'Education of an American Dreamer' an unusual memoir
— -- When the memoir of an important person contains insightful information, large dollops of self-deprecation, some humor and clear writing, count that memoir unusual. The memoir of Peter G. Peterson,The Education of an American Dreamer, qualifies as unusual.
From growing up in Kearney, Neb., under the rule of old country Greek parents, through expulsion from an elite university for cheating, marriages and divorces and parenthood, success in Corporate America, service in the Cabinet of Republican President Richard Nixon, accumulation of billionaire-realm wealth on Wall Street, and public policy philanthropy after passing age 80, Peterson shares his wisdom.
Calling a memoir "accurate" or "truthful" without conducting months of independent research is foolish. Even if all the words are factual, they might obscure larger truths. The biggest problem is discerning omissions that, if discovered, would drastically alter an evaluation of the author.
All that said, it is the task of a reviewer to evaluate the worthiness of memoirs. At the very least, Peterson's is worthy because of the insights he shares about the chicanery of national politics and corporate operations. Peterson portrays himself as a sensitive, ethical U.S. secretary of commerce and Wall Street executive. But he does not hesitate to name names of colleagues who cared more about self-interest than national interest.
Born in 1924, Peterson worked in the small-town diner operated by his parents. His father cared about providing financially for his family, but offered no emotional support for his wife or their children. Peterson turned to his mother, but after his baby sister died, his mother became emotionally unavailable for years.
He could not wait to escape Nebraska. Choosing the Massachusetts Institute of Technology despite a lack of passion for engineering, Peterson lost his moral compass. He plagiarized a class assignment and ended up expelled, hiding the truth from his parents. Fortunately, he found redemption at Northwestern University, then remained in the Chicago area after graduation. Starting in the advertising business, Peterson gained a reputation as a creative employee and a strong manager. As a protégé of Charles Percy (later a U.S. senator from Illinois), Peterson rose to the top of Bell & Howell, accumulating riches before age 40.
