I Love Capitalism!: An American Story
Written by Ken Langone
Narrated by Ken Langone
4.5/5
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Currently unavailable
Currently unavailable
About this audiobook
Iconoclastic entrepreneur and New York legend Ken Langone tells the compelling story of how a poor boy from Long Island became one of America's most successful businessmen.
Ken Langone has seen it all on his way to a net worth beyond his wildest dreams. A pillar of corporate America for decades, he's a co-founder of Home Depot, a former director of the New York Stock Exchange, and a world-class philanthropist (including $200 million for NYU's Langone Health). In this memoir he finally tells the story of his unlikely rise and controversial career. It's also a passionate defense of the American Dream—of preserving a country in which any hungry kid can reach the maximum potential of his or her talents and work ethic.
In a series of fascinating stories, Langone shows how he struggled to get an education, break into Wall Street, and scramble for an MBA at night while competing with privileged competitors by day. He shares how he learned how to evaluate what a business is worth and apply his street smarts to 8-figure and 9-figure deals. And he's not shy about discussing, for the first time, his epic legal and PR battle with former NY Governor Eliot Spitzer.
His ultimate theme is that free enterprise is the key to giving everyone a leg up. As he writes:
This book is my love song to capitalism. Capitalism works! And I'm living proof—it works for everybody. Absolutely anybody is entitled to dream big, and absolutely everybody should dream big. I did. Show me where the silver spoon was in my mouth. I've got to argue profoundly and passionately: I'm the American Dream.
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Reviews for I Love Capitalism!
29 ratings6 reviews
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Great book. From a kid in Roslyn NY to a near dropout at Bucknell to having his own investment firm to founding Home Depot then eventually the largest benefactor at NYU Medical Center, Ken Langone has had a heck of a life. This is a great story in plain English.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Ken Langone’s story just proves why capitalism is so great ! Why we live in the greatest country on planet earth . He shows that it’s not just about making a buck but that without integrity you have nothing . His faith gives inspiration his directness makes you laugh and gives you confidence ! Amazing book time to read the hard copy now
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Amazing book about the story of a humble billionaire, and how hard work makes a difference in a capitalist system.
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5I usually enjoy books more when they are read by the author, but in this case, I would have preferred a different narrator.
I have to take breaks every 30 minutes because his voice starts to annoy me. - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Outstanding book & life lessons. I highly recommend the book if you’re looking to be inspired.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Ken is a great story teller and the pace of which this book is read flows well and keeps the listener’s attention. He makes strong points; some of the content is a bit too technical for me because as an artist, I don’t know much about economics, Wall Street, and buying bonds, but his overall message was very clear!
As a young person in my twenties, this book definitely has renewed my faith in capitalism. Ken’s gift is one of a kind and he discovered it through staying employed and hard work. He never stopped working, seeking out opportunities, and giving everyday his best.
In summary, this audiobook was a great experience, it revitalized my faith in capitalism, and it encouraged me to believe that the American dream is still alive.