Capitalists and Irony

Money, success, and influence - The object of American entrepreneurs. This idea of the American capitalist is one that harks back to the post-industrial revolution era of business, where larger-than-life industrialists such as Andrew Carnegie and John D Rockefeller ruled the business of America. These individuals embodied the American spirit of entrepreneuring, in industries that were previously yet to make the global stage of economics. Oil, railroads, and steel metaphorically and physically built the foundation for modern America, all due to the artfulness of clever up-and-comers.

To present a contemporary perspective, Donald Trump perhaps comes to mind as the modern capitalist. A cunning entrepreneur rising up to the status of a highly successful business magnate; such is the way Trump has sold himself, as the paragon of capitalism. No doubt has Trump made great success in his ventures, as his influence in real estate and other spheres of business have rendered him a great fortune. Trump also stands as the richest American president to date, at a net worth of over $3 billion. Despite these feats, the methodologies associated with this success are perhaps not comparable to model-capitalism practices.

Contrasting faux self-made success, social democrat Bernie Sanders’ recent tax returns indicate he has made more than $1 million in 2016-2017. This self-made millionaire status came from Sanders’ three books published during his 2016 campaign. As a point of pride, Sanders noted his unapologetic success in writing a best-selling book. Simple, earned money as that in Sanders’ wallet is verily the brand of a true capitalist’s wealth.

While using inherited wealth to stake a claim, great degrees of failure were had in Trump's endeavors. Casinos, airlines, and even steaks adorned with his namesake were all leaking ships from their conception, as many other bids failed to succeed. Such is not the conduct of a successful of a capitalist, but the blind dealings of mistaking tactical risk-taking with poor decisions and false prowess.

Given the discernings of these two entrepreneurs, one may infer that Sander’s mode of economic handling more closely resembles the likeness of a businessman abiding the rules of economics and its pathways to honest fortune. His political policies as well reflect his personal bearing of economics, having staunchly stood by his ideals an integrous economy. Although a beholder’s perspective may merely observe the face value word on such prominent figures, a more inclined approach to understanding these exploits will prove a more veritable perspective and base of knowledge. The truth of one’s success will prove this, as no matter a person’s triumph weighed by simple wealth, their method of reaching the top should always be point of note and pride.