Daniel Akst

I was very surprised that I ended up giving this book five stars, especially since there were a couple of sections I skimmed, but overall it was both fun and insightful.

While not denying the physical/chemical realities of addiction and disease, never stooping to preachiness or being holiner-than-thou, Askt makes a strong case for the lack of self control as one of the deadliest conditions of modern life.

His hero is Odysseus, who - being both self-aware and cognizant of the threats in his environment during the trip home from Troy - managed to enjoy the delights that presented themselves without falling prey to them.

Akst discusses the banking crash, Freud and Maslow, the Puritans and the 1960's, consumerism, social controls (and the lack thereof), all with an entertaining, breezy style that still delivers a convincing case for developing better self awareness, better self control and -- consequently -- a better, healthier life.… (més)