Bunch of amateurs

By Jack Hitt

Subjects: American National characteristics, History, Research, American Dream, Scientists, Amateurism, New York Times reviewed, Technological innovations, Inventors

Description: Beginning with Ben Franklin's kite and leading all the way to the current TV hit "American Idol," Hitt argues that the nation's love of self-invented obsessives has always driven the country to rediscover the true heart of the American dream.