on individual initiative, increased productivity, and the protection of personal liberty. Based on research in a wide variety of business and labor sources, this detailed account shows how business permeated every aspect of American life, including factories, schools, churches, and community institutions.
Showing 8 of 28 similar books
Naval Ravikant is an entrepreneur, angel investor, and philosopher, best known as the co-founder of AngelList, a platform that connects startups with investors. Ravikant is a prolific thinker and writer on topics such as startups, investing, and personal well-being, sharing his wisdom through essays, podcasts, and social media. He has invested in over 100 companies, including Uber, Twitter, and Yammer, making him one of Silicon Valley’s most successful angel investors. Ravikant is also known for his philosophical musings on wealth, happiness, and the meaning of life, which have garnered him a large and dedicated following.
Ana Lorena Fabrega is an innovative educator and author passionate about reimagining education. Known as “Ms. Fab,” she is the Chief Evangelist at Synthesis, an education startup inspired by the problem-solving and collaboration model used at SpaceX. She advocates for alternative learning methods, encouraging curiosity and creativity in students. Ana's work emphasizes the importance of engaging young learners in real-world challenges and critical thinking. She also shares insights on education reform through her popular newsletter, Fab Fridays.
Barack Obama is the 44th President of the United States, serving from 2009 to 2017. As the first African American president, Obama’s leadership marked a historic moment in American history. His administration focused on healthcare reform, economic recovery from the Great Recession, and environmental policies. He is best known for the Affordable Care Act, as well as his efforts to expand civil rights and restore diplomatic relations with Cuba. Since leaving office, Obama has continued to engage in public life through his foundation, focusing on leadership development, civic engagement, and global issues.
Anderson Cooper is an esteemed American journalist and television personality, best known for anchoring "Anderson Cooper 360°" on CNN. He has gained widespread recognition for his incisive reporting on major global events, earning multiple Emmy Awards for his work. Cooper is also an accomplished author, having penned the best-selling memoir "Dispatches from the Edge," which chronicles his experiences covering some of the world's most perilous conflicts and disasters. His literary contributions extend to "The Rainbow Comes and Goes," a poignant dialogue with his mother, Gloria Vanderbilt, that explores themes of family and resilience. Through his work in both journalism and literature, Cooper has made a significant impact on contemporary media and storytelling.
Andrew Chen is a venture capitalist, entrepreneur, and thought leader in growth marketing, currently serving as a general partner at Andreessen Horowitz. Chen is known for his expertise in network effects, viral growth strategies, and marketplace dynamics, making him a sought-after advisor for startups looking to scale. Prior to joining Andreessen Horowitz, he worked in leadership roles at Uber, helping to grow the ride-sharing platform’s user base and develop key growth strategies. Chen is also a prolific writer, sharing his insights on growth, technology, and startups through his popular blog and newsletter, which has attracted a loyal following in the tech community. His work has helped shape how many startups approach user acquisition, retention, and product-market fit. As a venture capitalist, Chen focuses on early-stage companies in the consumer internet, SaaS, and marketplace sectors, and he has been involved in funding and advising several successful startups. His insights on technology and growth continue to influence both founders and investors alike.
Reid Hoffman is an influential American entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and author, best known as the co-founder of LinkedIn, the professional networking platform that transformed online professional interactions. Hoffman has significantly impacted the business world through his investments in notable tech companies like Airbnb, Facebook, and Zynga. As an author, he has co-written several acclaimed books, including "The Start-Up of You" and "Blitzscaling," which provide strategic insights into career development and business growth. His works are celebrated for their practical advice and have become essential reading for aspiring entrepreneurs and business leaders. Hoffman's contributions extend beyond his literary efforts, as he remains a prominent figure in Silicon Valley, shaping the future of technology and innovation.
Nat Eliason is an influential writer, entrepreneur, and educator known for his insightful work on personal growth, productivity, and digital marketing. He founded Growth Machine, a successful SEO and content marketing agency that has helped numerous companies expand their online presence. Eliason's thought-provoking articles on his blog cover a wide range of topics, from philosophy to health, attracting a large and engaged audience. Additionally, he authored "Effortless Output with Roam," a comprehensive guide on using the Roam Research tool for knowledge management. Through his diverse contributions, Eliason has established himself as a significant voice in the realms of self-improvement and digital strategy.
John Maeda is a designer, technologist, and thought leader known for his work at the intersection of technology, design, and leadership. A former president of the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), Maeda has been a strong advocate for integrating art and design with technology to drive innovation. He is currently the Chief Technology Officer at Everbridge and has previously held leadership roles at Automattic (the parent company of WordPress) and KPCB, a venture capital firm. Maeda’s work explores the role of creativity in technology, and he is known for his insightful talks and books, including The Laws of Simplicity and Redesigning Leadership. He has been instrumental in promoting the idea of “design thinking” in business and has influenced a generation of designers and technologists to approach problem-solving with creativity. Maeda is also a prolific speaker, frequently sharing his ideas on the future of design and its role in shaping the modern world.
Showing 8 of 21 related collections
“In the marketplace of ideas, the truth is often drowned out by the clamor of profit; yet, it is the earnest voices of those who dare to question that light the way toward genuine progress.”
