"An American Tragedy" is a novel written by Theodore Dreiser. It was first published in 1925. The novel tells the story of Clyde Griffiths, a young man from a poor and strictly religious family, who is ambitious and hopes to rise to wealth and social status. He begins working as a bellboy in Kansas City and later moves to work at his wealthy uncle's collar factory in upstate New York, but things take a turn for the worst when his quest for wealth clouds his moral compass.

There is manipulation, deceit, lies and murder in the novel. Several personal development case studies can be gleaned, but they al start with self betrayal. In today's podcast episode, we'll look at the science behind the behaviors highlighted in this tragic, yet timeless classic, and the important lessons we can all learn about remaining true to our core values.