Why You Have to Believe! | Doug DeVos

Doug DeVos, former President and current co-chair of Amway, joins Aaron Renn to discuss the 50th-anniversary re-release of his father Rich DeVos’ 1975 classic book Believe!

In an era of cynicism and drift, Rich’s unapologetic optimism, faith in people, love of America, and defense of free enterprise feel more urgent than ever. From sinking boats off Cuba to building one of the world’s largest private companies, this is a conversation about risk, patriotism, and perseverance.

CHAPTERS
(00:00 Introduction)
(03:20 “You can do it!” – Why failure doesn’t make you a failure)
(04:20 The flight school, the sunken boat, and the spirit of adventure)
(06:30 Why the most interesting people always go off-script)
(08:40 Rich DeVos’ old-school, hand-over-heart patriotism in the 1970s (and today))
(11:50 How to stay relentlessly positive when everything looks dark)
(13:30 Why Doug decided to bring the book back in 2025)
(15:10 The multi-generational friendship between the DeVos and Van Andel families)
(19:30 Why socialism keeps sounding good when a country starts “drifting”)
(22:20 Rich DeVos’ simple definition of free enterprise)
(25:25 The regulatory state: What would Rich say about today’s red tape?)
(28:35 America vs. China – Are we really falling behind?)
(30:40 A 90-year-old planning the next 50 years: the ultimate long-term thinking)
(33:20 Final message: The glass is still half full)

DOUG DEVOS LINKS:
📖 Buy Believe! A Timeless Endorsement of American Principles: https://www.amazon.com/Believe-Timeless-Endorsement-American-Principles-ebook/dp/B0FPXPCK92/?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=theurban-20
🌐 The Believe Journal: https://www.thebelievejournal.com/

CONNECT & FOLLOW AARON RENN:
🐦 Twitter/X: https://x.com/aaron_renn
🌐 Newsletter - In-depth cultural analysis: https://www.aaronrenn.com/