Bright-Sided by Barbara Ehrenreich
Bright-Sided by Barbara Ehrenreich is a book that explores the negative effects of positive thinking and its reach into every corner of American life. The author argues that unchecked optimism can be dangerous, and that staying positive regardless of one’s situation can lead to self-delusion.
She examines how positive thinking has been embraced by the Evangelical megachurches, the medical establishment, and the business community, and how it has prevented other emotions necessary for progress and prosperity, such as outrage, empathy, and conviction.
Ehrenreich also looks at the relationship between positive thinking and capitalism, and how consumer capitalism is “congenial to positive thinking”. She argues that it promises that we deserve more, and can have it, if we really want it, and if we are only willing to make the effort to get it.
Interesting Themes
- Unchecked optimism can be dangerous
- Positive thinking can lead to self-delusion
- Positive thinking has been embraced by the Evangelical megachurches, the medical establishment, and the business community
- Positive thinking prevents other emotions necessary for progress and prosperity, such as outrage, empathy, and conviction
- Consumer capitalism is “congenial to positive thinking”
What I Liked
The book is well-written, engaging, and persuasive – and a useful temper to unmoderated positive thinking.
What I Did Not Like
Ok – I think that Barbara Ehrenreich’s work is important and has had an positive impact on the world. But. For me personally, it’s quite Heavy and Serious – and a bit depressing. I think she goes slightly too far into painting people as victims and painting ambition as nearly always negative. I disagree that outrage is necessary for progress and prosperity.
When I look at people who have changed the world and fought at injustice – I see people who, though they may have some outrage deep inside, channel it into determination. I also see people who borrow heavily from positive thinking – they have Hope that, though they may not see it in their lifetimes, positive change will come. Even though positive thinking is not the only ingredient for success, I think it’s very much necessary.
