How to Get Rich in America

David Whitman's The Myth of American Decline investigates the apparent contradiction between Americans' personal assessments of their own lives and their pessimistic views of the nation's trajectory. The book traces historical and sociological roots of decline narratives, showing how media, politics, and cultural memory shape perceptions. Whitman argues that while structural challenges exist, the narrative of inevitable decline is often exaggerated and disconnected from many individuals' lived experiences. He examines the implications of this optimism gap for civic life, political engagement, and policy debates. The work offers a nuanced account of national mood, urging attention to both real problems and the rhetoric that amplifies them.

In this influential book, Albert O. Hirschman explores how individuals and groups respond to decline in various organizations. He introduces the concepts of 'exit' (withdrawing from the organization), 'voice' (attempting to improve the organization through complaint or protest), and 'loyalty' (the factor that can influence the choice between exit and voice). Hirschman argues that these responses are interdependent and that understanding their interaction is crucial for addressing organizational decline. The book applies these concepts to a wide range of economic, social, and political phenomena, including consumer behavior, political parties, and personal relationships.