#1866
Mentioned in 41 episodes

Bullshit Jobs

A Theory
Book • 2018
In 'Bullshit Jobs: A Theory', David Graeber argues that a significant portion of jobs in modern society are meaningless and contribute little to no value.

He categorizes these jobs into five types: flunkies, goons, duct tapers, box tickers, and taskmasters.

Graeber contends that these jobs are not only inefficient but also psychologically destructive, leading to chronic misery and social divisions.

The book is based on his 2013 essay 'On the Phenomenon of Bullshit Jobs' and includes testimonials from workers who feel their jobs are pointless.

Graeber suggests solutions such as unions and universal basic income to address the issue of meaningless work.

Mentioned by

Mentioned in 41 episodes

Mentioned by Cal Newport in relation to his own ideas on work as a means to an end.
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Mentioned by Tim Scarfe in a discussion about the value of work and the concept of "bullshit jobs."
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Mentioned by David Heinemeier Hansson in the context of discussing "bullshit jobs" and the inefficiency of modern work structures.
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Mentioned by Andrew Wilkinson in the context of discussing AI's potential to automate mundane tasks.
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Mentioned by Tracy Alloway while discussing the dissatisfaction with modern jobs and the need for constant attention.
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Mentioned by Jeffrey Funk in the context of the negative impact of narrow metrics in various fields.
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Mentioned by Brian Merchant when discussing the impact of AI on the job market and the changing nature of work.
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Mentioned by Mitch Joel while discussing the prevalence of meaningless jobs in the modern workplace.
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Mentioned by Jesse Michels as a book reflecting on the nature of modern work.
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Mentioned by Manda Scott when discussing the nature of narrative change and the concept of 'bullshit jobs'.
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Recommended by Katie Gatti-Tossann ; its theory on the prevalence of 'bullshit jobs' resonated with her.
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Mentioned by Leigh Claire La Berge as the author of Bullshit Jobs, and the way he lays it out, is different from her job's meaning to her.
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Referenced by Adrian Sanabria , highlighting the false assumption that jobs exist solely because work needs to be done.
14 snips
The Illusion of Control: Shadow IT, SSO Shortcomings, and the True Path to Security - Dave Lewis - ESW #413
Mentioned by David Heinemeier Hansson when discussing the meaninglessness of work.
13 snips
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Mentioned by Shaan Puri as a book exploring the concept that many white-collar jobs are unnecessary.
13 snips
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Suggested by James, a book that has come up previously on the podcast.
12 snips
Episode 311: The Way to Dusty Death (Shakespeare's "Macbeth")

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