Episode #188 Achievement Society and the rise of narcissism depression and anxiety - Byung-Chul Han
Audio Brief
Show transcript
This episode explores philosopher Byung Chul Han's critique of the modern "achievement society" and its shift from control through prohibition to control through self-optimization.
There are three key takeaways from this discussion. First, understand the shift from negative to positive power. Second, recognize self exploitation masquerading as ambition. Third, actively seek out "the other" to foster deeper understanding.
Han posits that society has moved from a "disciplinary society" controlled by negative power, like prohibition, to an "achievement society" governed by positive power, which encourages self-optimization. This new form of control operates through seduction and encouragement, rather than explicit restriction. Individuals are driven by the maxim "you can be anything," creating internal pressure to constantly perform and achieve.
This drive leads to self exploitation, where individuals voluntarily engage in self surveillance and optimization, a concept Han terms "psychopolitics." The digital panopticon exemplifies this, with people willingly exposing themselves through technology. This intense pressure to maximize productivity and be their own entrepreneur often results in burnout, depression, and narcissism.
Han also highlights the "terror of the same," where a relentless push for positivity and conformity erodes negativity and difference. This eliminates "the other," leading to a shallow, homogenous existence where genuine connection and deep thought are replaced by consumption. To counter this, seeking out different perspectives and experiences is crucial for a richer, more authentic life.
Han's work challenges us to critically examine the pervasive pressures of neoliberalism and reclaim genuine self determination in a society that often commodifies authenticity.
Episode Overview
- This episode introduces the work of contemporary philosopher Byung-Chul Han, who builds on Michel Foucault's ideas about power in the modern world.
- It explores the shift from a "disciplinary society" that controls through negative power (prohibition) to an "achievement society" that controls through positive power (encouragement to self-optimize).
- The discussion highlights how modern individuals voluntarily participate in their own surveillance and exploitation, driven by the maxim "you can be anything."
- Han's concepts of "psychopolitics," the "terror of the same," and the rise of burnout, depression, and narcissism as symptoms of this new form of societal control are introduced.
Key Concepts
- Byung-Chul Han: A South Korean-born German philosopher and cultural theorist whose work critiques the "achievement society," transparency, and the psychological effects of neoliberal capitalism.
- Digital Panopticon: Unlike Foucault's architectural panopticon, the digital panopticon is a system where individuals voluntarily expose and surveil themselves through social networks and technology, turning freedom into a form of control.
- Negative vs. Positive Power: The episode contrasts two forms of societal control. Negative power operates through prohibition and discipline ("You should not"), characteristic of past societies. Positive power operates through seduction and encouragement ("You can"), defining the modern "achievement society."
- Achievement Society: Han's term for contemporary society, where individuals are not oppressed by external forces but are driven by an internal pressure to constantly perform, optimize, and achieve. This leads to self-exploitation, burnout, and depression.
- Psychopolitics: An extension of Foucault's "biopolitics," psychopolitics describes how neoliberalism has moved from controlling bodies to controlling the psyche. It turns individuals into their own entrepreneurs and exploiters, managing their mental states for maximum productivity.
- The Erosion of the "Other": The relentless drive for positivity and sameness eliminates negativity, difference, and "the other." This "terror of the same" leads to a shallow, narcissistic existence where genuine connection, love, and deep thought are replaced by consumption and self-affirmation.
- Authenticity as a Neoliberal Ad Campaign: The societal push to "be authentic" is framed as a form of self-commodification. It encourages individuals to view themselves as a personal project to be constantly worked on and optimized for market value.
Quotes
- At 01:08 - "Today, surveillance is not occurring as an attack on freedom, as is normally assumed. Instead, people are voluntarily surrendering to the panoptic gaze." - Explaining how the digital panopticon functions through voluntary participation rather than external coercion.
- At 04:01 - "Positive power says can, negative power says should." - Highlighting the fundamental difference in the modality of control between the achievement society and older disciplinary societies.
- At 04:05 - "'Can' is much more effective than the negativity of 'should.' Therefore, the social unconscious switches from should to can." - On why the new form of "positive power" is a more efficient and pervasive method of control.
- At 05:16 - "The terror of the same affects all areas of life today. One travels everywhere, yet does not experience anything. One catches sight of everything, yet reaches no insight." - Describing how the erosion of "the other" and negativity leads to a world of shallow, homogenous experiences.
- At 07:26 - "The infinite work on the ego resembles self-observation and self-examination in the Protestant religion. And they, in turn, represent a technique of subjectivation and domination. Instead of looking for sins, now negative thoughts are the ones to be sought." - Connecting the modern drive for self-optimization to religious forms of self-discipline, reframing it as a technique of control.
Takeaways
- Recognize self-exploitation masquerading as ambition. The constant pressure to be more productive, optimize your life, and achieve more is a form of societal control that can lead to burnout. Question whether your goals are truly your own or a product of this "achievement society."
- Actively seek out "the other" to foster deeper understanding. Make a conscious effort to engage with people, ideas, and experiences that are genuinely different from your own. This counteracts the narcissistic tendency to only consume what affirms your existing worldview and builds empathy.
- Create space for non-productive, contemplative activities. Counteract the "terror of the same" and constant stimulation by setting aside time for activities that have no goal other than joy or rest, such as gardening, sitting in silence, or engaging in hobbies without the pressure to monetize or optimize them.
