In the spirit of the mega-selling On Bullshit, philosopher Aaron James presents a theory of the asshole that is both intellectually provocative and existentially necessary.What does it mean for someone to be an asshole? The answer is not obvious, despite the fact that we are often personally stuck dealing with people for whom there is no better name. Try as we might to avoid them, assholes … avoid them, assholes are found everywhere—at work, at home, on the road, and in the public sphere. Encountering one causes great difficulty and personal strain, especially because we often cannot understand why exactly someone should be acting like that.
Asshole management begins with asshole understanding. Much as Machiavelli illuminated political strategy for princes, this book finally gives us the concepts to think or say why assholes disturb us so, and explains why such people seem part of the human social condition, especially in an age of raging narcissism and unbridled capitalism. These concepts are also practically useful, as understanding the asshole we are stuck with helps us think constructively about how to handle problems he (and they are mostly all men) presents. We get a better sense of when the asshole is best resisted, and when he is best ignored—a better sense of what is, and what is not, worth fighting for.
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First half of the book was great. The middle was laborious. The last 4th was well done and prescriptive.
I was hoping to enjoy this, as I do like research based books, but this book seemed like it was written because the author likes to hear himself talk.
a bit boring but rather educative. Was glad to learn that there is a hierarchy of assholes. And in short the King Asshole is the one that is entitled, and basically thinks it is his birthday every day. Well I know one {lol}
Started but it is frankly too maddening to read a book that so clearly identifies Donald Trump as a prototypical asshole. I completely agree with them, but it worsens my confusion about how anyone could have voted for him. May finish when things settle down politically.
Unprofessional book with strong opinions represented as facts.
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Interesting to read how someone put words to the emotional reaction you feel when encountering an asshole, and some of the probable sources or causes of asshole behaviour.
The author’s theory of what makes a person an asshole is well-thought-out, and clearly something that he has been at some pains to develop over a long period of time. He explores the effect that assholes have on their neighbors, the reason for the high level of emotions that they excite in those who encounter them, their existence through history …
Was actually disappointed deeply. Hoped I would read about some interesting alternative view, but, it ultimately seems to come from “the echo chamber” of academia.
James is a philosopher and despite that, a coherent and compelling writer, as well as a keen observer of human nature. He thoroughly defines the asshole (citing Trump among his list) and proceeds to write chapters on issues like gender, capitalism, coping and management of the type. The defining characteristics are:
1. allows himself to enjoy …
Excellent, well-written, informative.