Status Anxiety

In 'Status Anxiety', Alain de Botton examines the phenomenon of status anxiety, which arises from the fear of being perceived as unsuccessful by society.

He argues that this anxiety is a result of capitalism, democracy, and the egalitarian society we live in, where everyone is judged on their material success.

De Botton identifies five causes of status anxiety: lovelessness, snobbery, expectation, meritocracy, and dependence.

He also proposes five potential solutions: philosophy, art, politics, religion, and 'bohemia'.

The book draws on historical and philosophical perspectives to understand and address this widespread anxiety, aiming to be both entertaining and insightful.