Meticulously researched and beautifully written, this work plumbs an important tenet of the American religion of self-discovery. The passion principle makes it easier for us to live with--and even feel good about--enduring inequalities of opportunity. Sociologists of culture and educators of every stripe will read, share, and discuss this book's insights for a long time.--Mitchell L. Stevens, Stanford University With rich data and gripping storytelling, this book exposes how an idea we hold so dear--that we should follow our passion--reproduces systems of inequality and might not be worth the sacrifices we make in our time, money, and leisure. A must-read for scholars of inequality, career counselors, and anyone who advises young people.--Shelley J. Correll, Professor of Sociology and (by courtesy) Organizational Behavior, Stanford University This is both a work of cultural criticism and a study of social stratification. It is not every day that an author highlights something new, noteworthy, and yet quite general about our culture. Erin Cech makes us question how college students think about their lives and careers, and about the advice they receive from peers and advisers.--Jerry A. Jacobs, Professor of Sociology, University of Pennsylvania