Issue #1 - The Enlightened Reader: Pursuing Knowledge Through Books.

Insights on the paradox of prosperity

Author

Eric Michiels
July 23, 2023

Hi, welcome to the first issue of The Enlightened Reader: Pursuing Knowledge Through Books.

In the last 3 years, I’ve read over 300 books and I want to use this newsletter to share great ideas and concepts I’ve learned. I wrote 5 blog posts on what I learned from reading 150 books in one year. Here are links to the articles Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, and Part 5.

Book(s) I’m reading

I’m not sure if I have a disorder or if it’s normal but I’m always reading 3 to 5 books at a time. Here they are:

I came across Russell Brunson in a video about website funnels, that was very useful to my business. This made me pick up the book.

I’m learning a lot about sales from the book.

Alex Hormozi is everywhere these days. So I had to find out what the fuzz is all about. (Yes, he won).

I started reading this book but I just dislike all the bragging that goes on. I’m a millionaire and I made so much money… 👎🏻

But I believe he has valuable information to share so I will continue reading it.

This book was suggested to me. I did not have much expectation starting it but it’s been entertaining and informative.

I have been going through a very rough time 😢 and wanted a different perspective on living in a sorrowful moment.

This book is very specific about my faith. It highlights strategies that a vein of Christianity is subscribing to. Although I’m very aware of what the authors talk about and share, it’s a fun read.

The books I want to read next

I want to finish at least two of these books so I can start reading any one of these, that are next on my list:

The 48 Laws of Power is a book that has been banned from all prisons. It’s mostly about how to manipulate people. 😱

You Shouldn’t have come here is a book I came across this week. I don’t read much fiction but this book caught my attention.

An Idea to dwell on 🤜🏻 🤛🏻

The paradox of prosperity, as discussed in Sebastian Junger's Tribe: On Homecoming and Belonging is a complex and fascinating concept. At first glance, prosperity - defined by wealth, comfort, and abundance - should logically result in higher rates of happiness and satisfaction. However, Junger and many others have observed the opposite: in societies marked by higher affluence, there tends to be an increase in mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and suicide rates. This counterintuitive trend forms the crux of the paradox of prosperity.

In exploring this paradox, Junger suggests that as societies become wealthier and more technologically advanced, they often shift away from communal, interdependent living toward individualism and self-reliance. In many modern societies, people live in larger homes, often separated from extended family and close-knit community structures that characterized our ancestors' lifestyles. This affluence and increased personal space can foster isolation and loneliness, despite the material comfort it provides. Additionally, the shift towards a service-based economy means many people may find themselves in jobs that, while well-paid, may lack the tangible sense of accomplishment and purpose that comes from producing physical, necessary goods.

Furthermore, the increased prosperity 💰 can lead to a lack of shared struggles, which historically have been pivotal in forming strong social bonds and a sense of community. Affluence can remove the need for mutual support systems and shared responsibilities, leading to fewer opportunities for communal cooperation and bonding. Moreover, the pressure to maintain one's status and wealth can be a significant source of stress and anxiety. The pursuit of material wealth, paradoxically, often comes at the expense of mental well-being, community connections, and a sense of belonging.

While prosperity brings about undeniable benefits, it also seems to foster conditions that can erode communal ties and contribute to higher rates of mental health issues. Junger argues that understanding and addressing this paradox is essential for creating healthier, more connected societies.💥

See you next week

📚 Every book we read adds a new layer to our understanding, shaping us as individuals and as a society. So keep turning those pages and expanding your horizons. Next Sunday, we'll dive into yet more fascinating titles and their wisdom, adding more fuel to our collective pursuit of knowledge. Until then, happy reading!