I didn’t know who this was until I heard him on NPR a couple weeks ago, talking about his new book - “Dignity: Seeking Respect in Back Row America” It tells the story of the author giving up his Wall Street life and driving around America talking to those in the “back row”.
He makes the point that success today in America is defined by doing well in school, going to college, getting a good job, succeeding financially. And it turns out, a lot of people don’t want that. They want a job, in their home town, where they can maintain their dignity, provide for a family, support their roots and their town, and live a nice life surrounded by friends and family. Kind of eye opening for me, because I’m a firm supporter of “Be successful and move out of your bum-fuck town, city, or state”. But the book opened my eyes to what other people consider “success” and “happiness”.
In any event, I highly recommend it.