Alain de Botton

Drawing from the fields of history, psychology, politics, and economics, a close up look at the anxieties we suffer associated with a pursuit of status explains how humans have sought to cope with their fears through philosophy, art, religion, and bohemia and offers thought-provoking suggestions on other ways to deal with the problem. Reprint. 35,000 first printing.

Status Anxiety

Hannah Yang

Status Anxiety comprehensively gathers a history of ideas about why people feel anxious about their social standing (as well as how these anxieties have manifested, how our specific desired qualities/possessions have changed over time, etc.). While de Botton admits that there's no cure to caring about what others think of you, or to evaluating yourself through your perceptions of others, the latter half of the book is a swath of resonant reflections and commonsensical principles collected from a delightful array of references to philosophers, artists, authors, saints, etc. that reassures the reader: there's more to life than status and there are many more joyful matters with which we can occupy our minds and our time. It is possible to step away from, if not completely free ourselves from, status anxiety.

de Botton's writing is deliciously readable and he summarizes the relevant ideas within a wide range of philosophical and artistic works such that anyone can make sense of what Schopenhauer, Ruskin, Woolf, and Tolstoy have to say about status. Negative reviews about this book seem to be centered on its lack of philosophical/argumentative rigor, which I will not contest — this is definitely more broad overview / narrative than deep dive. However, I think viewing Status Anxiety as a philosophically-rich self help book may more accurately highlight the many gems of timeless, good advice that the book has to offer.

THE SUNDAY TIMES TOP TEN BESTSELLER From one of our greatest voices in modern philosophy, author of The Course of Love, The Consolations of Philosophy, Religion for Atheists and The School of Life - Alain de Botton sets out to understand our universal fear of failure - and how we might change it 'De Botton's gift is to prompt us to think about how we live and how we might change things' The Times We all worry about what others think of us. We all long to succeed and fear failure. We all suffer - to a greater or lesser degree, usually privately and with embarrassment - from status anxiety. Alain de Botton gives a name to this universal condition and sets out to investigate both its origins and possible solutions. He looks at history, philosophy, economics, art and politics - and reveals the many ingenious ways that great minds have overcome their worries. The result is a book that is not only entertaining and thought-provoking - but genuinely wise and helpful as well. 'He analyses modern society with great charm, learning and humour. His remedies come as a welcome relief when most books offering solutions to the stresses of life recommend the lotus position' Daily Mail

Emma

While I consider my fan of the author and his writing, I found myself disappointed by this book. Although it contained some interesting ideas and perspectives, I struggled to remain engaged whilst reading and found the format quite dry.

Saima A

This was so thoughtprovoking and then the last few pages ruined it.

I.m. ruzz

this book claims to be absent any original ideas. It cites long (and I mean long) standing philosophical precepts, draws on well worn wisdom and largely repeats what has already been said.

what's remarkable then is that it does so in such a clear and erudite manner that nearly every part of it--and it follows the whole would--makes sense. fundamentally.

it offers no cure for status anxiety (as there isn't one) but it does give great insight into its roots, and some of the ways people have managed it over time.

a very good read.

Emma Bose

Róbert Istók

Savindi Jinasena

In Status Anxiety, bestselling author Alain de Botton sets out to understand our universal fear of failure - and how we might change. We all worry about what others think of us. We all long to succeed and fear failure. We all suffer - to a greater or lesser degree, usually privately and with embarrassment - from status anxiety. For the first time, Alain de Botton gives a name to this universal condition and sets out to investigate both its origins and possible solutions. He looks at history, philosophy, economics, art and politics - and reveals the many ingenious ways that great minds have overcome their worries. The result is a book that is not only entertaining and thought-provoking - but genuinely wise and helpful as well. 'Clever, wise. De Botton's gift is to prompt us to think about how we live and how we might change things' The Times 'De Botton analyses modern society with great charm, learning and humour. His remedies come as a welcome relief when most books offering solutions to the stresses of life recommend the lotus position' Daily Mail 'Measured, amused, compassionate . . . de Botton is a surefooted discoverer of the pungent but less well known quote' Daily Telegraph 'A purveyor of serious buy playful manuals for living' GQ 'Turned me into a fan, for its range, insight, wit and sheer usefulness' Daily Express Alain de Botton's bestselling books include Essays in Love; The Romantic Movement; Kiss and Tell; Status Anxiety; How Proust Can Change Your Life; The Pleasures and Sorrows of Work; The Art of Travel; The Architecture of Happiness and Religion for Atheists. He lives in London and founded The School of Life (www.theschooloflife.com) and Living Architecture (www.living-architecture.co.uk). For more information, consult www.alaindebotton.com.

Status Anxiety

Reviews