Throughout history, civilized advance has been propelled by man's pursuit of profit motive and financed by "surplus capital" won in that pursuit. Success or failure in amassing such capital, in turn, has invariably been a function of the economic and legal frameworks within which that quest has taken place. Working from this premise, Building Prosperity focuses upon the crucial role of profit earned through self-motivation-unfettered by excessive taxation and regulation-in freeing mankind from mere subsistence to the exploration of science, literature, and the other arts that constitute cultural progress. Using both this history and the guidance of America's founders, Heck makes the case for more prudent public stewardship-tax and regulatory reform, advanced technological development, and education-designed to preserve the nation's traditional economic strengths, enhance its modern global trade competitiveness, and ensure that the 21st century will again be an "American Century."