I Love Capitalism!

An American Story

By: Ken Langone

Narrated by: Ken Langone

Length: 7 hrs and 51 mins

Publisher's summary

New York Times Best Seller

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 eight-figure and nine-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.

©2018 Ken Langone (P)2018 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

“A joyful, authentic, and entertaining must-read by a patriot and hero who defines what it means to give back. I loved this great American story, and so will everyone who wants to understand true business success.” (Jack Welch, Executive Chairman, Jack Welch Management Institute)

“Insightful and inspirational. Ken reminds us of a very important lesson - that capitalism does work. An authentic, up-by-the-bootstraps story by a shining example of the American dream.” (Jamie Dimon, Chairman and CEO, JPMorgan Chase & Co.)

“While my own love for capitalism might be conditional, my love for Ken Langone is not! His energy, enthusiasm, grit, and generosity are legendary.” (Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Archbishop of New York)

Great Life and Business Insights

A very interesting and enjoyable recount of a person who lives the American Dream. With many interesting and valuable insights.

Evan Review

Great book and an interesting story how a man from humble childhood to becoming a great salesman and business man to found and American icon in home depot.

I Love Ken!

Oh my goodness I could listen to Ken tell stories forever! The hope and inspiration he imparts is fantastic. I hope everyone in America listens to or reads his book. This could be a real game changer!!!

Thanks Mr Langone for sharing your story! Blessings to you and all that taught you along the way.

Loved every minute of it

Loved every minute of it. Especially loved the part where he skewers Elliott Spitzer for ruining the lives of some great people. Thankful that Ken himself read it, with the spirit and enthusiasm that only he could impart. Really enjoyed the section talking about what went wrong with Bob Nardelli. So much of the business press and academia jumped on the bandwagon against Bob, but missed the fact that his numbers were incredible. Ken tells both sides of the story.

Great story about the rewards of working hard.

This was a great story about a regular kid who worked hard and had an instinct about business that set him apart from others and he became a trusted advisor to many.

Interesting voice!

As a small business owner four years in and just now growing, it was a great book. I've listened to many entrepreneur books on Audible and have learned from each one. Even though my companies income is not huge yet, I have laid the foundation and now we are starting to really grow. knowledge from Mr. Langone and others have helped tremendously. On a side note, Mr. Langone's voice was sometimes hard for me to hear as he has a low gravely voice. Haha, I'm just busting your balls Mr. Langone. Great book and great life you have lived. Keep working and God bless you and the family. James Gray. Owner. TriggerSafe.

A great book!

This book is a gem. Ken Langone, the author, is one interesting man who has had...and continues to have...one interesting career. He is a deal-maker and an entrepreneur in the finest sense of those terms. His writing and narration relate his ability to make a deal and create jobs for a multitude of people.
He is also a philanthropist in the finest sense of that term. He has not forgotten his origins.
I have read my share of books about business and this one may be the best of all.

Interesting read

I didn't know much about Ken Langone when I started this book but I'm glad I read it. It was insightful about what he did and how he handled himself through his life. I would have liked to hear more about Home Depot and in the book.

I love capitalism too!

I love this story I Love Ken I wish I could meet him this story is the American story this is the American dream God bless you can your family and all those that have helped you reach the heights that you have I'm a Home Depot stock holder and I love Home Depot thank you Ken

I love Ken Langone

c'est une belle histoire. j'ai adoré. elle mérite d'être partagée. je suis en affaire et j'espère être aussi bon que Ken!