Erik Baker

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.

Erik Baker, a Harvard lecturer and Senior Editor of The Drift, joins to unravel the intricate relationship between entrepreneurialism and pop psychology. He discusses the historical roots of the entrepreneurial spirit, tracing its evolution from spiritualism to modern self-help. Topics like the link between anti-psychiatry movements and entrepreneurship, as well as how crises drive innovative thinking, are explored. Baker emphasizes the need for collaborative solutions in today’s economic landscape, highlighting the shift from individual success to collective welfare.

Erik Baker, a Harvard lecturer and author of 'Make Your Own Job,' dives into the intense world of entrepreneurialism and its effects on the labor movement. He discusses how the ideology of self-made success has shaped societal narratives, especially during economic downturns. Baker explores the implications of the gig economy and labor classification, contrasting the struggles faced by workers. He also critiques self-help ideologies and their historical roots, urging solidarity across diverse working classes in the fight for fair labor practices.