documentary: Status Anxiety - Alain de Botton

Why doesn’t money (usually) buy happiness?

All the other parts in a playlist over HERE

http://www.alaindebotton.com/

"From the best selling author of The Consolations of Philosophy and The Art of Travel, philosopher and popular British writer Alain de Botton explores Status Anxiety.

The series focuses on de Botton's belief that there's something the vast majority of people desire even more than money. Whatever their background of social class whatever their age or country of origin, what they desperately crave is status.

In this three part series, as well as testing his theory in Britain, de Botton travels to the United States to investigate status anxiety, asking why people are unable to curtail their painful aspirations and whether those at the bottom of society merit their position there as much as those at the top do theirs.

As well as examining the work of classical philosophers, de Botton develops his theory with the help of a Washington DC restaurant manager who considers himself destined to become a chat show host; motivational speaker Les Brown; homeless lady Jenny Lamont; and members of the Native American population."

and another interesting take on pessimism:

Alain de Botton: The Glass of Life is Half Empty


Alain de Botton - On Pessimism from The School of Life on Vimeo.

"Here are a few basic truths: life is essentially meaningless; your hard work won’t dictate where your life goes; you will be struck down by death; and your loved ones and your achievements will whither and turn to dust. A grim way to look at things perhaps. But a long line of philosophers, starting with the Stoics, have seen wisdom in taking a dim view. As Alain de Botton points out, a pessimistic outlook reduces our expectations, our envy, our disappointment, and it creates room for emotional upside and healthier life decisions. The talk (which features a sing-along to Elton John at the 29 minute mark) runs 38 wisdom-filled minutes, and it’s presented online by The School of Life, a London-based institution co-founded by de Botton in 2008. "http://www.openculture.com/2011/03/alain_de_botton.html