Something for Nothing: The All-Consuming Desire that Turns the American Dream into a Social Nightmare [Hardcover]

Brian Tracy (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 9, 2005

America's greatness comes from people working hard to fulfill their dreams. But today that greatness is being undermined by people using the government to steal other people's dreams (and money). Rather than participate and innovate in the marketplace, generating goods and services that benefit society, people are increasingly vying for political advantage to live at the expense of others. Something for Nothing reveals the social and personal threats inherent in this emerging "grabbing match" culture, juxtaposing free-market virtues against government vices, explaining how the something-for-nothing mentality corrupts the political system, undermines corporate success, and stifles the individual's ability to prosper and contribute long-term to society. More than exposing the dangers, however, Tracy helps readers set a personal and culture-wide agenda for change.

Editorial Reviews

From AudioFile

Veteran teacher and personal development expert Brian Tracy says that individuals have enormous capacity to choose the way they think and act, a choice that is often sabotaged by the all too human desire to get rewards without doing the work. With careful analysis and a firm grasp of the economics of personal functioning, and Tracy's trademark ability to flesh out his points with lucid examples, this is a memorable lesson that will impact anyone who hears it. Tracy is especially articulate about how society's institutions can help or hurt an individual's capacity to live ethically. This is an indispensable guide to being responsible for one's life and influencing others to do the same. T.W. © AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine --This text refers to the Audio CD edition.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 272 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson (November 9, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1595550380
• ISBN-13: 978-1595550385
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.7 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #103,683 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Brian Tracy is one of America's leading authorities on the development of human potential and personal effectiveness. A dynamic and inspiring speaker, he addresses thousands of people each year on the subjects of personal and professional development, including the executives and staff of such firms as IBM, Arthur Andersen, McDonnell Douglas, and The Million Dollar Round Table. Prior to founding his own firm, Brian Tracy International, he had successful careers in sales and marketing, investments, real estate development, distribution, and management consulting. Tracy is the author of thirteen previous books including the bestselling book Maximum Achievement. He is also the author/narrator of numerous bestselling audiocassette programs, including The Psychology of Achievement and How to Start and Succeed in Your Own Business.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

27 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Something for Nothing is more than nothing of a book!, November 29, 2005

By 

Michael S. Cox "GreatNewCDs" (San Diego, CA United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Something for Nothing: The All-Consuming Desire that Turns the American Dream into a Social Nightmare (Hardcover)

I have been a modest reader of Brian's work for a while and a friend gave me this book and said that it was a must read - he was so excited! Once i picked it up, I understood, as I was unable to put it down and powered through it during the weekend. This is a bit different from much of Brian's other material, but it is quite remarkable and i hope he does more of this kind of stuff.

Essentially he gets into the core of human nature and helps bring it to life. He then extrapolates on these premises and helps us understand where much of the bad and good come from in this world and what types of things, we as U.S. citizens, can do to help make this a better place to live. I wish that they made this book a mandatory reading in all high schools- would sure help us all out!!! Enjoy!

18 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of My Favorite Mentors, Authors and Guides, January 5, 2006

By 

B. V. Dam "California Candyman" (California, USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Something for Nothing: The All-Consuming Desire that Turns the American Dream into a Social Nightmare (Hardcover)

I have been a reader, listener and fan of Brian Tracy since a friend gave me a copy of Maxiumum Acheivement years ago (Which I HIGHLY RECOMMEND. It is 10 Stars and changed my life).

Something for Nothing is an incredible, dynamic, insightful and educational read. I am a slow reader, have had it for a week and I will finish the last 10 pages tonight. I found myself nodding my head while I was reading this book. If ONLY our governing bodies would read this, America would still have hope to continue to be the future's leading nation. I agree 100% with Brian's assessment and I am no push-over.

Through his books and CD's I have come learn that Brian Tracy is a genuine, confident, warm, intelligent and driven man that has a true talent for guiding people toward excellence. Too bad his presidential run did not work out (yet) as I feel that a country under the leadership of a man like Brian would be an even better place to live that we already have.

I only know Brian through his work but I will meet him one day as it is one of my goals. I look forward to it every time I read his books or listen to his CD's (get the Science of Self Confidence)

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Brian Tracy's Rantings, April 20, 2008

By 

Clint Pachl (Phoenix, Arizona) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Something for Nothing: The All-Consuming Desire that Turns the American Dream into a Social Nightmare (Hardcover)

I am writing this review because this book pissed me off; in a good way.

I was expecting a business-centric read, however, it is more about human nature. He spends almost the first 100 pages describing how humans are inherently lazy, greedy, selfish, ambitious, vain, ignorant, impatient, and constantly striving to fulfill their needs for safety, security, comfort, leisure, love, respect, and fulfillment by acquiring money and power. These human characteristics and needs are constants. Our environment is the variable in this equation and that is what this book is really about.

Tracy discusses the environmental systems, such as law, free markets, entrepreneurship, and the idea of freedom, that guide us to be peaceful beings on this Earth. Then Tracy takes us to the dark side. This is where his rants begin and the book gets controversial. Tracy analyzes numerous situations throughout history where people, politicians, businesses, and countries act expediently and feel they deserve entitlements without earning them. This is also the point where I got pissed off because he is right on so many arguments. His research and views have helped me strengthen my own beliefs and realize just how inefficient, corrupt, and fragile our World really is.

Anyone who reads this book will find themselves agreeing and disagreeing with the author and that's what makes this a provocative read. Tracy is very raw and to-the-point. This is really a social study dating back to the Revolutionary War on through the current Iraq War.