There is currently an epidemic of 'affluenza' throughout the world - an obsessive, envious, keeping-up-with-the-Joneses - that has resulted in huge increases in depression and anxiety among millions. Over a nine-month period, best-selling author Oliver James travelled around the world to try and find out why. He discovered how, despite very different cultures and levels of wealth, affluenza is spreading.
Cities he visited include Sydney, Singapore, Moscow, Copenhagen, New York, and Shanghai, and in each place he interviewed several groups of people in the hope of finding out not only why this is happening, but also how one can increase the strength of one's emotional immune system. He asks: why do so many more people want what they haven't got and want to be someone they're not, despite being richer and freer from traditional restraints?
And, in so doing, uncovers the answer to how to reconnect with what really matters and learn to value what you've already got. In other words, how to be successful and stay sane.
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"I really enjoyed this book and found it very thought provoking, not so much in principal, as I already subscribed to most of the points raised, but it lead me to question some fundamental aspects of how I live my life today, and what I plan to do with my future - and most importantly, why. There were times I felt the case studies of the super rich were not entirely relevant for me, though they were interesting, I don't expect to be joining the top 1% anytime soon and after reading this book am not sure I would want to, but maybe that is the author's point. Some of the case studies were a little long as well and I did find James' reference to 'virus values' a bit irritating after a while. However, overall the sentiment got me thinking, so I highly recommend it, and I am keen to read Oliver James' other books now."
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Emily (5 out of 5 stars)