Customer Reviews

OverSuccess: Healing the American Obsession With Wealth, Fame, Power, and Perfection

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At first glance I was expecting a read chalked full of opinion on the downturn of society and how we have all failed our children and forefathers. Instead, what I found was cohesive concept broken down into well researched science, sociology, psychology and anthropology laid out in a way that is fun to read. Important to note is how Rubens does a nice job of separating his opinions from the stated facts.

As a parent, this book makes me think a bit more about the world we live in and the world I want to send my kids out into, without making me feel depressed about it all. In fact is gives some positive ideas on how to do little things daily to promote well adjusted self esteem and a more caring community while still achieving success.

I found this to be a great read both when I was interested in piecing together the causes and affects of fixation on "OverSuccess", and when I really just wanted to read through interesting facts after a long day. In short, buy it, you won't regret it.

What are we all doing here is the question raised and answered by Jim Rubins. Someone will always be richer, more famous, more something, so we are playing a game with no winners.
How about a different game? How about different rules? How about a different reason for getting up in the morning?
Your reason for being is unique. Why accept a standard that is not yours?
Define quality of life in the context of who you are, not who others are.
Calling to question questionable values is the mission Jim Rubins is on.
He does it well. Mission accomplished. A good read worth investing a portion of your time on earth to consider.

This book is a masterpiece, one of the best books I have read in years. Jim Rubens draws on almost every field of study, blending in his own life history, to produce a convincing explanation of where we are today and how we got there. What I find ironic is that his own life included many periods of oversuccess but, hey, that may be what allowed him to write this.

Submitted by Dr. Kevin Keough-Wilmington, Delaware

It is difficult to read OverSuccess without sensing the spirits of Ralph Waldo Emerson and Walker Percy. Emerson's influence on social commentary and philosophical musings about human nature, social relations, and our place in the cosmos has been inescapable. Walker Percy, operating as a 'novelist as diagnostician' identified the signs and symptoms of an insidious and deadly dis-ease afflicting denizens of the 20th century.

Jim Rubens translates, updates, and extends the insights of these luminaries. His presentation and style are well-suited for contemporary readers capable of absorbing 383 pages of accessible and comprehensive analysis,valuable context, and sensible individual and collective actions that promise to lead us out of a Culture of Death.

Ruben is perfectly comfortable revealing his rather goofy and humorous youthful thinking, service in the NH state senate, a failed effort to become Governor, and his knack for making and losing obscene amounts of money. He is a venture investor, with a quick wit, humility and focused passion.

The thesis of OverSuccess is tightly reasoned drawing from very diverse fields revealing the Obsession that haunts and controls us. Our frightening fixation on fame,recognition, success, money, status---forever outside the grasp of 95 % of the population exacts a toll of those who 'succeed' and those who 'fail'. Research from evolutionary biology and psychology jolts us into recognition that all efforts to extricate ourselves from the "OverSuccess" dis-ease will require cunning, perseverance, cooperation, and a dauntless commitment to radically transform ourselves and our culture. When it seems to be too much-----look into the eyes if an infant or young child. We've no right not to get this right.

A standing ovation for Jm Rubens !

On starting this book, I thought of the short story "Harrison Bergeron" by Kurt Vonnegut, in which the "Handicapper General" levels the playing-field to eliminate the tensions of the systemically unattainable in athletic prowess, physical beauty or mental agility. When I reached CH 4, "Supernatural Benchmarks", I saw Mr Rubens had quoted Vonnegut to good effect, on exactly the problem of competing in the "global village". Of course, defining a problem is a good start, coming up with solutions is a lot harder as I'm sure Mr Rubens would say. In that, he makes a fine effort and I commend this book to a wide audience who will certainly benefit from the extensive research and effort that went into "OverSuccess".

Jim Ruben's book "Oversuccess" presents the social, philosophical, psychological, behavioral, neurological, and historical underpinnings and outcomes of our cultures latest and most ubiquitous pathology: "Oversuccess." In describing its pathogenesis, symptoms, history and treatment suggestions, Mr.Rubens deftly delves into all these fields and more. In a well referenced, but readable, format the book systematically guides the reader towards a clearer understanding of something most of us feel but few have defined: The desire for the unobtainable, the obsessive wishing for the unachievable, the awareness of incessant media messages encouraging this system, and the social reward system that rewards a winner-take-all outcome. The book is a world of data and experience that in its entirety exposes the cost of "oversuccess" in just about every sphere of human existence. The book was both a great read, and an education.
Aaron Osofsky D.D.S.

Autobiographical account of Mr. Rubens' experiences and inquiry leading to methods he has found effective in responding to and avoiding pitfalls of American society. He bolsters his rationale and conclusions with persuasive use of scientific studies. I don't think this book is for everyone as many have long since found their own ways of dealing with society successfully. For those who need help, this book may be enlightening.

Jim Rubens is an entrepreneur who knows what he is talking about when he writes about what he calls "the American Obsession with Wealth, Fame, Power, and Perfection." After years of success in business,his book comes at a time when people are dying to climb the ladder while the economy is in shambles. In short, Rubens's advice can help us all.


Joan Kanel Slomanson
author of "When Everybody Ate at Schrafft's"

It is hard, if not impossible, to argue with Jim Rubins' position that a more civil society concerned with the welfare of those less fortunate would benefit both the individual and the collective. But when considering the source the arguments ring hollow. A large portion of the book recounts his rise into extraordinary wealth and influence. There are detailed accounts of a lifestyle that exceeds the imagination, let alone the dreams of most people. This followed by the admonition that to desire such things above all else is the root of unhappiness, indebtedness and all manner of problems.

I am sorry I gave this author a few more dollars to be told that greed is not good. That it is better just to be nice to people. He knows because he's been there and if you buy his book he can spare you the trouble.

Jim Rubens walks the talk--having been a successful entrepreneur many times. Clearly he has been goal- and success-oriented. His new book is an interesting reflection. It has substance, giving readers an opportunity to ponder how we each pursue professional goals and personal success. Where, in our goal pursuits, does valuing courtesy and affirmation of others get lost? Why? His book and his ideas give us a chance to reflect: what IS the meaning of our lives and how do we set a course for our goals and at what cost? As a school administrator, the internal pondering is how to balance encouraging students to set goals and achieve (as in high grades) while also setting out to live a psychologically healthy and caring life. The book has strong observations but, then, he advances a strong and challenging topic. Many of us would benefit from Jim's thoughtful observations.