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July 31, 2001
Book Review: The Future of Success
by Meghan Connolly
The new economy may be offering unprecedented opportunities and choices, but is making it nearly
impossible to live a balanced life.
SocialFunds.com --
Robert B. Reich, former Secretary of Labor, had an epiphany some time ago that provoked him to
change his own life and write The Future of Success. He realized that his work was consuming his life and
deteriorating his relationships with his family, friends, and even himself. His book explains in
great detail, using relevant and personal examples, the powerful trend in our society to work more
and deny ourselves a balanced life.
 The book is broken down into three main
sections. In the first, Reich discusses the impact of technology and globalization on the way that
work is organized and rewarded. He goes on in the second part to explore the implications of the
new economy on individuals, families, and communities. The final part of the book provides
thought-provoking insight into the personal and social choices that we are all forced to make. He
implores all members of society to examine our definition of success and reflect upon the
implications of our personal decisions.
Americans are working longer hours than any other
time in history and more than most other countries. The average American works 350 more hours a
year than does the typical European.
In a recent international survey, only eight percent
of Americans said they would prefer fewer hours of work and less earnings compared to 30 percent of
British respondents and 30 percent of Japanese respondents. Not only are we working more hours,
but also the type of work is becoming more intrusive in our lives.
Society seems to be
speeding up because the logic of the new economy, which he calls the Age of the Terrific Deal,
dictates that more attention be paid to work in order to maintain the ever-expanding choices that
we enjoy as consumers, employees, and investors. Competition is at an all-time high, making
consumer attraction and retention an utmost priority, and consequently making the pace of our lives
faster and frenzied. Seemingly boundless economic opportunities are changing the culture of the
American society.
Reich asks the question: "How can we reap the advantages of the new
economy while preventing its excesses and tempering its injustices?" He suggests that the answer
lie within the context of an economic conversation, and perhaps more importantly, in a moral one.
The market is shaped by our behaviors, and as such it is our obligation to make just and moral
decisions. As we are faced with greater opportunities and better deals, society will have to cope
with greater social upheaval and the escalating demands of work on the other aspects of our lives.
The Future of Success raises many profound questions about the implications of our
current economic system on individual lives. Reich offers insight into societal trends and asks
that we as individuals consider our own work and consumption habits to determine whether or not we
are achieving balanced lives, or perpetuating a system that supports economic rather than personal
priorities.
Buy this book at Amazon.com
©
SRI World Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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