Assholes: A Theory Book

Product Description

In the spirit of the mega-selling On Bullshit, philosopher Aaron James presents a theory of the asshole that is both intellectually provocative and existentially necessary.

What does it mean for someone to be an asshole? The answer is not obvious, despite the fact that we are often personally stuck dealing with people for whom there is no better name. Try as we might to avoid them, assholes are found everywhere—at work, at home, on the road, and in the public sphere. Encountering one causes great difficulty and personal strain, especially because we often cannot understand why exactly someone should be acting like that.

Asshole management begins with asshole understanding. Much as Machiavelli illuminated political strategy for princes, this book finally gives us the concepts to think or say why assholes disturb us so, and explains why such people seem part of the human social condition, especially in an age of raging narcissism and unbridled capitalism. These concepts are also practically useful, as understanding the asshole we are stuck with helps us think constructively about how to handle problems he (and they are mostly all men) presents. We get a better sense of when the asshole is best resisted, and when he is best ignored—a better sense of what is, and what is not, worth fighting for.

Top Reviews

A Wake-Up Call for America
by Michael Kaiser (4 out of 5 stars)
January 26, 2017

In some ways it reads like a college textbook but the content makes it well worth the effort when the going gets a little tough. Aaron James for better or worse has produced a handbook for our times and hits the mark when it comes to diagnosing what in the hell is wrong with us, how we have lost the capacity to treat each other in a civilized manner. The book is a wake-up call and how with very little effort we have the power to change society for the better.
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Valuable
by TH (5 out of 5 stars)
July 31, 2017

Don't be fooled by the title! This book is a serious piece of moral, social and political philosophy that requires appropriate training and background to understand and critique fully. Nonetheless, as an attempt to draw persons into the discussion, the book's title constitutes a valiant attempt to lure people into serious reflection on the state of our current culture. I want to encourage readers at all levels of preparation to have a go at James's valuable contribution to our comprehension of our nation's current state of affairs.
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Get Ready To Not Laugh
by Christian Baggett (2 out of 5 stars)
January 28, 2018

With a title like this I expected some humor...there is little or none. Prof. James is clearly a very smart guy. He writes in great detail establishing his points with an abundance of thought and a seemingly endless fountain of never-ending description. Unfortunately, that doesn't necessarily make a good read. He seems to take page upon page to make a point...then makes the same point again using more words and pages. As I read, I found my mind wandering not because it was thought-provoking but because it goes on and on. I applaud him for his intellect and tenacity regarding his points but this book is not for me. Out of respect for his effort (...and my own optimism that the pace of this book magically picks up in the last third) I will muddle through it. I think a better editor could've have done a lot with this. Great title, smart guy...boring read.
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Four Stars
by MC (4 out of 5 stars)
October 10, 2017

Too funny, to well written, to REAL! They are out there, heres how to get a handle on em!
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Five Stars
by obiwan (5 out of 5 stars)
December 11, 2017

Hilarious.
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Enlightening read
by Frederick Webb (4 out of 5 stars)
September 22, 2018

This is a well written and well researched book. It provides valuable insight about the a$$hole! I wish it would provide more methods to counter the impact the a$$hole has on society. We need more ways to lessen the impact.
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Four Stars
by Connie Margaret (4 out of 5 stars)
October 2, 2017

Finally, some clarity....
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great gift
by jonny (5 out of 5 stars)
June 27, 2019

you know someone who needs this book
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Interesting Read for persons who find human behavior interesting
by Melissa Qualls (4 out of 5 stars)
July 20, 2019

I enjoyed the humor. A bit academic and verbose, but overall a good read. I recommend reading this book highly.
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Its not a theory. Its a fact.
by Steven J. Negri (5 out of 5 stars)
July 1, 2019

Well written. Good advice.

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