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Status Anxiety

Description:

THE SUNDAY TIMES TOP TEN BESTSELLER

From one of our greatest voices in modern philosophy, author of
The Course of Love, The Consolations of Philosophy, Religion for Atheists and The School of Life - Alain de Botton sets out to understand our universal fear of failure - and how we might change it

'De Botton's gift is to prompt us to think about how we live and how we might change things' The Times

We all worry about what others think of us. We all long to succeed and fear failure. We all suffer - to a greater or lesser degree, usually privately and with embarrassment - from status anxiety.

Alain de Botton gives a name to this universal condition and sets out to investigate both its origins and possible solutions. He looks at history, philosophy, economics, art and politics - and reveals the many ingenious ways that great minds have overcome their worries. The result is a book that is not only entertaining and thought-provoking - but genuinely wise and helpful as well.

'He analyses modern society with great charm, learning and humour. His remedies come as a welcome relief when most books offering solutions to the stresses of life recommend the lotus position' Daily Mail


Review

De Botton analyses modern society with great charm, learning and humour. His remedies come as a welcome relief when most books offering solutions to the stresses of life recommend the lotus position ― Daily Mail

Measured, amused, compassionate . . . de Botton is a surefooted discoverer of the pungent but less well-known quote ―
Daily Telegraph

A purveyor of serious but playful manuals for living ―
GQ

Turned me into a fan, for its range, insight, wit and sheer usefulness ―
Daily Express

From the Inside Flap

In Status Anxiety, bestselling author Alain de Botton sets out to understand our universal fear of failure - and how we might change.We all worry about what others think of us. We all long to succeed and fear failure. We all suffer - to a greater or lesser degree, usually privately and with embarrassment - from status anxiety. For the first time, Alain de Botton gives a name to this universal condition and sets out to investigate both its origins and possible solutions. He looks at history, philosophy, economics, art and politics - and reveals the many ingenious ways that great minds have overcome their worries. The result is a book that is not only entertaining and thought-provoking - but genuinely wise and helpful as well.'Clever, wise. De Botton's gift is to prompt us to think about how we live and how we might change things' The Times'De Botton analyses modern society with great charm, learning and humour. His remedies come as a welcome relief when most books offering solutions to the stresses of life recommend the lotus position' Daily Mail'Measured, amused, compassionate . . . de Botton is a surefooted discoverer of the pungent but less well known quote' Daily Telegraph'A purveyor of serious buy playful manuals for living' GQ'Turned me into a fan, for its range, insight, wit and sheer usefulness' Daily Express

Reviews:

5.0 out of 5 stars Interesting, readable, uplifting

D.P. · 29 December 2024

I've had this book for about a year and when I finally got round to reading it recently I ploughed through it in about 2 days. It is so readable and interesting and it really does give you a different perspective on the world and how people assess their own and others' value.

4.0 out of 5 stars Good but BEWARE OF THE KINDLE EDITION

B.W. · 18 June 2012

Alain de Botton has put together an interesting read (bought for Kindle Touch), and it certainly brings a strong sense of perspective with respect to status in its various forms and social circles. I personally found it to be an easy, witty read, although at times became a little tedious with almost laboured points. The book takes the reader through the anxieties attached to gaining status, and then attempts to remedy these, which it effectively achieves.HOWEVER. For the kindle BEWARE that the conversion of the book to Kindle is appalling. Literally appalling. Here's a list:- Probably 90% of the pictures in the book are not in the Kindle version- All of the pictures are referred to in de Botton's text, not in passing but as keystone to several paragraphs; you absolutely need the pictures.- There are half pages of text frequently (not missing text, just poor formatting)- Tables of figures and values are completely skewed, so it's difficult to ascertain which values are appropriate to which columns.So I had basically paid for a book, and received maybe 90% of a book. I had to get a refund from Bolo (with which I bought Shooting an Elephant - George Orwell's essays; an awesome read), as I would never be able to revisit it and it was useless to keep.Ultimately, I would certainly recommend it to my friends, but I would definitely avoid the Kindle edition. There are simply too many references to missing pictures.

