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The Age of Absurdity

Why Modern Life Makes It Hard to Be Happy

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The Age of Absurdity

Written by: Michael Foley
Narrated by: John O'Mahony
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About this listen

The good news is that the great thinkers from history have proposed the same strategies for happiness and fulfilment. 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 The Age of Absurdity - a wry and accessible investigation into how the desirable states of well-being and satisfaction are constantly undermined by modern life.

Michael Foley 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 ageing are becoming battlegrounds of existential angst and self-loathing in a culture that demands conspicuous consumption, high-octane partnerships and perpetual youth.

In conclusion, 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.

Cover credit: The Caravan Gallery.

©2011 Michael Foley (P)2016 Audible, Ltd Personal Success Philosophy
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Profile Image for Nicole Smith

If you liked the 50s, this is your book.

This book is essentially the rambling narrative of an old man who wants you to get off of his lawn. I actually cringed two or three times while listening to this book. I forged on despite the clear lack of scientific rigour motivated by the belief I would find a nugget of wisdom here or there - I did not.
Stoicism is perverted to meet the agenda of an author who clearly wishes nothing more than to go back to the old days when everyone could just "take a joke".

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