The Hypomanic Edge

The Link Between (A Little) Craziness and (A Lot of) Success in America

By: John D. Gartner

Narrated by: Stephen R. Thorne

Hypomania, a genetically based mild form of mania, endows many of us with unusual energy, creativity, enthusiasm, and a propensity for taking risks. America has an extraordinarily high number of hypomanics - grandiose types who leap on every wacky idea that occurs to them, utterly convinced it will change the world. Market bubbles and ill-considered messianic crusades can be the downside. But there is an enormous upside in terms of spectacular entrepreneurial zeal, drive for innovation, and material success. Americans may have a lot of crazy ideas, but some of them lead to brilliant inventions.

Bringing his audacious and persuasive thesis to life, Gartner offers case histories of some famous Americans who represent this phenomenon of hypomania. These are the real stories you never learned in school about some of those men who made America: Columbus, who discovered the continent, thought he was the messiah. John Winthrop, who settled and defined it, believed Americans were God's new chosen people. Alexander Hamilton, the indispensable founder who envisioned America's economic future, self-destructed because of pride and impulsive behavior.

While these men are extraordinary examples, Gartner argues that many Americans have inherited the genes that have made them the most successful citizens in the world.

©2005 John D. Gartner (P)2019 Tantor

Every American whether new emigrant or Member of the Society of Mayflower should read this book.

What an interesting deep dive into the history of America as a nation through the lens of some of the greats that made amazing success in their fields.

Brilliant

Inspiring to bipolar people! A small flaw is some of those behaviors could be more accurately categorized as some other psychological disorder.

interesting concept.

Not necessarily novel, as we know of America's entrepreneurial and ingenious nature. but keenly insightful. left me slightly conflicted at the end, on whether more Christopher Columbuses are good for us??? 👀🤷‍♂️

worth the read. listen.

Superb insight, and in depth character analysis.

Loved the different stories of the many characters throughout history, especially when we got to the creation of Hollywood. Just fascinating

Insightful!

Loved the section on the film pioneers of America. Are Jews and Mormons disproportionately hypo-manic?

Should have included Joseph Smith.

American and what it's all about!

Great book about not just a character of the country, but the people who created that character for the country. Character, that still is very well alive today in this country. I loved the performance and stories that was picked by the author of the each individual discussed in the book. this is a great reminder that every genius has a crazy to it, and this goes deep into that topic. At some point, I will have a listen to this book again.

ADHD

If you have it, read this book. Great read! I'm listening to it again.

History and Success

This book perfectly blends historical events and personalities, with the successful entrepreneur. This is definitely a book to read and come back to from time to time!

Great listen

This book really gave me some great insight into my condition and is an inspiration that I can be successful.

Huge insights about us(a)

This book explains much of the ethos embedded in American culture and business - relentlessly optimistic progress and development even at our own and others’ expense. Collective and individual insanity with respect to us being able to “change the world” is deeply illuminated in this book. Furthermore, it helps me lean into some of the benefits of acting like this, as well as be wary of its potential impact on others. Excellent case study and I am curious to know if further exploration on this concept has occurred in the decades since its original publish.