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Assholes


Three years ago, Aaron James published a book titled Assholes: A Theory according to which “A person counts as an asshole when, and only when, he systematically allows himself to enjoy special advantages in interpersonal relations out of an entrenched sense of entitlement that immunizes him against the complaints of other people.”  In simple words, an asshole is a person who takes every advantage, thinks himself superior to all others, and is immune to criticism. 

Most of our politicians belong to that category, in case you are looking for examples. 

Now James has come up with a new book: Assholes: A Theory of Donald Trump.

Aaron James is not a popular writer who seeks to entertain the readers with hackneyed humour.  He is a professor of philosophy.  The first book in which he explains his theory of assholes is an erudite work drawing heavily on philosophers such as Plato, Kant, Rousseau and Hobbes.   

Politics creates assholes necessarily.  Politics is about power and no one but an asshole can be interested in imposing himself on others (which is what power means in practical terms).  

Since I haven’t read the book yet, I can’t speak more about it.  But I am amused by the entire concept.

The books are available at Amazon.in.  [Check out in the top right corner of this blog.]



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  1. Amit AgarwalMay 14, 2016 at 1:03 PM

    Interesting..!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Nima DasMay 14, 2016 at 3:56 PM

    Sounds like a good read,

    ReplyDelete
  3. sunaina sharmaMay 14, 2016 at 5:51 PM

    Trump-holes....!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Tomichan MatheikalMay 14, 2016 at 9:03 PM

      Yes, James cuts Trump into pieces and reveals the hollowness, as I understand.

      Delete
  4. KalpanaMay 14, 2016 at 10:45 PM

    I want to read this book. Particularly the first one. Donald Trump is beyond reading about. Thanks for this :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Tomichan MatheikalMay 15, 2016 at 10:50 AM

      The first one is the real theory. The second is theory applied to Trump. Your choice is better especially since Trump means little to Non-Americans.

      Delete
  5. parwatisingariMay 15, 2016 at 10:32 AM

    lol It was an very un-Tomichan Matheikal title :) author how sounds interesting.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Tomichan MatheikalMay 15, 2016 at 10:53 AM

      See how even philosophy is becoming so frustrated that it takes recourse to coarse expressions. How can I, a feeble being, escape the poison in the air? 😑

      Delete

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