Bright-Sided by Barbara Ehrenreich

Bright-sided

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.

Bright-Sided by Barbara Ehrenreich
$14.97
In Bright-Sided, Barbara Ehrenreich takes a hard look at the downsides of positive thinking and how it seeps into various aspects of American life. She argues that relentless optimism can be harmful, leading to self-delusion and stifling emotions like empathy and outrage, which are crucial for real progress. While I found the book engaging and thought-provoking, I felt it leaned a bit too heavily into a serious tone, portraying people as victims and dismissing ambition. I believe that a balance of hope and determination, alongside some positive thinking, is essential for driving change.
Pros:
  • The book is well-written and engaging.
  • It presents a persuasive argument against unchecked positive thinking.
  • It addresses important themes related to optimism and capitalism.
Cons:
  • The book feels heavy and serious, and can be depressing.
  • Ehrenreich's perspective may paint people as victims too much.
  • I disagree with the idea that outrage is necessary for progress and prosperity.
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01/14/2025 07:57 pm GMT
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