Bullshit Jobs: A Theory
Ratings81
Average rating3.9
15
Ratings81
Average rating3.9
Bullshit Jobs: A Theory is a 2018 book by anthropologist David Graeber that argues the existence and societal harm of meaningless jobs. He contends that over half of societal work is pointless, which becomes psychologically destructive when paired with a work ethic that associates work with self-worth. Graeber describes five types of bullshit jobs, in which workers pretend their role isn't as pointless or harmful as they know it to be: flunkies, goons, duct tapers, box tickers, and taskmasters. He argues that the association of labor with virtuous suffering is recent in human history, and proposes universal basic income as a potential solution.
Reviews with the most likes.
Kind of fascinating book, worthy ideas - but the execution isn't up to the gravity of the topic.
This feels like a series of collected blog posts or magazine articles.
Did not have the same impression from author's book on Debt.
I love David Graeber. While maybe not as profound as some of his other books, and maybe not as strong a foundation, it is delightfully humours and thought-provoking all the same
Interesting book but felt it was longer than it needed to be
Just kept thinking of Capra's “You Can't Take It With You” as I read this. Plus ça change.
