Philosophize This!
Episode #188 ... Achievement Society and the rise of narcissism, depression and anxiety - Byung-Chul Han
Sep 7, 2023
Explore the impact of neoliberalism on personal identity and well-being, revealing how individualism fuels narcissism and mental health issues. Discover the paradox of freedom in the digital age, where technology isolates us while promising connection. Learn about the commodification of authenticity and the anxiety that comes with the relentless pursuit of achievement. Additionally, find out why accessible mental health care is crucial in navigating these modern challenges and fostering genuine connections.
32:32
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Quick takeaways
- The shift from traditional negative power to positive power in modern societies leads to self-optimization and constant pursuit of goals, resulting in burnout, anxiety, and depression.
- Technology, particularly smartphones and social media, contributes to the rise of narcissism and self-obsession, but finding moments of silence, engaging in activities solely for joy, and cultivating deep connections can resist the negative effects and rediscover genuine meaning and connection in life.
Deep dives
Negative power versus positive power in controlling society
In today's modern western capitalist societies, control is exerted through positive power, where individuals are encouraged to be whatever they want to be and to constantly maximize their abilities. This positive power replaces the traditional negative power of prohibition and limitation. Byong Chol Han argues that this shift in power dynamics leads to a form of control that revolves around self-optimization and the constant pursuit of goals. However, this relentless focus on self-improvement can result in burnout, anxiety, and depression. The individual becomes both the master and the victim of their own self-imposed expectations, leading to feelings of never being enough.
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