Labour's Economic Conundrum

In 'The Happiness Industry', William Davies explores how the concept of happiness has been transformed from a subjective personal experience into an objective, quantifiable phenomenon. The book delves into the historical roots of this transformation, tracing it back to Utilitarian philosophy and the early days of American psychology. Davies argues that this quantification of happiness has led to increased mental health problems, alienation, and manipulation by political and economic elites. He critiques the ways in which corporate and governmental forces use surveillance, targeted advertising, and psychological profiling to maintain a docile and economically efficient population. The book also examines the impact of these practices on workplace productivity, consumerism, and the broader social fabric.

In 'Nervous States: Democracy and the Decline of Reason,' William Davies examines the tension between technocratic government institutions based on reason, fact-finding, and scientific analysis, and the increasing influence of nationalistic sentiment characterized by a distrust of elite interests and a promotion of emotion over fact. The book delves into historical analysis and contemporary examples to illustrate how societies have created states that struggle to meet the expectations placed upon them due to economic and philosophical limitations. Davies also discusses the impact of the attention economy, moral outrage, and the exploitation of emotions in political discourse.