Status Anxiety Book Summary - Status Anxiety Book explained in key points
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Status Anxiety summary

Alain de Botton

How social isolation and meritocracy cause fear of underachievement and how to solve this

4.5 (296 ratings)
26 mins

Brief summary

Status Anxiety by Alain de Botton is a philosophical book that explores the causes and effects of societal pressures to succeed. It examines how people try to alleviate their feelings of inadequacy and insecurity through various means like wealth, fame, and social status.

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    Status Anxiety
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    A lack of love causes our anxiety to skyrocket.

    What drives someone to want to constantly accumulate larger and larger sums of money? The answer that immediately comes to mind might be a simple one – greed. But there’s a small hole in that argument. If greed were the only factor, why would someone continue to desire more money, even after she’s reached an amount of wealth that couldn’t be spent in, say, five generations?

    If people accumulated wealth for material reasons only – like wanting a bigger house or a fancier car – they would eventually run out of things to buy, and their pursuit of money would stop. But we know that’s not the case, so the root cause must be something else.

    Consider the way we treat people of high status versus those of low status. Even the language we use when talking about each group is different. People who hold important positions in society are “somebodies,” while everyone else is a “nobody.” It’s impossible to actually be nobody, of course, but all too often, low-status people have their identities ignored or denied.

    So, the quest for status might actually be about respect, and even love – not romantic love, but a feeling that your existence matters to someone. 

    Why is love so important, and lovelessness so destructive? Well, most of us are unsure of our own value, and our identities are very much based on the perceptions of others. If you tell a joke and everyone laughs, your confidence in the idea that you’re a funny person will grow. On the other hand, if people avert their eyes when you walk into a room, it won’t be long before you start feeling worthless and anxious.

    Our self-esteem is so fragile. Think of it as a balloon with a hole – this leaky self-esteem balloon constantly needs to be refilled with the “helium” of external love so as not to deflate completely. Meanwhile, other actions – even small ones, like not being greeted enthusiastically enough or having our calls repeatedly unanswered – can suck more air out of the balloon.

    So, it’s not surprising that we’re anxious about our place in the world. In our current society, our status determines how much love and respect we’ll receive from others and, as a result, whether we can confidently love ourselves.

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    What is Status Anxiety about?

    Status Anxiety (2005) diagnoses a problem unique to modern Western societies: the fear of being perceived as unsuccessful. While our desire to climb to ever-higher rungs on the social ladder can inspire and motivate us, it can also lead to anxiety and depression. This book examines the causes of our anxiety about status and suggests a few antidotes that might help us face our fears. 

    Status Anxiety Review

    Status Anxiety (2004) by Alain de Botton delves into the universal fear of social judgment and explores why we constantly seek validation from others. Here's why this book is worth reading:

    • With its thought-provoking analysis of the causes and consequences of status anxiety, it challenges our preconceptions and provides a fresh perspective on our own insecurities.
    • Combining philosophy, art, and psychology, it offers a multidisciplinary approach that enriches our understanding of this pervasive human condition.
    • The book's engaging storytelling and relatable examples make it an enjoyable and accessible read, ensuring that the exploration of this complex topic is far from boring.

    Best quote from Status Anxiety

    The rich man glories in his riches because he feels that they naturally draw upon him the attention of the world. – Adam Smith

    —Alain de Botton
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    Who should read Status Anxiety?

    • Social climbers who want to reevaluate their motivations
    • People who feel stressed about underachievement
    • Anyone who has ever looked down on someone for being a “nobody”

    About the Author

    Alain de Botton is a philosopher, author, and founder of the School of Life, an institute that teaches emotional intelligence and aims to help people lead more fulfilling lives. He is the bestselling author of The Architecture of Happiness and How Proust Can Change Your Life.

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    Status Anxiety FAQs 

    What is the main message of Status Anxiety?

    The main message of Status Anxiety is that our obsession with status causes anxiety and unhappiness.

    How long does it take to read Status Anxiety?

    The reading time for Status Anxiety varies but the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.

    Is Status Anxiety a good book? Is it worth reading?

    Status Anxiety is a thought-provoking book that helps us understand the pressures of societal status. It is definitely worth reading.

    Who is the author of Status Anxiety?

    The author of Status Anxiety is Alain de Botton.

    What to read after Status Anxiety?

    If you're wondering what to read next after Status Anxiety, here are some recommendations we suggest:
    • The School of Life by Alain de Botton and The School of Life
    • The Answer to Anxiety by Joyce Meyer
    • The Architecture of Happiness by Alain de Botton
    • Unwinding Anxiety by Judson Brewer
    • 100 Ways to Change Your Life by Liz Moody
    • The Art of Travel by Alain De Botton
    • Understanding Power by Noam Chomsky
    • How Proust Can Change Your Life by Alain de Botton
    • The Unemployed Millionaire by Matt Morris
    • The Status Game by Will Storr