Ninenda

“We should forever forswear the masochistic process wherein we seek another's approval before we have even asked ourselves whether that person's views deserve to be listened to.”
― Alain de Botton, Status Anxiety

“Because societies are trusted to be meritocratic, financial achievements are understood to be deserved. The ability to accumulate wealth is prized for reflecting the presence of atleast four cardinal virtues: creativity, courage, intelligence and stamina. The presence of other virtues - humility and godliness - rarely detains attention. Achievements are not attributed, as in past societies, to luck or providence - a reflection of modern societies' faith in individual willpower. Financial failures are similarly judged to be merited, with unemployment bearing some of the shame of physical cowardice in warrior eras.”
― Alain de Botton, Status Anxiety

“Herodotus reported that it was the custom, towards the end of Egyptian feasts, when the revellers were at their most exuberant, for servants to march through the banqueting hall and among the tables carrying skeletons on stretchers.”
― Alain de Botton, Status Anxiety

“Does what is praised becomes better? Does an emerald become worse if it isn't praised? And what a gold, ivory, a flower or a little plant?”
― Alain de Botton, Status Anxiety