The Age of Absurdity: Why Modern Life makes it Hard to be Happy

Description

In a wry take on how contemporary culture is antithetical to happiness,
Michael Foley paints a philosophical but hugely entertaining portrait of the
cultural landscape—and comes up smilingThe good news is that the great
thinkers from history have proposed the same strategies for happiness and
fulfillment—the bad news is that these turn out to be the very things most
discouraged by contemporary culture. This knotty dilemma is the subject of
Michael Foley’s wry and accessible investigation into how the desirable states
of well-being and satisfaction are constantly undermined by modern life. He
examines the elusive condition of happiness common to philosophy, spiritual
teachings, and contemporary psychology, then shows how these are becoming
increasingly difficult to apply in a world of high expectations. The common
challenges of earning a living, maintaining a relationship, and aging are
becoming battlegrounds of existential angst and self-loathing in a culture
that demands conspicuous consumption, high-octane partnerships, and perpetual
youth. Ultimately, rather than denouncing and rejecting the age, Foley
presents an entertaining strategy of not just accepting but embracing today’s
world—finding happiness in its absurdity. Read more

Features:

Product Details:

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Simon & Schuster UK; Reprint edition (February 3, 2011)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Mass Market Paperback ‏ : ‎ 272 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1847396275
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 73
• Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 7.1 ounces
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 7.8 x 0.03 x 5.12 inches
• Best Sellers Rank: #1,269,932 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #2,010 in Religion & Philosophy (Books) #11,724 in Happiness Self-Help #34,179 in Philosophy (Books)
• #2,010 in Religion & Philosophy (Books)
• #11,724 in Happiness Self-Help