Orbit 955 Report post Posted January 26 I just ran across this on Amazon while looking for something else (no, not what you're thinking) and wondered if anyone had read it. https://www.amazon.com/Assholes-Theory-Aaron-James/dp/0804171351/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1516997942&sr=8-2&keywords=sociology+best+sellers Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MOHO 1,195 Report post Posted January 29 Yes. @Orbit I just finished it two weeks ago. it's a quick read and, mostly, self-help relating to what battles you should fight and which ones to let go. Mr. James identifies several types of assholes - my favorite being the self-aggrandizing asshole - because I not only work for one but I have encountered a few of Mrs. MOHO's fundy friends who fit that caricature as well. The last 100 pp or so is the author's rant about what he feels is asshole capitalism. He does not appear to be anti-capitalist in general but feels there are many who spoil the concept. After reading the book I took an account of my own behavior and identified at least one area where I need to take an accounting. Like my response to newbies here when I get the feeling that their only reason for visiting us is to dump their religious diatribes on us. I'm sure I have come off as an asshole to one or two. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TrueScotsman 776 Report post Posted January 29 His views are I think that Capitalism needs to be reformed culturally and economically, shifting towards a less frenetic lifestyle and slowing down for a more leisurely lifestyle which focuses on nature and being globally minded. His writings elsewhere indicate that he thinks the Protestant Work ethic instilled in the wage labor economy in the Industrial Revolution needs to be replaced with something more sustainable and in line with what we know about human psychology which I strongly agree with. The Protestant Work Ethic works for naturally conscientious people, but it also has been the justification for brutal treatment of workers who are not so naturally resilient and the lost history of American classes is where such horrors can be found. My bet is that Libertarians won't like his writings, but then again they think Ayn Rand is the greatest writer ever most often. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lilith666 1,480 Report post Posted March 12 Huh. I've run into plenty of unsavory people; maybe I'll read this. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Report post Posted March 13 No I have not, but my reading list has just been expanded. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
disillusioned 1,441 Report post Posted April 4 Haven't read it, but stumbled across the updated version in a bookstore a while back. It looked interesting. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
