While this is not the most interesting book in the world, it was worthwhile to read. I was attracted to the book by the subject of “status anxiety” and the comprehensive cultural perspectives covered – visual arts, economics, religion, psychology.
The thesis of this book is:
“— That status anxiety possesses an exceptional capacity to inspire sorrow.”
“— That the hunger for the status, like all appetites, can have its uses: spurring us to do justice to our talents, encouraging excellence, restraining us from harmful eccentricities and cementing member of society around a common value system. But, like all appetites, its excesses can also kill.”
“— That the most profitable way of addressing the condition may be to attempt to understand and speak of it.”
I found the “Material Progress” section to be quite fascinating. This sections details the goods and amenities that became available to western capitalist societies beginning with the industrial revolution and accelerating in the 1950s. Geared toward “ordinary people,” department stores became popular around the turn of the 20th century. Fashion changes constantly so that consumers will desire the newest styles. America is synonymous with consumerism. “When Franklin D. Roosevelt was asked what one book he would give the Soviet people to teach them about the advantages of American society, he singled out the Sears, Roebuck catalogue.”
I found the main part of the book rather boring, though this is good supportive material for the thesis. There is discussion of status obtained through lineage, status obtained through achievement, and views that celebrate the ordinary. De Botton does a good job of capturing the many different perspectives and historical causes of “status anxiety.” I do feel like I have a better understanding of “the condition” but I’m not quite sure how to “address” it. Some thoughts are:
• Consumer power vs. others making money. Corporations make money by convincing you that you need to buy their products. How much do you really need to buy? Have confidence to make choices based on what you need, considering the impacts of the creation, use, and disposal of the product. Research before you buy:
• Find genuine acceptance from others. Seek love from the world through who you are and not what you have or what you’ve accomplished. Enjoy times with good friends who know you.
• Respect the choices of others. Everyone can follow their own dreams of happiness as long as they respect others and are willing to accept the consequences of their own decisions. A greater good should be considered in the search for individual happiness.
• The public realm should be a desirable place. Often, the public realm is bleak – a highway cluttered with signs for fast food restaurants – and residents drive up to their homes in need of a psychological escape. Why not create public spaces where people want to be, where all people feel proud to live in the community, and are not forced to the private realm where they must buy countless consumer goods? The results of thoughtful city planning – appealing architecture, walkable neighborhoods, and good public transportation – can create experientially rich environments for everyone.
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