In his mini-treatise, the modern French thinker and writer Pascal Bruckner questions perhaps the most generally accepted and undeniable ideas of modern society.
In his mini-treatise, the modern French thinker and writer Pascal Bruckner questions perhaps the most generally accepted and undeniable ideas of modern society. What is wrong with such seemingly impeccable goals as the pursuit of happiness and success, a healthy lifestyle, social, sexual and mental well-being? How about a taut look? It is precisely what is made a duty of everyone today that is becoming not an elusive dream, but a norm, a duty, an ethical principle. “As soon as the desired becomes possible, it is immediately ranked as necessary,” writes Brückner. “From now on, it’s immoral not to be happy.” The philosopher’s reasoning about the routine of everyday life and money, about envy, suffering and about his own understanding of the notorious “happiness” is like a cold soul: they excite the mind and give each of us a chance to shake off false stereotypes that make us live by inertia, according to rules imposed from outside.
Ivan Limbakh Publishing House, 240 p.