5.0 out of 5 stars Great read.

s. · 8 October 2024

Always a great read!. (Especially when life is getting you down)The author has a great way of explaining philosophical concepts and looking at things from a different and refreshing perspective.This book makes you look at life differently.It makes you challenge your own thoughts and your own wisdom.

5.0 out of 5 stars Great for if you just cannot stop shopping and shopping and shopping (says me) :-)

C. · 3 December 2018

This is the most fabulous book and really worth buying - its basically about keeping up with Jones's and non-stop shopping on useless items in order to impress others. Also got this book for £3 (brand new) full price £16.99 so I am an extremely happy little shopper. Have read it before as library book one of those books that I've always meant to buy and now I have :-)

3.0 out of 5 stars Disappointed

S. · 16 March 2020

Great book ruined by a terrible narrator.His ups and downs are all over the place and so inconsistent with the content that i think he randomly opened the book and read it without preparation.Dont bother buying the audiobook id say.

5.0 out of 5 stars Makes so much sense

B. · 20 December 2017

I sadly suspect that those who need and would benefit most from the book will not read it. There are some, who are feeling low, who'll undoubetdly benefit. But the major proponents and causes of Status Anxiety will carry on thrusting their image and persona of societal success upon those who feel anxious about keeping up.For me, just understanding the modern manifestation of what is now partly a social-media driven curse helps enormously. Being able to disconnect and easily deal with blatant social status-driven behaviour is simpler and more rewarding.

4.0 out of 5 stars Very good but left me feeling dissatisfied

M. · 27 February 2014

This book put into words my anxiety and dissatisfaction regarding some areas of my life where I feel that I do not measure up to the status ideal. It has helped me to understand myself and others better. I was left dissatisfied because I hoped, perhaps unrealistically, that the author would articulate an alternative to bourgeois capitalism, or suggest something more tangible for overcoming status anxiety. Instead he proposes that we seek for alternative for spaces where we can be appreciated in accordance with our own values. Fair enough, I suppose.

5.0 out of 5 stars What makes us do what we do!

R.L. · 10 June 2020

Have had this on my bookshelf for a while but ended up listening to it on audible. A fascinating insight into self-esteem and what really makes us tick. I will endeavour to dig further in to the other de Botton’s that I have gathering dust too!

Une réflexion philosophique brillante sur le besoin de statut

P.K. · 8 May 2014

Le besoin de reconnaissance est aujourd'hui un sujet majeur dans nos entreprises et partout dans notre société.Alain de Botton analyse les racines de ce phénomène à travers une exploration historique brillante, enlevée, pleine d'humour et de profondeur.Il démontre que le culte, somme toute récent dans l'histoire, de l'égalité des chances et de la méritocratie renvoie, par contraste, à chacun la responsabilité de ses échecs et de l'éventuelle modestie de sa position sociale. Il propose quelques pistes philosophiques au lecteur pour aider celui-ci à échapper à l'obsession du statut et à apprécier les autres pour ce qu'ils sont et pas seulement pour ce qu'ils font ou qui ils fréquentent.Une bonne lecture de "vacances intelligentes", qui nourrira sans aucun doute des discussions animées entre amis !

Interesting subject! well written!

K.N. · 8 January 2022

I liked the title. The subject of this book is relevant to my daily life! It helps to realise how the majority of the community has laid down rules on what is success in life. High status is assigned to whom on what basis. How bohemians bought against this majority and showed how to make life simple.

This author writes well

M.T. · 13 December 2024

An insightful read.

These books are all favorites

G.B. · 12 May 2019

First I read them for myself and now I regularly recommend them, lend them or buy them for others.

Highly recommend it

G. · 1 August 2025

Must read book, provide insights about modern world anxiety and still relevant to this day. Does not try to feed you idea, instead it provides real examples and historical events to shift your perspective.Nicely written and sometimes make you chuckle.

