Customer Reviews

Resentment Against Achievement: Understanding the Assault upon Ability

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This book would likely not have pleased the author's English teacher very much. As other reviewers have noted, the amount of research cited in "Resentment against Achievement" was smaller than is really comfortable. The subject tackled, though, makes up in large part for that. Think of that old example of being the lead runner in a race: if you are out in front, your butt is exposed. If you are out front achieving where others are trying less hard, or are less talented, then your butt is the target others aim at. Your good work will be roundly resented.

Even if this is an old theme, Scheaffer brings some new thoughts and observations to the table. From chapter four, for example, he notes that "morality derives from the accomplishments of the finest achievers." He means in all fields, not just in a few. Also in the same chapter, Scheaffer predicts that no societal upheaval will ever again rise up under the flag of "liberation" during this current generation (we hope not; one Che Guevara is enough for a lifetime). Not to give away too much content, there were these from chapter five:
- New housing is called "sprawl," except when it's in short supply, in which case the government has to "do something about it." "Home" and "work" are where I live; "sprawl" and "urban blight" are where you live.
- In a free society, the greatest profits are made by filling the needs of many people, not just a few. Since the middle class is by far the largest segment of a free society, they control the big piece of the economy. Ergo, you make the most profit by satisfying the segment with the most money, the most people: the middle class.
- Unfortunately, persons at the bottom of the economic ladder usually claim that the people at the top got their rewards by luck or cheating, rather than by skill and work.

The country-level theme of "Resentment" can probably be stated as: capitalist systems do not create poverty, the default condition of the human race from doing nothing is poverty itself. Robinson Caruso is a stark example of living in extreme poverty. The book can be read rather quickly, and certainly the style is easy to absorb. Worth putting on your "to buy" list.

There is no better book than "Resentment Against Achievement" to illustrate and explain what contempt is being created for "The Rich" and even for those who wish to become "Rich."
A must read.

This is one of my favorite books, I often refer to it during the inevitable political arguments I have. A pity so few people are aware of it and the message contained. Although written in 1988 it is especially relevant today with regard to our politically correct environment, the trashing of fundemental values and other 21st century afflictions.

Sheaffer makes some good points but he fails to cite much information. For example, when he makes the case for socialist morality's roots he gives no citations, when a simple cite to Marx's Manifesto would've done.
If you're willing to do just a bit of research on his claims they instantly become far more credible than believed -- leaving you with a 'wow' feeling because you wanted to be more skeptical at first.

The theme of this book is: everyone who is rich or at the top of any profession got where they are by honesty, integrity, and hard work. Like Bernie Madoff, Michael Milken, Jeffrey Skilling, the bankers of Goldman-Sachs, the biggest hip-hop band, and the wealthy politicians and wealthy corporate lobbyists in Washington DC.

He says if you object to seeing your nation, your culture, your 401k, and your future being stolen or ruined by such upright men and women, then you are against human achievement per se and are therefore evil.

Sheaffer makes the incredible assertion (incredible for 2011, anyway) that bankers are more moral than the general population. If they weren't, then they would never be trusted with that much money, he says. The reader doesn't know whether to laugh or cry.

The book has almost no references and is written like a rant. It's merely a piece of cheap Nietzschian propaganda for whatever part of the criminal class is predominant for the nonce.

Very good book, read it about three times. Some harsh truths within: rock 'n roll lacks talent & torn t-shirts aren't cool. The only problem with his book is the Christian-bashing. Obviously, this dear gentleman has no clue as to what's involved in following Christ. JESUS IS LORD!