Compassionate Capitalism [Paperback]

Rich DeVos (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 1994

Compassionate capitalism? How could that be? Doesn't "capitalism" mean "dog-eat-dog, law of the jungle, every person for himself"? Rich DeVos, co-founder and former president of Amway, responds to this hard-nosed approach with a resounding "no." He offers more than a vision in this extraordinary book. It is a plan. A proven plan. A plan that has made him one of America's richest men, and that has made Amway one of the great corporate success stories of our time. Compassionate Capitalism spells out clearly and eloquently the guiding principles and concrete steps to making your life and your world better. Rich DeVos shows how your energy, your ambition, and your spirit of enterprise can travel together down a path in which the spirit of capitalism and moral values inextricably merge. Interweaving his own amazing story with vivid personal histories of men and women around the world, Rich DeVos illustrates both how success is achieved and what it truly means. He demonstrates that compassionate capitalism is the only solution to the most crucial issues of our time, and to the many other challenges that face us in the closing decade of this century and in the beginning of the next.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Recently there has been a deluge of books on managerial theory, "how-to" scenarios and inspirational tomes about the "good life," but rarely can an author combine these genres. DeVos, co-founder and retired president of Amway, does so effectively with this study of how to be entrepreneurial, successful and compassionate. Offering dozens of emotional anecdotes about struggling and then successful people he knew at Amway, DeVos develops an intriguing 16-part "Credo for Compassionate Capitalism" that draws heavily on the Judeo-Christian ethical tradition, then melds its precepts with those of capitalism. His thoughts on helping others, racial and religious toleration and the environment are impressive, as are his positions on credit availability and business behavior. Of obvious interest to Amway's two million distributors, his book should also have strong appeal for general readers.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal

Combining history with present-day case studies, DeVos presents a methodology for "compassionate capitalism"--that is, while remaining a capitalist, one can also care about the planet, have a conscience and heart, and reach out to serve others. Each chapter starts out with a credo: for example, "owning our own business is the best way to guarantee our personal freedom and our financial security." DeVos illustrates this credo with the example of Ben and Jerry's ice cream company, which has established a foundation and uses its resources to provide community-oriented activities with loans and grants. DeVos, a founder of the now-worldwide Amway Corporation, recently won the Alexander Hamilton Award for Economic Education from the Freedom Foundation; he maintains that inspiration and motivation are the basis for entrepreneurial success. Recommended for public libraries.
- Joan A. Traugott, Amityville P.L., N.Y.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 338 pages
• Publisher: Plume; 1st Plume Printing edition (September 1, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0452270510
• ISBN-13: 978-0452270510
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.5 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #616,415 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent book by one of America's foremost businessmen., March 16, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Compassionate Capitalism (Paperback)

As the founder of Amway Corporation, the world's largest and most successful direct-selling organization, Rich DeVos is uniquly qualified to comment on a new way of seeing the world of business. Mr. DeVos is a highly respected person of impeccable character whose message of freedom and hope is becoming more acceptable to business leaders worldwide. The DeVos and Van Andel (co-founder of Amway) families have quietly become two of the wealthiest and influental families in America today. Their philosophies of fufilling financial obligations to one's family, friends, charities, etc, through helping others acheive their goals is refreshing. Although not an active Amway Distributor myself, I can't help but marvel at the number of media-driven attacks on Amway Corporation. This company, through the vision of both it's founders and distributors, is THE model for today's company attempting to balance an innovative spirit with corporate and social responsibility. This privately-held, debt-free, multibillion dollar corporation has put billions of dollars into the pockets of hard working people worldwide. As a corporate executive, I'd recommend this book to anyone who wants a glimpse into the life of a man whose company stands on the forefront of the business world heading into the next millenium.

14 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Book The Country Should Read, June 8, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Compassionate Capitalism (Paperback)

This book was written by one of the most prominent businessmen in the world. He and his partner started with just an idea, as with many other large corporations we are familiar with, and turned it into one of the only debt free companies in the U.S.. Producing billions of anual revenue. Rich Devos has a huge heart and he is more generous than most, for he is willing to share with the world what beliefs and habits put him into the positions that he is at now. Rich Devos has been able to help milliions of people find hope and rekindle their dreams by using a direct selling method that many other companies alike can only wish they had. This book has great stories about success and failure alike, for one does not come without the other. If you are looking for a book with strong priciples and beliefs then this is the book for you. I would recommend it to anyone building an amway business or not, simply because of what it will teach. This book will make you feel proud to be in a FREE country and make you think "why am I not doing my part to help out?"

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A successful entrepreneur shares the secrets to true wealth, January 29, 2001

By 

Ritesh Laud (Houston, TX USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Compassionate Capitalism (Paperback)

There are lots of wealthy people out there but most aren't truly happy. This is largely because they aren't fulfilling a higher purpose with their businesses, they're simply out there trying to survive in the often cutthroat business world. DeVos explains what it takes to make your business a positive force in the world; "positive" by virtually any standard.

Contrary to a lot of advice you may have heard out there on how to successfully build a prosperous business, DeVos claims that integrating compassion for your fellow man with lucrative opportunities is the real secret to security and happiness. It's the knowledge that what you're doing is making a difference that makes you feel worthy of the privilege and comfort of wealth. And even before the wealth comes, having a compassionate attitude along with sound business acumen (which can be learned) goes a long way towards increasing your chances of attaining wealth and influence.

A great book written in a language anyone can understand. I don't have any complaints, but I refrain from giving it five stars because it didn't "knock my socks off!" Highly recommended reading for anyone looking to understand the attitudes and principles necessary for *true* success.