Has anyone read Affluenza?

[Torran]

And if so, what did you think?

It's by Oliver James - full title is Affluenza: how to be successful and stay sane.

Which makes it sound like a self-help book for career success, but it's actually about consumerism, using the metaphor of 'consumerism as virus', spreading in the population in countries that have embraced free-market economics. There is a lot of stuff to do with the link between materialism and mental illness. He also questions the definition of a successful life (he clearly believes that enjoying our time, and the nuturing of friendships and family relationships, is a much more sane thing to hope to achieve).

Really interesting is his extension of the 'virus' metaphor to explore what makes certain people 'immune' to being seduced by materialism. I remember that good self-esteem was pretty high on the list.

And even though some parts are quite vague and turn to anecdotes rather than statistics, I don't think that detracts from the value of what he's saying. There are tons of really sad, scary examples of very 'successful' rich people he interviewed saying things like 'my plan is to work for 30 years, pay for my daughter's wedding and then die'.

I've started to read it for the 2nd time (the 1st time I read it was long before I stumbled across the MMM blog).

Here is a review:-

http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/books/reviews/affluenza-how-to-be-successful-and-stay-sane-by-oliver-james-436485.html

[VexedCoffee]

I was introduced through a book study program my college did. It really made some things click for me at a young age and I still have the book. Might have to peak in at it again as it's been about 5 or 6 years since I read it.

[moelac]

Love that book! There's a movie version, too. Don't remember how good that was.


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[chops]

I remember that on Mrs. MMMs blog (yes, some people read her blog as well :) that she read it.   Maybe she'll chime in and give us her 0.02?? 

I'm interested in reading it now from your review.  I've been looking for a new book to read (from the library, of course!) I'll check back and let you know what I think. 

 - Chops

[Nickyd£g]

I'm reading it right now!  I got it from the library last week.  It's very interesting, especially the reviews of Russian and Danish "immunity", and why certain people can be naturally immune - which does seem to be based on self esteem.

[BlueHouse]

Yes, I read it about 7 years ago. My family still mocks me using that term whenever I comment on their consumer driven lifestyle. I read it and wanted to make changes. They want to defend their lifestyle. I don't speak about it with them anymore but I'm glad I found this place with like minded people.

[Michread]

Watch Affluenza: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YhMllHwkAoM

[JLR]

I haven't read that one, but I have read Affluenza: when too much is never enough by Clive Hamilton.

http://www.amazon.com/Affluenza-When-Much-Never-Enough/dp/1741146712

[crazycatlady]

I think there are several books called "Affluenza".  The one that I read was by John De Graaf, and they also had a PBS special based on the book.  That book was the first one I read that put me on the path to simple living and financial independence.  So for me it was a big deal.

[Calvin]

I think there are several books called "Affluenza".  The one that I read was by John De Graaf, and they also had a PBS special based on the book.  That book was the first one I read that put me on the path to simple living and financial independence.  So for me it was a big deal.

Yes, I think the book the OP mentioned is different.

In my senior seminar class at college, we read the John de Graaf Affluenza book. That book really resonated with me and it lead me to YMOYL. Once I read YMOYL and the chapter about the "crossover point" when your investment income exceeds your expenses, everything clicked and I knew that was what I wanted to do. So, definitely that book's had a big impact on my life. Hope to FIRE by 30!