The American Enterprise Dan J. Harkey

A Contrarian’s Look at America’s Enterprise—Economy, Government, and Leadership—Minus the Public-Relations Gloss.

Dan's unique perspective on the economy, the government, and our country's leadership is not commonly found in mainstream media. Designed to enlighten and engage you with what he believes is a refreshing dose of truth, his articles challenge the narratives often presented by mainstream media and encourage critical thinking about the state of our country's enterprise.

Dan offers workarounds and solutions when possible. His aim is to provide actionable solutions to the challenges we may face in these areas.

The Role of Labor Unions and Factory Committees in the 1917 Russian Revolution

History has a propensity to repeat itself, while each generation of participants possesses no knowledge of the past. This is by design, and the system of government bodies that benefits from keeping its population ignorant. That was prevalent during the Russian Revolution of 1917. Look around today, and we will find that the average person is entirely ignorant of history and the way the economic engine of America works.

Dan J. Harkey

Master Educator | Business & Finance Consultant | Mentor

The American Enterprise

A Contrarian’s Look at America’s Enterprise—Economy, Government, and Leadership—Minus the Public-Relations Gloss.

Search Results

Intrinsic Motivation: Why People Want to Learn, Work, and Excel Without Coercion

People do not need compulsion from the state—or any heavy-handed authority—to learn and get ahead. They need conditions that unlock the empowering force of intrinsic motivation: autonomy, competence, and relatedness.

Eeyore from Winnie the Pooh: A Distinctive, Iconic Character of Dreariness, Sadness, and Hopelessness.

Eeyore is one of A.A. Milne’s most iconic characters, introduced in Winnie-the-Pooh (1926). He is an old, grey stuffed donkey who lives in the Hundred Acre Wood in a place called “Eeyore’s Gloomy Place: Rather Boggy and Sad.”

Mr. Rogers: The Life and Times

Fred Rogers—known to millions simply as Mr. Rogers—was a profoundly influential figure in American television and childhood education

USA to Israel: How Connected are They

Entitlement Arbitrage: Property Owners Unlocking Hidden Value in California Real Estate

Why Mutual Cooperation Is Breaking Down—and What’s Driving It

For decades, commerce and civic life rested on an implicit social contract: cooperation and mutual respect.

John Stuart Mill’s Contributions to Freedom: Historical Context and Impact

“The only purpose for which power can be rightfully exercised over any member of a civilized community, against his will, is to prevent harm to others.”

John Stuart Mill: Historical Context and Enduring Impact

John Stuart Mill (1806–1873) wrote in the long shadow of the Industrial Revolution and the Victorian reform era—a period marked by expanding literacy, democratization, religious pluralism, and unprecedented social mobility, but also by entrenched hierarchies and intense pressure to conform.

Police State, Tyranny, Authoritarianism, and Totalitarianism: Understanding the Differences and Lessons for Modern Governance

W. Edwards Deming: The Architect of Modern Quality Management

W. Edwards Deming (1900–1993) was a statistician, engineer, and management visionary whose ideas transformed global industry. Best known for his work in post-war Japan, Deming introduced principles that shifted quality from an inspection-based activity to a management-driven, systemic process.

Joseph Juran and the Pareto Principle: How 80/20 Thinking Transformed Quality Management

Joseph Juran, a pioneer in quality management, introduced the transformative power of the Pareto Principle—the idea that a small number of causes often account for the majority of effects.

From “Ta Biblia” to “Holy Bible”: The Evolution of a Sacred Name

Dr. Zhivago Effect In California:

The Role of Labor Unions and Factory Committees in the 1917 Russian Revolution

Pesky Rabbits: Mitigation Plan In the Yard if They Eat Your Plants and Lawn- While Leaving Evidence Through Constant Excrement Droppings

Here are some practical and humane ways to get rid of rabbits in your yard:

The Alarming Scope of Elder Abuse in the United States: A Hidden Epidemic

Lies, Damned Lies, and Statistics: The Origin, Evolution, and Real-World Lessons

How to Win Friends and Influence People: Dale Carnegie

How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie is a classic self-help book focused on improving interpersonal skills, building relationships, and becoming more persuasive and influential in both personal and professional settings.

The Power of Positive Thinking: A Practical Guide to a Resilient Mindset You Can Start Using Today

In a world increasingly defined by uncertainty, stress, and rapid change, the ability to maintain a positive outlook is more than just a feel-good mantra—it’s a strategic advantage.

Systemic Ignorance: Why So Many Americans Know So Little History—and Whether It’s by Design