This review is from: The Golden Pinnacle (Kindle Edition)
I just finished the final chapter, and found myself moved to tears. The author, Robert Gore, takes the reader through the life of protagonist, capitalist and tragic hero Daniel Durand, from the Civil War to the demise of the freedoms this country was founded on.
It sheds light on a chapter of history, the industrial "revolution", during which inventors, visionaries, and men with ideas, propelled this country, and ultimately the world forward into an age of unprecedented prosperity and innovation. Their ability to reap the benefits of that effort, through the reinvestment of capital back into their businesses, to reward the men and women who used their minds, not pull or cronyism, to achieve that success was what the founders of this great nation envisioned.


But, that was not to last. The avaricious quest for power, which was the tragic flaw of Daniel Durand's first born, Will, came at the cost of his integrity, at the cost of his family. He was so caught up in his image and how he wanted to be perceived, that he became a second hander. One who only dervies his value from others, not from any sense of self worth. He ran from his own awareness that his choices were dishonest, and corrupt. Ultimately, a terrible tragedy of his making was what opened his eyes. This is the root of what has brought the United States to its knees. The illicit back room deals that do nothing but line the pockets of so called lawmakers, and crush the entrepreneurs, the visionaries, those who are the true backbone of the economy.


It's a clarion call to the American public to wake up from the stupor that the government fosters by its claims that it's up to the government to take care of us, that we are to sacrifice all for the "greater good", that safety nets are a given. Why try when kids know from the outset that there are no real consequences for failure? They're not allowed to fail, they are not accountable for their actions. No one is allowed to fail, thus no one is allowed to succeed. It's a suspect character flaw to want to do so.


This is a MUST READ for all who wonder what happened to the unflinching American spirit that sparked a revolution, first to break with a despotic monarchy, and then to create wealth and industry such as never had been seen before, or since. Let it inspire you as it did me.