Historian Erik Baker, a lecturer at Harvard and author of "Make Your Own Job: How the Entrepreneurial Work Ethic Exhausted America," delves into the allure of the entrepreneurial work ethic. He discusses its historical roots and its seductive power in American culture, sparking conversations about responsibility and identity in the workplace. Baker also critiques how this ethos has evolved, particularly in the tech-driven age of Silicon Valley and in the era of political figures like Trump, highlighting its significant impact on society and individual fulfillment.

Erik Baker, Harvard University lecturer, and editor at The Drift magazine joins the podcast to discuss Garry Wills' book 'Bomb Power' which explores how the development of nuclear weapons transformed US democracy, empowering the presidency and enabling secrecy, deception, and clandestine war. They cover topics such as presidential power, secrecy, the unconstitutionality of bomb power, and the president as commander in chief. They also touch on figures like Snowden and Ellsberg, and the book's profound Catholic perspective.

In this engaging discussion, Erik Baker, author of "Make Your Own Job: How the Entrepreneurial Work Ethic Exhausted America," dives deep into how the perception of work has transformed over the past century. He explores the roots of the entrepreneurial spirit, linking it to movements like New Thought and the cultural shifts in management. Baker argues that while this work ethic promotes self-initiative, it also masks increasing economic insecurity. The conversation highlights the tension between innovation and tradition in the workplace and critiques the gig economy's impact on today's workforce.

In this engaging discussion, Erik Baker, author of 'Make Your Own Job,' sheds light on how the entrepreneurial work ethic reshaped American culture throughout the 20th century. He reveals the unexpected connections between historical figures like Marcus Garvey and Henry Ford, and how this mindset shifted expectations for workers. Baker argues that while promoting individual initiative, this ethos has led to increased economic insecurity and inequality. He explores the roots of the gig economy and its social implications, making a compelling case for reevaluating our relationship with work.

Erik Baker, author of "Make Your Own Job," explores the evolution of the American work ethic and how entrepreneurialism transformed it over the twentieth century. He discusses the shift from traditional job security to today's gig economy, linking it to historical movements like the New Thought. Baker critiques the constant push for self-actualization at work, arguing it has legitimized economic insecurity. He reveals how diverse figures, from Marcus Garvey to Henry Ford, shaped this ethos, ultimately reflecting societal anxieties about work in an unstable economy.