The age of sad passions

How this unequal world leads to frustration and resentment, and discourages the struggle for a better society

Abstract

In this book, Francois Dubet gives an account of the way in which sad passions, that are a sign of these times, are born and expressed. He describes especially anger, rage, indignation and resentment as passions that permeate people, relationships and institutions. From there, he seeks to understand the relationship they have with social inequalities. Throughout the book, the author develops his hypothesis: these passions are not due to the increase of inequalities, but to the change, to the transformation of these inequalities. In this regard, he presents the way in which these are diversified and individualized, which brings up new singular experiences, diluting possible adversaries and avoiding collective action as a consequence. It concludes with the importance of redirecting the progressive political agenda as a way out that leads to democratic and egalitarian actions.