Status Anxiety

Product ID: K0141014865
Condition: New

4.4

AED18187

Price includes VAT & Import Duties
Type: Paperback
Availability: In Stock

Quantity:

|

Order today to get by 7-14 business days

Delivery fee of AED 20. Free for orders above AED 200.

Returns & Warranty policies

Imported From: United Kingdom

At BOLO, we work hard to ensure the products you receive are new, genuine, and sourced from reputable suppliers.

BOLO is not an authorized or official retailer for most brands, nor are we affiliated with manufacturers unless specifically stated on a product page. Instead, we source verified sellers, authorized distributors or directly from the manufacturer.

Each product undergoes thorough inspection and verification at our consolidation and fulfilment centers to ensure it meets our strict authenticity and quality standards before being shipped and delivered to you.

If you ever have concerns regarding the authenticity of a product purchased from us, please contact Bolo Support. We will review your inquiry promptly and, if necessary, provide documentation verifying authenticity or offer a suitable resolution.

Your trust is our top priority, and we are committed to maintaining transparency and integrity in every transaction.

All product information, images, descriptions, and reviews originate from the manufacturer or from trusted sellers overseas. BOLO is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or an authorized retailer for most brands listed on our website unless stated otherwise.

While we strive to display accurate information, variations in packaging, labeling, instructions, or formulation may occasionally occur due to regional differences or supplier updates. For detailed or manufacturer-specific information, please contact the brand directly or reach out to BOLO Support for assistance.

Unless otherwise stated, all prices displayed on the product page include applicable taxes and import duties.

BOLO operates in accordance with the laws and regulations of United Arab Emirates. Any items found to be restricted or prohibited for sale within the UAE will be cancelled prior to shipment. We take proactive measures to ensure that only products permitted for sale in United Arab Emirates are listed on our website.

All items are shipped by air, and any products classified as “Dangerous Goods (DG)” under IATA regulations will be removed from the order and cancelled.

All orders are processed manually, and we make every effort to process them promptly once confirmed. Products cancelled due to the above reasons will be permanently removed from listings across the website.

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Status Anxiety

Product ID: K0141014865
Condition: New

4.4

Status Anxiety-0
Type: Paperback

AED18187

Price includes VAT & Import Duties
Availability: In Stock

Quantity:

|

Order today to get by 7-14 business days

Delivery fee of AED 20. Free for orders above AED 200.

Returns & Warranty policies

Imported From: United Kingdom

At BOLO, we work hard to ensure the products you receive are new, genuine, and sourced from reputable suppliers.

BOLO is not an authorized or official retailer for most brands, nor are we affiliated with manufacturers unless specifically stated on a product page. Instead, we source verified sellers, authorized distributors or directly from the manufacturer.

Each product undergoes thorough inspection and verification at our consolidation and fulfilment centers to ensure it meets our strict authenticity and quality standards before being shipped and delivered to you.

If you ever have concerns regarding the authenticity of a product purchased from us, please contact Bolo Support. We will review your inquiry promptly and, if necessary, provide documentation verifying authenticity or offer a suitable resolution.

Your trust is our top priority, and we are committed to maintaining transparency and integrity in every transaction.

All product information, images, descriptions, and reviews originate from the manufacturer or from trusted sellers overseas. BOLO is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or an authorized retailer for most brands listed on our website unless stated otherwise.

While we strive to display accurate information, variations in packaging, labeling, instructions, or formulation may occasionally occur due to regional differences or supplier updates. For detailed or manufacturer-specific information, please contact the brand directly or reach out to BOLO Support for assistance.

Unless otherwise stated, all prices displayed on the product page include applicable taxes and import duties.

BOLO operates in accordance with the laws and regulations of United Arab Emirates. Any items found to be restricted or prohibited for sale within the UAE will be cancelled prior to shipment. We take proactive measures to ensure that only products permitted for sale in United Arab Emirates are listed on our website.

All items are shipped by air, and any products classified as “Dangerous Goods (DG)” under IATA regulations will be removed from the order and cancelled.

All orders are processed manually, and we make every effort to process them promptly once confirmed. Products cancelled due to the above reasons will be permanently removed from listings across the website.

