The Self-Made Myth

INTRODUCTIONPublic Policy and the Success Narrative

Our nation has a deep and proud history of coming together in the face of adversity and challenge. When the Soviets launched Sputnik 1—the first manmade satellite to orbit the earth—on October 4, 1957, a challenge had been made. Americans rallied in response, retooling our economy in dramatic ways. Public dollars were put into research and development for new aerospace technologies. Education programs across the nation were ramped up with a new focus on science and math. The space race was on. Many astronauts put their lives on the line, and some lives were lost. But on July 20, 1969, the Apollo lander successfully touched down, and the first humans set foot on the moon.

This story represents ...