Something for Nothing: The All-Consuming Desire That Turns the American Dream Into a Social Nightmare

by Brian Tracy

Book Overview

America's greatness comes from people working hard to fulfill their dreams. But today that greatness is being undermined by people using the government to steal other people's dreams (and money).... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1595550380
• ISBN13: 9781595550385
• Release Date: January 2005
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson
• Length: 272 Pages
• Weight: 0.88 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 5.7" x 8.4"

Customer Reviews

A small price for a big reminder about character

I recommended this book to the President--not because he himself lacks character, but to remind us all that WE lack character, and large numbers of us keep expecting it to show up in the mailbox every month. How DARE we allow the government to set such minimum mediocre standards for us to achieve and be happy with! How dare we settle for such mediocrity in our lives, and then scream for more "something for nothing" in the form of handouts. This book is full of lessons about the elements of character, how to put it all together, and finally, what to do with it. We as a nation need to turn in our rested laurels for a pair of bootstraps, and PRONTO! If you are already in possession of a pair of bootstraps, you'll find this an inspirational read. If not, then you will find it a disgusting finger-pointing accusation of what you AREN'T doing to help this nation thrive--and you SHOULD be disgusted with what you AREN'T doing!

One of My Favorite Mentors, Authors and Guides

I have been a reader, listener and fan of Brian Tracy since a friend gave me a copy of Maxiumum Acheivement years ago (Which I HIGHLY RECOMMEND. It is 10 Stars and changed my life). Something for Nothing is an incredible, dynamic, insightful and educational read. I am a slow reader, have had it for a week and I will finish the last 10 pages tonight. I found myself nodding my head while I was reading this book. If ONLY our governing bodies would read this, America would still have hope to continue to be the future's leading nation. I agree 100% with Brian's assessment and I am no push-over. Through his books and CD's I have come learn that Brian Tracy is a genuine, confident, warm, intelligent and driven man that has a true talent for guiding people toward excellence. Too bad his presidential run did not work out (yet) as I feel that a country under the leadership of a man like Brian would be an even better place to live that we already have. I only know Brian through his work but I will meet him one day as it is one of my goals. I look forward to it every time I read his books or listen to his CD's (get the Science of Self Confidence)

I Got "SOMETHING for NOTHiNg"

It was cold the day I received the small manila package in the mail. It was dated Dec 3, 2005, hand signed by the author and shipped by Brian Tracy himself. Another book and the title "SOMETHING for NOTHING" couldn't have been more coincidental sense I didn't pay a dime for it. I'm wondering was Brian trying to tell me something. Quickly a girl I'm mentoring took the book playing games and told me "sorry Brian sent the book for me". but as I begin to read the book it said it all. I was so moved by the first chapter "Why we do the things we do" I read it out loud the next day during a presentation I did at school. Over 50 elementary students were impressed by the concepts written in this book. Brian has out done himself by laying down the ground rules for what motivates us individually. Helping us all to understand quite clearly what are the seven fundamental qualities that drive human nature and how these qualities are neutral possessing a bright side/dark side, a good versus a bad or a positive side of the nature versus the negative side of the nature. Brian exposes these qualities in illustrations that begin to reveal how a culture like America has gotten side track. How we have become engrossed in obtaining a get more for pay less mentality which eventually leads to humans in selfish search of somethig for nothing. Those in hot pursuit of the American Dream from politicians all the way down the chain from the Rich to the dirt poor have grasped on to a negative "Give Me" more for less approach. But Brian doesn't leave us fully exposed, with our nakedness to the world without showing us how to cloth ourselves again in humility, dignity and honor. This is a great book which I am making required reading by girls & boys I'm mentoring as well as students, parents, family and friends. It's a book that needs to be read by everyone in America. In this book are solutions to problems that have been tripping both you and me up for a life time. Things that have some how been over shadowed by our desires to be driven with an interest in pleasing ourselves only without thinking of others. And now for one minute this book pulls the covers off of everything and allows us to get down to the nitty gritty. What is really at the heart of all the law suits in America that prevent people from taking responsibility? What is at the core of this "I blame you society", "didn't you know I was a victim mentality"? Yes Brian Tracy digs deeper than a bulldozer showing you the inside of yourself so that you can understand how to confront it and overcome these entrenched habits that create failure. What is at the heart of the family breakdown and corruption with in our legal system and more importantly what you and I can do to make America the best country in the world to live in for our children's children. I got "SOMETHING FOR NOTHING" and I hope you get it too. Because this review barely covers what I've gained in head knowledge as a result o

Should Be Required Reading!

Brian Tracy has done it again. He has written an immensely insightful book on human nature and how an entitlement mentality destroys the very foundations of human ambition and civil society. I think every young person should read this book so they can pursue life with a self-determined and hardworking attitude, not a "you-owe-me" or an "I-deserve-it" attitude. As Tracy hints, we could cure so many social ills if people took the time to correct themselves and not just simply wait for a handout or throw money at problems.

Something for Nothing is more than nothing of a book!

I have been a modest reader of Brian's work for a while and a friend gave me this book and said that it was a must read - he was so excited! Once i picked it up, I understood, as I was unable to put it down and powered through it during the weekend. This is a bit different from much of Brian's other material, but it is quite remarkable and i hope he does more of this kind of stuff. Essentially he gets into the core of human nature and helps bring it to life. He then extrapolates on these premises and helps us understand where much of the bad and good come from in this world and what types of things, we as U.S. citizens, can do to help make this a better place to live. I wish that they made this book a mandatory reading in all high schools- would sure help us all out!!! Enjoy!