Description:

THE SUNDAY TIMES TOP TEN BESTSELLER

From one of our greatest voices in modern philosophy, author of
The Course of Love, The Consolations of Philosophy, Religion for Atheists and The School of Life - Alain de Botton sets out to understand our universal fear of failure - and how we might change it

'De Botton's gift is to prompt us to think about how we live and how we might change things' The Times

We all worry about what others think of us. We all long to succeed and fear failure. We all suffer - to a greater or lesser degree, usually privately and with embarrassment - from status anxiety.

Alain de Botton gives a name to this universal condition and sets out to investigate both its origins and possible solutions. He looks at history, philosophy, economics, art and politics - and reveals the many ingenious ways that great minds have overcome their worries. The result is a book that is not only entertaining and thought-provoking - but genuinely wise and helpful as well.

'He analyses modern society with great charm, learning and humour. His remedies come as a welcome relief when most books offering solutions to the stresses of life recommend the lotus position' Daily Mail


Review

De Botton analyses modern society with great charm, learning and humour. His remedies come as a welcome relief when most books offering solutions to the stresses of life recommend the lotus position ― Daily Mail

Measured, amused, compassionate . . . de Botton is a surefooted discoverer of the pungent but less well-known quote ―
Daily Telegraph

A purveyor of serious but playful manuals for living ―
GQ

Turned me into a fan, for its range, insight, wit and sheer usefulness ―
Daily Express

From the Inside Flap

In Status Anxiety, bestselling author Alain de Botton sets out to understand our universal fear of failure - and how we might change.We all worry about what others think of us. We all long to succeed and fear failure. We all suffer - to a greater or lesser degree, usually privately and with embarrassment - from status anxiety. For the first time, Alain de Botton gives a name to this universal condition and sets out to investigate both its origins and possible solutions. He looks at history, philosophy, economics, art and politics - and reveals the many ingenious ways that great minds have overcome their worries. The result is a book that is not only entertaining and thought-provoking - but genuinely wise and helpful as well.'Clever, wise. De Botton's gift is to prompt us to think about how we live and how we might change things' The Times'De Botton analyses modern society with great charm, learning and humour. His remedies come as a welcome relief when most books offering solutions to the stresses of life recommend the lotus position' Daily Mail'Measured, amused, compassionate . . . de Botton is a surefooted discoverer of the pungent but less well known quote' Daily Telegraph'A purveyor of serious buy playful manuals for living' GQ'Turned me into a fan, for its range, insight, wit and sheer usefulness' Daily Express

Reviews:

5.0 out of 5 stars Interesting, readable, uplifting

D.P. · 29 December 2024

I've had this book for about a year and when I finally got round to reading it recently I ploughed through it in about 2 days. It is so readable and interesting and it really does give you a different perspective on the world and how people assess their own and others' value.

4.0 out of 5 stars Good but BEWARE OF THE KINDLE EDITION

B.W. · 18 June 2012

Alain de Botton has put together an interesting read (bought for Kindle Touch), and it certainly brings a strong sense of perspective with respect to status in its various forms and social circles. I personally found it to be an easy, witty read, although at times became a little tedious with almost laboured points. The book takes the reader through the anxieties attached to gaining status, and then attempts to remedy these, which it effectively achieves.HOWEVER. For the kindle BEWARE that the conversion of the book to Kindle is appalling. Literally appalling. Here's a list:- Probably 90% of the pictures in the book are not in the Kindle version- All of the pictures are referred to in de Botton's text, not in passing but as keystone to several paragraphs; you absolutely need the pictures.- There are half pages of text frequently (not missing text, just poor formatting)- Tables of figures and values are completely skewed, so it's difficult to ascertain which values are appropriate to which columns.So I had basically paid for a book, and received maybe 90% of a book. I had to get a refund from Bolo (with which I bought Shooting an Elephant - George Orwell's essays; an awesome read), as I would never be able to revisit it and it was useless to keep.Ultimately, I would certainly recommend it to my friends, but I would definitely avoid the Kindle edition. There are simply too many references to missing pictures.

