In 'Status Anxiety', Alain De Botton explores the pervasive fear of not measuring up in a society obsessed with success and prestige. He examines how this anxiety affects our happiness and relationships, fueling a relentless pursuit of status that often leads to discontent. De Botton blends philosophy with wit, offering insightful reflections on the roots of our societal pressures. He challenges readers to rethink the value of status and find fulfillment beyond material success. Ultimately, this thought-provoking book invites us to reconsider what it truly means to live a meaningful life.
By Alain De Botton
Published: 2005
"We suffer from a fear of judgment that never ends; we are never quite capable of presenting ourselves as we truly are."
“There's no writer alive like de Botton” (Chicago Tribune), and now this internationally heralded author turns his attention to the insatiable human quest for status—a quest that has less to do with material comfort than love. Anyone who’s ever lost sleep over an unreturned phone call or the neighbor’s Lexus had better read Alain de Botton’s irresistibly clear-headed new book, immediately. For in its pages, a master explicator of our civilization and its discontents explores the notion that our pursuit of status is actually a pursuit of love, ranging through Western history and thought from St. Augustine to Andrew Carnegie and Machiavelli to Anthony Robbins. Whether it’s assessing the class-consciousness of Christianity or the convulsions of consumer capitalism, dueling or home-furnishing, Status Anxiety is infallibly entertaining. And when it examines the virtues of informed misanthropy, art appreciation, or walking a lobster on a leash, it is not only wise but helpful.
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“We suffer from a fear of judgment that never ends; we are never quite capable of presenting ourselves as we truly are.”
Status Anxiety
By Alain De Botton
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.
Alain De Botton is a Swiss-British author, philosopher, and television presenter known for his ability to communicate complex philosophical ideas in an accessible manner. He founded the School of Life, an organization dedicated to developing emotional intelligence through the teachings of philosophy, psychology, and the arts. De Botton's notable works include 'The Architecture of Happiness,' 'How Proust Can Change Your Life,' and 'The Course of Love,' where he explores themes of love, relationships, and the human condition. His writing style is characterized by a blend of narrative, insightful commentary, and reflective prose, making philosophical concepts relatable to a broad audience.
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