How Does Confidence Affect the Economy?

In this Trip episode, Jem, Nadia and Keir place their weird-left lens over the concept of confidence. Is positive thinking the key to success? Do confident people feel like imposters on the inside? How does confidence shape the economy?

This conversation includes ideas from Barbara Ehrenreich, Dale Carnegie and Foucault, and – in the SoundCloud version only – music from Gloria Gaynor, Wiley, Dolly Parton and more.

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Books and articles: Michal Kallecki – ‘The Political Aspects of Full Employment’ / Napoleon Hill – Think and Grow Rich / Stephen Covey – The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People / Dale Carnegie – How to Win Friends and Influence People / Samuel Smiles – Self-Help / Barbara Ehrenreich – Fear of Falling: The Inner Life of the Middle Class / Michel Foucault – The History of Sexuality / Norman Vincent Peale – The Power of Positive Thinking / Jodi Dean – Crowds and Party / Richard Sennett – The Corrosion of Character / David Smail – The Origins of Unhappiness / Shani Orgad and Rosalind Gill – Confidence Culture

Music: Gloria Gaynor – I Will Survive / Wiley – Boasty / Azealia Banks – 212 / Aretha Franklin – Respect / Spandau Ballet – Gold / Dolly Parton – Dumb Blonde