by Daniel Akst
First published 2011
Daniel Akst examines humanity's age-old battle against temptation in our modern world of abundance. He argues that while food, sex, and substances are more available than ever, the social structures that once helped people resist have weakened. This leaves individuals to rely on willpower alone in a world designed to overwhelm it. Akst draws from history, literature, psychology, philosophy, and economics to map the complex terrain of human desire. He shows how reckless spending and unchecked consumption have created widespread discontent. The book offers readers practical strategies for navigating temptation without falling into self-destructive patterns. Akst provides a roadmap for making wiser choices when faced with immediate gratification versus long-term wellbeing.
Genres: philosophy, psychology, self-help, non-fiction
Vibes: informative, insightful, thought-provoking
Tropes: self-improvement, social-commentary
320 pages · Penguin Publishing Group