Our Business Civilization

By: Adams, James Truslow

"Our Business Civilization" is a penetrating critique of American life during the late 1920s, written by the Pulitzer Prize-winning historian James Truslow Adams. This collection of essays examines the profound impact that a business-centric worldview has had on the social, cultural, and intellectual fabric of the United States. Adams argues that the relentless pursuit of profit and efficiency has come at a significant cost to the American character, leading to a decline in artistic appreciation, educational standards, and genuine individuality.

Through chapters focusing on topics such as the influence of money on the home, the state of education, and the shifting definitions of success, the work offers a sobering look at a nation caught between rapid economic expansion and cultural stagnation. Adams explores the tension between the "businessman" and the "citizen," questioning whether a society built primarily on commercial principles can sustain a meaningful spiritual or intellectual life. This classic work remains a vital piece of social commentary, providing essential context for understanding the cultural anxieties of the interwar period and the enduring debate over the role of materialism in modern society. Its insights into the American psyche continue to resonate with readers interested in sociology, history, and the evolution of American values.

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• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1025882393
• ISBN13: 9781025882390
• Release Date: February 2026
• Publisher: Tradd Street Press
• Length: 310 Pages
• Weight: 1.35 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 6.1" x 9.2"