5.0 out of 5 stars Great read.

s. · 8 October 2024

Always a great read!. (Especially when life is getting you down)The author has a great way of explaining philosophical concepts and looking at things from a different and refreshing perspective.This book makes you look at life differently.It makes you challenge your own thoughts and your own wisdom.

5.0 out of 5 stars Great for if you just cannot stop shopping and shopping and shopping (says me) :-)

C. · 3 December 2018

This is the most fabulous book and really worth buying - its basically about keeping up with Jones's and non-stop shopping on useless items in order to impress others. Also got this book for £3 (brand new) full price £16.99 so I am an extremely happy little shopper. Have read it before as library book one of those books that I've always meant to buy and now I have :-)

3.0 out of 5 stars Disappointed

S. · 16 March 2020

Great book ruined by a terrible narrator.His ups and downs are all over the place and so inconsistent with the content that i think he randomly opened the book and read it without preparation.Dont bother buying the audiobook id say.

5.0 out of 5 stars Makes so much sense

B. · 20 December 2017

I sadly suspect that those who need and would benefit most from the book will not read it. There are some, who are feeling low, who'll undoubetdly benefit. But the major proponents and causes of Status Anxiety will carry on thrusting their image and persona of societal success upon those who feel anxious about keeping up.For me, just understanding the modern manifestation of what is now partly a social-media driven curse helps enormously. Being able to disconnect and easily deal with blatant social status-driven behaviour is simpler and more rewarding.

4.0 out of 5 stars Very good but left me feeling dissatisfied

M. · 27 February 2014

This book put into words my anxiety and dissatisfaction regarding some areas of my life where I feel that I do not measure up to the status ideal. It has helped me to understand myself and others better. I was left dissatisfied because I hoped, perhaps unrealistically, that the author would articulate an alternative to bourgeois capitalism, or suggest something more tangible for overcoming status anxiety. Instead he proposes that we seek for alternative for spaces where we can be appreciated in accordance with our own values. Fair enough, I suppose.

5.0 out of 5 stars What makes us do what we do!

R.L. · 10 June 2020

Have had this on my bookshelf for a while but ended up listening to it on audible. A fascinating insight into self-esteem and what really makes us tick. I will endeavour to dig further in to the other de Botton’s that I have gathering dust too!

Une réflexion philosophique brillante sur le besoin de statut

P.K. · 8 May 2014

Le besoin de reconnaissance est aujourd'hui un sujet majeur dans nos entreprises et partout dans notre société.Alain de Botton analyse les racines de ce phénomène à travers une exploration historique brillante, enlevée, pleine d'humour et de profondeur.Il démontre que le culte, somme toute récent dans l'histoire, de l'égalité des chances et de la méritocratie renvoie, par contraste, à chacun la responsabilité de ses échecs et de l'éventuelle modestie de sa position sociale. Il propose quelques pistes philosophiques au lecteur pour aider celui-ci à échapper à l'obsession du statut et à apprécier les autres pour ce qu'ils sont et pas seulement pour ce qu'ils font ou qui ils fréquentent.Une bonne lecture de "vacances intelligentes", qui nourrira sans aucun doute des discussions animées entre amis !

Interesting subject! well written!

K.N. · 8 January 2022

I liked the title. The subject of this book is relevant to my daily life! It helps to realise how the majority of the community has laid down rules on what is success in life. High status is assigned to whom on what basis. How bohemians bought against this majority and showed how to make life simple.

This author writes well

M.T. · 13 December 2024

An insightful read.

These books are all favorites

G.B. · 12 May 2019

First I read them for myself and now I regularly recommend them, lend them or buy them for others.

Highly recommend it

G. · 1 August 2025

Must read book, provide insights about modern world anxiety and still relevant to this day. Does not try to feed you idea, instead it provides real examples and historical events to shift your perspective.Nicely written and sometimes make you chuckle.

Similar suggestions by Bolo

More from this brand

Similar items from “Social”