Suggested Interview Questions for Brian Miller and Mike Lapham, authors of The Self-Made Myth 

For media inquiries, contact Cynthia Shannon, 415-743-6469

• Why does the self-made myth matter? How does believing the myth lead to certain policy positions?
• How does the self-made myth feed into the national debate about debt, deficits, budgets and taxation?
• How does this book fit in with the recent Occupy Wall Street movement?
• Why do you mention Ayn Rand and Atlas Shrugged? What is her connection to the self-made myth?
• In the book, you detail the origins of the self-made myth and point out many literary themes and works. Why is literature so important in the dissemination and continuation of this myth? Do facts matter?
• Are there any connections or similarities between the self-made myth and Protestant work ethic?
• Why do we want to believe the self-made myth?
• Why would individuals like Donald Trump perpetuate a self-made myth about their success? Who are other examples that you did not include in the book?
• Who are some of the business owners you profile in the book?  What do they say about the sources of their success?  What do they say about the specific role of government in supporting their business success?
• Do you have a few favorite quotes or examples from the profiles?
• How did you decide whom to profile? Are there other profiles you did not include and if so, what are they?
• How did you come up with the questions that “went beyond individual character”?
• What is the “built-together reality” you describe in the book?
• Why is it harder for non-whites to build a business in America? Why is it harder for women? How does government help narrow this gap?
• What about the effects of historical timing? You argue this is more than just luck, it’s a reflection of the public policies of the time. Can you explain?
• What are some of the public investments that support business success?
• You argue in the book that government plays a couple different roles – investor and protector – and that both really support business.  Can you say more about those roles?
• Aren’t schools really about helping the kids? You argue that they really help business. Can you explain?
• How do regulations support a healthy business environment?
• What is the public role in research and innovation? How does that relate to business and overall economic growth?
• If government plays such an important role in business success, what are the implications for tax policy, and in particular, taxing businesses and upper-income people?
• What is Responsible Wealth and how does it relate to this book?

The Self-Made Myth: and the Truth About How Government Helps Individuals and Businesses Succeed

By Brian Miller and Mike Lapham

March 2012

Berrett-Koehler Publishers
Paperback; $17.95; 192 pages

978-1-60994506-0