There's no national philosophy. That's giving these people way too much credit.

"Amusing Ourselves to Death" by Neil Postman is 100% predictive and descriptive of how we got where we are.

I do think USA-flavored Juche does some explanatory power for the group as a whole, even if the individuals lack any specific philosophy beyond hill climbing.

I do also need to read Postman, though.

Likewise, “Dark Money” by Jane Mayer describes some of the political processes that got us here. That along with “The Family” by Jeff Sharlet to provide a little color to the religious side.