Status Anxiety
Status Anxiety by Alain De Botton, published by Penguin Canada in 2004, is a thought-provoking exploration of the pervasive anxiety surrounding societal judgment and personal success. This first edition, comprising 336 pages, delves into the universal concerns about how we are perceived by others and the impact of these perceptions on our sense of self-worth. De Botton examines the roots of status anxiety, drawing insights from various philosophers, artists, and writers to illuminate the historical and social contexts that contribute to these feelings.
In this book, readers will find an engaging analysis of the origins of status anxiety, from the aftermath of the French Revolution to the subtle discomfort we experience in the face of others’ successes. De Botton presents inventive strategies for overcoming these anxieties, offering reflections on the lives of historical figures and cultural practices that challenge conventional notions of success. Through a blend of philosophy and social psychology, the book provides a nuanced understanding of how we can navigate our worries and pursue happiness amidst societal pressures.
Official synopsis Publisher
“This is a book about an almost universal anxiety that rarely gets mentioned an anxiety about what others think of us; about whether we’re judged a success or a failure, a winner or a loser. This is a book about status anxiety.” “Alain de Botton, asks – with lucidity and charm – where worries about our status come from and what if anything we can do to surmount them. With the help of philosophers, artists and writers, he examines the origins of status anxiety – ranging from the consequences of the French Revolution to our secret dismay at the success of our friends – before revealing ingenious ways in which people have learnt to overcome their worries in their search for happiness. We learn about sandal-less philosophers and topless bohemians, about the benefits of putting skulls on our sideboards and of looking at ruins.” The result is a book that isn’t just highly entertaining and thought-provoking, but genuinely wise and helpful as well.
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