Selling Free Enterprise
By Elizabeth A. Fones-Wolf
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.
Elizabeth A. Fones-Wolf is a distinguished historian and author, renowned for her contributions to the field of labor history and the American West. With a keen focus on the intersections of labor, race, and gender, her notable works include 'Fear Itself: The New Deal and the Origins of Our Time' and 'The American West: A History'. Fones-Wolf's writing style is characterized by its meticulous research, narrative depth, and ability to seamlessly weave together personal stories with broader social movements. She is also a professor of history, inspiring the next generation of scholars through her teaching and mentorship.
Key information about the book.
Buy on Amazon
Buy via BookShopSupport local bookstores: BookShop gives a portion of each sale to independent bookshops!
In “Crush It!”, Gary Vaynerchuk ignites a passion for pursuing your dreams by harnessing the power of social media. He shares his own journey from a struggling wine retailer to a successful entrepreneur, demonstrating that authenticity and hard work can lead to incredible success. With practical advice and invigorating stories, Vaynerchuk inspires readers to turn their passions into profitable businesses. He emphasizes the importance of personal branding in today’s digital age, encouraging everyone to share their voices boldly. Ready to transform your passion into a thriving career? Dive in and discover how to “crush it!” today!
In "The Thank You Economy," Gary Vaynerchuk explores the transformative power of gratitude in the age of social media. He argues that businesses thriving today are those that prioritize genuine connections and heartfelt appreciation for their customers. Through vivid anecdotes and real-world examples, Vaynerchuk stresses the importance of listening and engaging authentically with consumers. As technology reshapes customer expectations, the book reveals how a culture of gratitude can drive loyalty and success. Dive in to discover how to harness the power of thankfulness to elevate your brand in an increasingly connected world!
In 'Amusing Ourselves to Death', Neil Postman explores the alarming impact of television and entertainment on public discourse and critical thought. He argues that a culture inundated with superficial media is prioritizing distraction over meaningful communication. Postman presents a compelling critique of how entertainment values undermine the seriousness of important issues. Through sharp analysis and wit, he warns against the perils of living in a world where information is merely amusement. This provocative work invites readers to reflect on their own media consumption and its implications for democracy and intellect.
In 'Hatching Twitter', Nick Bilton unveils the tumultuous rise of the social media giant Twitter, chronicling the intense rivalries and relationships among its founders. From a small idea in a messy office to a billion-dollar company, the book reveals the behind-the-scenes struggles and creative tensions that shaped the platform. Readers will discover the personal sacrifices and ethical dilemmas faced by the key players in this digital revolution. With gripping storytelling, the book captures the chaotic blend of ambition, innovation, and betrayal that defined Twitter's inception. What will you uncover about the true stories behind the tweets?
In 'The Lily,' Daniel Cloud intricately weaves the concepts of evolution, play, and societal freedom into a compelling narrative. The book challenges conventional thinking by illustrating how play is an essential mechanism for innovation and adaptation in both nature and human society. Cloud argues that true freedom fosters creativity and collaboration, ultimately leading to a vibrant and progressive community. With captivating examples and thought-provoking insights, the narrative invites readers to reconsider the intersection of individual liberty and collective growth. Discover how the delicate balance of evolution and play can empower a society to thrive in unpredictable times.
In 'Propaganda,' Edward L. Bernays unveils the art and science behind manipulating public perception. Often dubbed the father of public relations, Bernays shares how he harnessed the power of media to shape opinions and consumer behavior. This groundbreaking work walks readers through historical case studies that reveal the hidden forces driving societal change. With insights that resonate today, Bernays challenges us to consider the ethical implications of influence and persuasion. Prepare to dive into a world where thoughts are crafted and reality is molded - are you ready to see behind the curtain?
In 'Women, Fire, and Dangerous Things', George Lakoff explores how language shapes our thoughts and influences our understanding of the world. He dives deep into the cognitive science of categorization, revealing how our mental frameworks dictate perceptions of gender, culture, and even danger. Through captivating examples, Lakoff challenges traditional notions of language and meaning, showing how they reflect our social realities. As he uncovers the connections between language, mind, and society, readers are prompted to rethink their own conceptual boundaries. This groundbreaking work is both a scholarly examination and an invitation to explore the complexities of human cognition.
In 'Hard-Boiled Wonderland and the End of the World,' Haruki Murakami crafts a surreal narrative that oscillates between two contrasting realities: a futuristic Tokyo filled with data-siphoning dreams and a mysterious town where memories are erased. As a data technician known for his unique abilities uncovers a conspiracy entwined with his own subconscious, readers are drawn into an intricate labyrinth of consciousness and identity. Parallel to this, the enigmatic narrative of the End of the World unfolds, exploring themes of isolation and the essence of humanity. Each character, from the original to the fantastical, adds layers to Murakami's exploration of existential dilemmas. This novel challenges the very fabric of reality, leaving you questioning where dreams end and truth begins.
Download our mobile app to enjoy your favorite books on the go. Get access to exclusive features, offline listening, and personalized recommendations.
