Why Money Can’t (Usually) Buy Happiness New to most of us, Alain de Botton provides reasons for what our grandparents might have told us as children.
Retaining substantive philosophical arguments as in this documentary is rare and comforting. De Botton claims that we worry more about our own importance and achievement than our grandparents did. It’s status fear.
Alain cites philosophical works such as Alexis de Tocqueville’s description of his visit to the United States in 1831, such as Democracy in America.
We jump ahead to America today to see some dire examples of how de Botton sees the American way. A Christian preaches getting rich. A steelworker tells of his uncertain life in an industry shut down by the greed of others.
Our protagonist points out the benefits of high status: High-status people receive the attention and attention of the world. Then this advantage combines with the fantasy or attempt of American elite politics, referring to Jefferson’s idea of talent aristocracy.
