The Triple Package

Why Groups Rise and Fall in America

By: Amy Chua, Jed Rubenfeld

Narrated by: Jonathan Todd Ross

Length: 7 hrs and 8 mins

Publisher's summary

It may be taboo to say, but some groups in America do better than others. Mormons have recently risen to astonishing business success. Cubans in Miami climbed from poverty to prosperity in a generation. Nigerians earn doctorates at stunningly high rates. Indian and Chinese Americans have much higher incomes than other Americans; Jews may have the highest of all.

Why do some groups rise? Drawing on groundbreaking original research and startling statistics, The Triple Package uncovers the secret to their success. A superiority complex, insecurity, impulse control - these are the elements of the Triple Package, the rare and potent cultural constellation that drives disproportionate group success. The Triple Package is open to anyone. America itself was once a triple-package culture. It's been losing that edge for a long time now. Even as headlines proclaim the death of upward mobility in America, the truth is that the old-fashioned American Dream is very much alive - but some groups have a cultural edge, which enables them to take advantage of opportunity far more than others.

• Americans are taught that everyone is equal, that no group is superior to another. But remarkably, all of America’s most successful groups believe (even if they don’t say so aloud) that they’re exceptional, chosen, superior in some way.
• Americans are taught that self-esteem - feeling good about yourself - is the key to a successful life. But in all of America’s most successful groups, people tend to feel insecure, inadequate, that they have to prove themselves.
• America today spreads a message of immediate gratification, living for the moment. But all of America’s most successful groups cultivate heightened discipline and impulse control.

But the triple package has a dark underside too. Each of its elements carries distinctive pathologies; when taken to an extreme, they can have truly toxic effects. Should people strive for the triple package? Should America? Ultimately, the authors conclude that the triple package is a ladder that should be climbed and then kicked away, drawing on its power but breaking free from its constraints.

©2014 Amy Chua and Jed Rubenfeld (P)2014 Penguin Audiobooks

Critic reviews

"In their provocative new book, Chua (Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother) and Rubenfeld (The Interpretation of Murder) - Yale Law professors and spouses - show why certain groups in the U.S. perform better than others. According to the authors, three traits breed success: a superiority complex, insecurity, and impulse control. Only when this ‘Triple Package’ comes together does it ‘generate drive, grit, and systematic disproportionate group success.’ Supported by statistics and original research.... This comprehensive, lucid sociological study balances its findings with a probing look at the downsides of the triple package - the burden of carrying a family’s expectations, and deep insecurities that come at a psychological price." (Publishers Weekly, starred and boxed)

"Husband and wife professors at Yale Law School explore why some cultural groups in the United States are generally more successful than others. Chua and Rubenfeld argue that each of these groups is endowed with a 'triple package' of values that together make for a potent engine driving members to high rates of success...[and] that the U.S. was originally a triple-package nation. However, while Americans still view their country as exceptional, in the last 30 years, the other two parts of the package have gone out the window, replaced by a popular culture that values egalitarianism, self-esteem and instant gratification, creating a vacuum for more motivated groups to fill. On a highly touchy subject, the authors tread carefully, backing their assertions with copious notes. Though coolly and cogently argued, this book is bound to be the spark for many potentially heated discussions." (Kirkus Reviews)

"Thinkers like Chua and Rubenfeld do us a service by reaching beyond the limits of what we can quantify." (National Review Online)

approach with an open mind

true intellectuals have a lot to gain from reading this book if you don't write it off before you've given it a chance

Triple Thumbs Up!!

This book is a must listen for anyone who wants insights into what makes some people and cultures successful. It is intended to be provacative and politically iccorrect which is why I appreciated and enjoyed it. Amy Chua and Jeb Rubenfiled backup most every idea with hard statistics which support each conclusion they present and they do it in an entertaining manner.

Some of the successful cultures presented werent suprising such as Jews and chinese-americans but i wasnt expecting to hear about the success of Cuban-Americans and Nigerians.

My only criticism would be in the narration. I feel the subject matter could have landed better with a bit more sharper stronger voice. The narration is a little soft in my opinion.

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amazing

one of the best books I've read this year (currently THE best).

I like the way it explains how immigrants and certain groups rise to prominence and why, also why they fall. it brings a lot into perspective with current ongoings in the US

interesting, but not life changing

interesting and entertaining theory. much of it makes sense in a macro view, I can see why some people might get worked up over some of the ideas in the book. Form your own decisions.

Eye opening

What did you like best about this story?

very motivating and uplifting.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No. i savor listening to it over 1 week's time in the gym, driving and grocery shopping.

Any additional comments?

The last chapter confirmed many of the ideas I have formed in my head about the decline of America and how Americans have participated / cooperated in giving their lives away to sloth. I am glad I heard this book. It was very applicable to my own immigrant family and have recommended it highly to many individuals

incredibly insightful

if you want to know what's really going on in the world read this book instead of watching YouTube videos or television or other sources of misinformation. enjoyable oh, well written, well worth the trouble overeating.

Great read. Loved it.

This book offers incredible insight into what makes groups successful in America. Definitely buying a physical copy for reference.

What brings wealth?

This book is about why some groups of people in the USA succeed in obtaining wealth, comfort and status while other groups with similar opportunities fail.

It has something that will offend everyone. I have not looked at the other reviews, but expect they have a high level of controversy.

This book is so controversial in many statements that the authors cite multiple scientific and statistical studies to support their arguments.

The methods which the groups discussed use to achieve success are simple but, difficult. The successful groups work harder than average and demand of their children that the children work harder than average. The authors cite multiple groups and describe their methods.

Sometimes the truth hurts. We can learn from the groups and individuals who are successful.

I highly recommend this book even if you don't like the fact that most of it is irrefutably true.

Jim Fuqua

Good Book, however the last 3 hours were dry

Where does The Triple Package rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I've only listened to around 5 audiobooks so far, I would rank The Triple Package one of the top threes.

Any additional comments?

The ideas of the book are quite simple, thus the last 3 hours are kind of repetitive and not as interesting as the first few hours. Overall a great book to listen to.

Fascinating premise

I think this is a book we should all be required to read and ponder. It is enlightening and insightful. I am not a Ph.D. and so will not attempt to judge the merit of the research and conclusions but it is hard to argue with the facts as they are presented here.