Self-Made

Creating Our Identities from Da Vinci to the Kardashians

By: Tara Isabella Burton

Narrated by: Patricia Santomasso

An exploration into the curation of the self in Western civilization from Da Vinci to Kim Kardashian.

In a technologically-saturated era where nearly everything can be effortlessly and digitally reproduced, we're all hungry to carve out our own unique personalities, our own bespoke personae, to stand out and be seen. As the forces of social media and capitalism collide, and individualism becomes more important than ever across a wide array of industries, "branding ourselves" or actively defining our selves for others has become the norm. Yet, this phenomenon is not new. In Self-Made, Tara Isabella Burton shows us how we arrived at this moment of fervent personal-branding.

As attitudes towards religion, politics and society evolved, our sense of self did as well, moving from a collective to individual mindset. Through a series of chronological biographical essays on famous (and infamous) "self-creators" in the modern Western world, from the Renassiance to the Enlightenment to modern capitalism and finally to our present moment of mass media, Burton examines the theories and forces behind our never-ending need to curate ourselves. Through a vivid cast of characters and an engaging mix of cultural and historical commentary, we learn how the personal brand has come to be.

Intriguing Historical Dive Into Making Your Brand

I was immediately drawn to this prescient and relevant topic to our influencer era. Burton’s exploration of how people have presented themselves to the world is fascinating and full of historical anecdotes. Interestingly she positions the narrative on how humans have defined meaning in their lives. However it would be great to hear more about the difference between people’s true selves and their fabricated identities as there is indeed a difference. I thought there would be more practical info on how to create one’s own brand and this was a missed opportunity in my opinion. Also, it seems a miss not to include discussion of Bowie or Hemingway, two of the 20th centuries biggest examples of identities fabrication but the examples given were still of keen interest.

Interesting current topic, did not like the reader’s cadence

Interesting historical section to explain where we are today. Better to read it than listen to it. Reader’s inflections were annoying and distracting.

A look at the history of being a star

Great work from Tara Isabelle Burton with this historical journey through the world’s self-made legends. From stealing hair from graves, to taking over social media, this book will take you on a wild ride.

Riveting & relevant

Just wow. For me this is like Lasch meets Macintyre meets Charles Taylor meets I dunno who else whose books line my shelves, but simplified and accessible for broader consumption. This is the type of book that hook you and deserve multiple readings. Can’t remember the last time a book captivated me from beginning to end like this (it was probably the book Strange Rites). I consider myself as well-read on many of the issues discussed in this book, and felt as though many areas of personal interest were masterfully woven together. I am anticipating the next of her non-fiction titles (I read there was a project in the works on magic & technology).

Fantastically unique and poignant look at the modern psyche

Fantastically unique and poignant look at the modern psyche through the lens of pop culture. An important work to be sure.

Might need to read the print version

This title is one I might have to go back and get a print version of so I can mark it up. I really appreciate the level of research that went into tracing the history of how people have created their public image.

Not to the same standard as T.I.B’s other books.

While the subject matter interests me, I found much of the focus on colonialism and slavery (which we of course understand are abhorrent) to be very preachy. This book hardly focuses on its advertised subject matter and instead constantly wades into topics like the definition of and importance of western liberalism (the author’s words). I look forward to Burton’s next book, as all of her others have been fabulous. This one just wasn’t it.