#388

Mentioned in 44 episodes

Bullshit Jobs

A Theory

Book • 2018

Author

David Graeber

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

Leigh Claire La Berge

Mentioned in 44 episodes

Mentioned by

Andrew Wilkinson

when discussing the automation of manual tasks.

356 snips

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Mentioned by

Cal Newport

in relation to his own ideas on work as a means to an end.

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Mentioned by

Channing Allen

in the context of discussing

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Mentioned by

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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 as the source of the thesis that many white-collar jobs created in recent decades are unnecessary.

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Mentioned by

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when discussing jobs that are less fulfilling.

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Mentioned by

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while discussing the dissatisfaction with modern jobs and the need for constant attention.

27 snips

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Mentioned by

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in the context of the negative impact of narrow metrics in various fields.

24 snips

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Mentioned by

Brian Merchant

when discussing the impact of AI on the job market and the changing nature of work.

21 snips

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Mentioned by

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while discussing the prevalence of meaningless jobs in the modern workplace.

20 snips

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Mentioned by

Jesse Michels

as a book reflecting on the nature of modern work.

18 snips

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Mentioned by

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when discussing the nature of narrative change and the concept of 'bullshit jobs'.

18 snips

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; its theory on the prevalence of 'bullshit jobs' resonated with her.

16 snips

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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.

15 snips

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Referenced by

Adrian Sanabria

, highlighting the false assumption that jobs exist solely because work needs to be done.

14 snips

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Mentioned by

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as a book that impacted his views on economics.

14 snips

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Mentioned by David Heinemeier Hansson when discussing the meaninglessness of work.

13 snips

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Mentioned by

Cal Newport

when discussing David Graeber's book 'Bullshit Jobs'.

13 snips

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