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Why would an American president bow down to world leaders?   Why is it easy for politicians to stoke hatred for rich, fat-cat CEOs? And why do so many nations around the world hate America, the world’s lone superpower?  read more
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Why did you write Underdogma?
If you’re like me, you’ve probably found yourself, at some point, rooting for the little guy - the underdog.  And we see this everywhere - in sports we have “Cinderella stories,” in our culture we have “rags to riches” stories, on TV: American Idol, in movies: Rocky - even in the Bible, we have David VS Goliath and “the meek shall inherit the earth.” 

Almost everyone loves underdogs.  But almost no one has studied why we love underdogs.

So that’s what I did.  For five years, I conducted perhaps the most comprehensive study - ever - on why we love underdogs.  I worked with university researchers, professors, economists, historians - even Tony Robbins, who’s helped 3 US Presidents and over 50 million people and studied what makes people tick for more than 30 years.

And what I found was: our love for the underdog…has changed.  For many people, it’s no longer enough to just stand up for the powerless, the underdog - they must also hate the overdog - or those who have more power.
I gave this belief system a name - Underdogma - which is the reflexive belief that, if you have power, you can do no good, and if you’re a powerless underdog, you can do no wrong.

And here’s the key: when people choose which side to root for - underdog or overdog - it actually doesn’t matter which side is right or wrong.  What matters is: which side has less or more power.  If you have less power, you’re automatically good, and if you have more power, you’re automatically bad.  Which is bad news for America: the most powerful nation in the world.

What/who are the greatest underdogs and overdogs in history?
Underdogma is about power haves and power have-nots and how we react to these inequities.  In Chapter 4: The History of Underdogma, I show the evolution of Underdogma from its first glimmer in the Garden of Eden (yes, it was there) to the Progressive movement on up to the two seminal moments in Underdogma history: the Berkeley student protests of 1964 and the rise in prominence of the United Nations. 

What tips do you have for other authors?
Give up.  You will never make it.  The odds are stacked against you, and you have a better chance of getting struck by lightning than getting your book published.  Now, if you actually considered giving up, then give up.  You probably don’t have what it takes to make it in this world.  But if your first (and only) reaction was “I’ll never give up,” then proceed.  You will need that kind of attitude to succeed in any field, including publishing. 

Will you be publishing other books?
Yes.  A sequel to Underdogma is already underway, plus several other non-fiction books - and novels.  And Michael also as a television show and a movie in development (follow Michael on Facebook or Twitter to get the inside track on these new developments).

Will you be doing any book signings?

Yes.  Follow me on Facebook or Twitter to get the inside track on these new developments

Is there a lesson plan for teachers to accompany the book?
Yes.  Click here to request yours!

Frequently Asked Questions


•  Why did Michael write Underdogma
•  Who are the greatest underdogs/overdogs ever?
•  What tips do you have for other authors?
•  Will you be doing any book signings?

If you have a question for Michael, submit it here.