Nation of Victims

Identity Politics, the Death of Merit, and the Path Back to Excellence

By: Vivek Ramaswamy

Narrated by: Timothy Pabon

Length: 7 hrs and 42 mins

Publisher's summary

The New York Times bestselling author of Woke Inc. makes the case that the essence of true American identity is to pursue excellence unapologetically and reject victimhood culture.

Hardship is now equated with victimhood. Outward displays of vulnerability in defeat are celebrated over winning unabashedly. The pursuit of excellence and exceptionalism are at the heart of American identity, and the disappearance of these ideals in our country leaves a deep moral and cultural vacuum in its wake.

But the solution isn’t to simply complain about it. It’s to revive a new cultural movement in America that puts excellence first again.

New York Times bestselling author Vivek Ramaswamy makes the case from firsthand experience that the essence of true American identity is to pursue excellence unapologetically—no matter your skin color or where your parents came from.

Leaders have called Ramaswamy “the most compelling conservative voice in the country” and “one of the towering intellects in America,” and this book reveals why: he spares neither left nor right in this scathing indictment of the victimhood culture at the heart of America’s national decline.

Following the success of his instant bestseller Woke Inc., Ramaswamy explains in his new book that we’re a nation of victims now. It’s one of the few things we still have left in common—across black victims, white victims, liberal victims, and conservative victims. Victims of each other, and ultimately, of ourselves.

This fearless, provocative book is for readers who dare to look in the mirror and question their most sacred assumptions about who we are and how we got here. Intricately tracing history from the fall of Rome to the rise of America, weaving Western philosophy with Eastern theology in ways that moved Jefferson and Adams centuries ago, this book describes the rise and the fall of the American experiment itself—and hopefully its reincarnation.

©2022 Vivek Ramaswamy (P)2022 Center Street

Critic reviews

“Vivek Ramaswamy’s first book solved one of the strangest riddles of our time: how corporate America went woke. His new book addresses an even bigger question: how a nation that once celebrated heroism turned into a nation that celebrates victimhood. Compelling, persuasive, and deeply needed.”—Douglas Murray, Bestselling author and associate editor of The Spectator

“This book shows why Vivek Ramaswamy is one of the most original thinkers—and doers—of our time. Instead of wallowing in the left’s cult of victimhood and its recipe for mediocrity, Vivek challenges all of us to return to the path of achievement and excellence.”—Ben Shapiro, Bestselling author and host of The Ben Shapiro Show

“If you want an intellectually honest book that spares no side from their hypocrisies, Vivek Ramaswamy’s NATION OF VICTIMS is it. He delivers thought-provoking anecdotes about the foundation of our country and what has shaped his independent worldview in a way that encourages substantive dialogue, understanding, and respect.”—Tulsi Gabbard, Former congresswoman and Democratic candidate for president in 2020

Fantastic book

Beautifully written, sweeping book covering history, philosophy, law, politics, and a small well placed touch of Hinduism. I am a lifelong Democrat, but would vote for Vivek if he ran for office. He speaks the common sense this country needs to hear.

Value of Respect

Vivek Ramaswamy did explain himself in confronting our lives as a victim in a nation of victims around us and included the connection we all are subjective.

Eye opening

Vivek - great job putting your opinion out there and voicing what the other side may be thinking.

Great listen

Overall very interesting listen. Compelling narrative. Would recommend to both conservatives and liberals to listen.

Powerful Considerations

The author’s background is impressive, well researched, and he provides some important things to think about from a dignified & respectful position.

Excellent

Great story line. Many good ideas and views I hadn’t thought of before. Listen with an open mind.

Brilliant guy, but I don’t agree with everything

I really enjoyed 90+% of the book. But I don’t agree with the inheritance tax idea. Yes a lot of that makes sense, but it doesn’t work for all groups. What about farmers? This proposal would destroy family farms, and the super rich this it is aimed at would find loopholes or alternative ways to passing down wealth.

Extremely insightful

Well thought out and written & great narration on this audiobook. I wish these insights were treated with more than a glimpse from the mainstream media.

Excellent book

Ramaswamy addresses many unspoken concerns that we face related to the trends toward victimized culture. More importantly, he addresses some longer term ideas worthy of further discussion on solving them. Narration is great too.

Great insight in today's America

A great insight into today's America. in depth to the cultural differences we all have and how victims are more prominent in today's culture from every social group.