99% Perspiration: A New Working History of the American Way of Life by Adam Chandler is a non-fiction book published in 2025.

The book explores the history and cultural impact of the deeply ingrained American belief that hard work and self-reliance lead to success, which the author refers to as the “American Abracadabra”.

Drawing on historical analysis, cultural commentary, and personal anecdotes, Chandler argues that this pervasive ideology, while inspiring, has also led to harmful consequences, including:

• The downplaying of systemic inequalities and the struggles faced by marginalized communities.
• The glorification of excessive work and the devaluation of leisure and time spent outside of the workplace.
• The perpetuation of unrealistic expectations and the blaming of indivi ...