The Problem with Being a Person: How an Existentialish Philosophy Can Ground Us in Modern Chaos

by Talia Pollock

Escape the race to happiness, build a life of value, and resist the pull of self-help

You’ve heard this outwardly, woman was living the dream. Inwardly, woman was drowning in despair. It's what happened next that sets this tale apart.

Many of us go through life believing that something about us is not normal enough. So, we devote ourselves to the endless pursuit of self-improvement. That’s what Talia Pollock decided to do. In her quest to feel better, Talia Pollock got seduced by self-help trends that offered fleeting solace but failed to soothe the depths of her inner turmoil. Conventional remedies, like medication and therapy, provided a semblance of relief but didn’t ease the angst she felt inside. 

It wasn’t until she discovered Existentialist philosophy that she discovered that what we’re told is abnormal is actually entirely human, and it’s our attempts to cure ourselves of our humanity which will eventually drive us mad.

Echoing the timeless wisdom of philosophers and the timely research of social scientists, Pollock offers a modern take on finding the courage to create your own version of satisfaction.

Pollock’s sincere retelling of her own experiences urges readers to

question conventional notions of happinessembrace contentment as a lasting source of well-beingnavigate the challenges of a comfortably uncomfortable life 
Whether you’re grappling with existential questions, seeking to break free from societal expectations, or yearning for a deeper sense of fulfillment, The Problem with Being a Person offers a powerful message for prioritizing self-acceptance over self-improvement.

Genres: Nonfiction

211 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 10, 2025

About the author

Talia Pollock is an award-winning podcast host, health and empowerment coach, comedian, author, and proud founder of the nationally celebrated wellness platform, Party in My Plants, where she empowers real, busy, everyday people improve their wellness so they can have an abundance of energy to take on the world

Reviews

[Haley Grable · Rating 3 out of 5]

Audiobooked this.

Can’t help feeling a bit guilty for writing a review and making my experience of this book public. After all wasn’t one of the big points of this book to stop living a performative life and not blindly consume other people’s assignments of meaning?

Nonetheless here I am. I feel validated knowing that other people have felt and thought how I do about life and meaning and existence and distractions and performativism. Now I can tell myself, I’m not a pit of gloom, I’m just a philosopher. Prepare to see many existentialist authors on my read list.

Took away a couple of stars because parts of it felt like things were just being said with no actual takeaway. (Hehe is this sentence a review or a summary of the book)

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5! I thoroughly enjoyed how you could hear the author’s authentic voice interwoven throughout the pages. It made the book’s content feel more real. I’m recommend this book to anyone who is newer to or interested in philosophy or questioning where they are in life (i.e. purpose).

[Karen Shilvock-Cinefro · Rating 3 out of 5]

One of the comments about the author description is the author, “talks too deeply with strangers.” Whether you’re grappling with existential questions, seeking to break free from societal expectations, or yearning for a deeper sense of fulfillment, The Problem with Being a Person offers a powerful message for prioritizing self-acceptance over self-improvement.

[junebeforejuly · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is the practical guide to interpreting philosophy. it really is a mash of a bunch of quotes from philosophers and other book writers but I personally really enjoyed it

[Sloane Sheldon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Funny, thought provoking, and insightful. Talia gracefully weaves humor, history, and deeply personal narratives to help us better understand our world, and live at peace accepting lemons for what they are without always trying to squeeze out lemonade.

[Mike DC · Rating 4 out of 5]

Existentialist anti-self-help advice. Really great writing, really relevant for today.

[Meghan · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Jenina Jill Sy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The thoughts and ideas were great, but the book could've been much shorter. The book's progression also doesn't necessarily flow.

[Casey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Part memoir, part philosophical exploration, this was a quick and enjoyable read. Existentialism has always appealed to me so this worked well for me.