Summary of A Kinder, Gentler Philosophy of Success

Alain de Botton

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A Kinder, Gentler Philosophy of Success summary

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Recommendation

In this witty, captivating TED Talk, writer and philosopher Alain de Botton examines success and failure and the paradox of modern expectations. While the message “You can be anything you want!” may be rousing, it’s unrealistic. Moreover, the dark side of its embedded “spirit of equality” is envy and anxiety. The answer? Be “the author” of your “own ambitions.” getAbstract recommends this summary to those seeking a meaningful definition of success.

In this summary, you will learn

What common assumptions about success cause “career anxiety,”
Why meritocracy has a downside and
Why you should carefully examine your definition of success.

About the Speaker

Philosopher Alain de Botton wrote Essays in Love and How Proust Can Change Your Life.

Summary

Today, securing a good income may be easier than in the past, but “career anxiety” abounds. People fret about the widening gap between their career hopes and reality, and several factors...