What is behind the economic cycle that resulted in the excesses of the late twentieth century and the Great Recession of the twenty-first century? Is it simply part of the ebb and flow of the worldwide economy? Or is it just human nature to fall victim to endless cycles of boom and bust? Certainly there have been periods throughout human history when economies have risen and fallen, and when human greed and risk-taking has resulted in great catastrophes. But is this period somehow different, and, if so, what is the underlying dynamic that we are experiencing? Idonomics - the triumph of the pleasure principle over a traditional, common-sense approach - is the culprit. Unlike previous generations, today's Americans have traded our traditional economic and social values for "idonomics" - the pursuit of the pleasure principle. In this groundbreaking book, Hoyt Hilsman argues that idonomics has impacted not only our economy, but our politics, media, technology, even our religious and personal lives. In the bargain, we have abandoned the common sense that has been a hallmark of the American character. And we have put the American Dream at risk. Hoyt Hilsman is an award-winning author, journalist and former candidate for Congress in California. He is a contributor to national media, including The Huffington Post, where he is a regular columnist.