Innovation and the American Character

I was reading an extended article in Vanity Fair on the U.S. Dept. of Energy and I came across a quote that reminds me of Dos Passos’ U.S.A. trilogy:

“At any given time in America there are lots of seriously smart people with bold ideas that might change life as we know it—it may be the most delightful distinguishing feature of our society.”

The quote reminds me of Dos Passos’ conception of America in the U.S.A. trilogy. The big thinkers and innovators–Steinmetz, Edison, La Follette, et al–are exploited, mocked, steamrolled. The con artists win the day. Those willing to sell out. The J.W. Moorehouses of the country. It’s a tragic satire.