#1000
Mentioned in 8 episodes
Status Anxiety
Book • 2004
In 'Status Anxiety', Alain de Botton examines the phenomenon of status anxiety, which arises from the fear of being perceived as unsuccessful by society.
He argues that this anxiety is a result of capitalism, democracy, and the egalitarian society we live in, where everyone is judged on their material success.
De Botton identifies five causes of status anxiety: lovelessness, snobbery, expectation, meritocracy, and dependence.
He also proposes five potential solutions: philosophy, art, politics, religion, and 'bohemia'.
The book draws on historical and philosophical perspectives to understand and address this widespread anxiety, aiming to be both entertaining and insightful.
He argues that this anxiety is a result of capitalism, democracy, and the egalitarian society we live in, where everyone is judged on their material success.
De Botton identifies five causes of status anxiety: lovelessness, snobbery, expectation, meritocracy, and dependence.
He also proposes five potential solutions: philosophy, art, politics, religion, and 'bohemia'.
The book draws on historical and philosophical perspectives to understand and address this widespread anxiety, aiming to be both entertaining and insightful.
Mentioned by
Mentioned in 8 episodes
Mentioned by 
Chris Williamson for his insight on how children blame themselves when their parents stop loving them.
Chris Williamson for his insight on how children blame themselves when their parents stop loving them.
2,262 snips
#951 - Dr Russell Kennedy - How To Fix Your Brain’s Addiction To Anxiety & Worry
Mentioned by 
Alain de Botton as a book he wrote which explores the modern world and how people are defined by their jobs.
Alain de Botton as a book he wrote which explores the modern world and how people are defined by their jobs.
97 snips
BITESIZE | The Truth About Modern Anxiety & A Surprising Way To Find Joy and Meaning | Alain de Botton #558
