Svend Brinkmann, a 50-year-old psychologist and philosopher at Aalborg University in Denmark, has dedicated his career to critiquing the pervasive self-help culture that emphasizes personal success. Despite his personal tendency towards nostalgia, Brinkmann believes this cultural obsession with self-improvement has significant drawbacks. He argues that our society evaluates work, education, and even personal relationships based solely on their potential to propel us toward personal achievement.
In his book, Standpoints: 10 Old Ideas in a New World, Brinkmann invokes the wisdom of esteemed thinkers like Aristotle, Immanuel Kant, Hannah Arendt, and Albert Camus. He champions timeless values such as dignity, freedom, forgiveness, and loveâqualities that exist independently of their utility in achieving personal success.
Brinkmann encourages readers to shift their focus away from self-serving inquiries like “What do I get out of this?” and instead foster meaningful relationships that may lack immediate practical benefits. Interestingly, despite his critique of the self-help genre, his book is typically found in that section of bookstores.
Question: You have been discussing these issues for over a decade. Why do you think the personal development industry has gained immense popularity on social media?
Answer: Several cultural forces are at play here. One significant factor is individualization, which has led us to abandon collective societal improvement in favor of personal enhancement. This trend represents a considerable loss for a social species. We are not designed to exist as isolated individuals; instead, we are meant to cooperate and build fulfilling lives together. Since I penned Standpoints, the ethos of self-improvement has morphed from a traditionally feminine perspective focused on emotions and self-care to a more masculine ideal, highlighted by notions like âlooksmaxing.â While I originally critiqued the former, I now recognize that both perspectives reflect a similar atomizationâeach directing individuals to prioritize themselves over others.
Q: Your book discusses philosophical concepts that these influencers often cite, including dignity and keeping promises, yet they seem to frame them in a “every man for himself” narrative.
A: The contemporary interpretation of Stoicism has become widespread among influencers, straying far from its original Greek and Roman contexts. Today, dignity and responsibility are often viewed instrumentally: their value is measured by what they can provide for you. This is in direct opposition to my argument that values like love, forgiveness, and dignity possess intrinsic worth. They should not be seen as tools for personal development; their significance lies in their essence, not their utility.
Q: Why is it important to revive these enduring values now, even when people generally agree with them?
A: Our society is preoccupied with the new, often overlooking the wisdom embedded in old ideas. Just because they have persisted for millennia does not diminish their value; instead, it highlights their relevance. Engaging with timeless themes of human existence can foster a unifying framework that helps bridge divisions. Regardless of cultural or religious backgrounds, these core values are fundamental to human experience.
Q: You cite Hannah Arendt, who posited that a shared understanding of truth is crucial for coexistence. Given today's political climate, how can one advocate for respect for truth?
A: As philosopher Harry Frankfurt described, we observe a phenomenon he termed âbullshit,â wherein people have a flagrant disregard for truth. Arendt would likely be horrified by this disregard. Yet, despite the current climate, we can choose to approach the truth personally and strive for reliability. This commitment might not always yield immediate rewards, but practicing truthfulness holds inherent value and serves as a moral imperative against the manipulation of truth for personal gain.
Q: Can adhering to these principles lead to a better life, or does it risk creating martyrs?
A: Living according to these values leads to a more meaningful life, even if it does not always equate to constant happiness as understood in psychological terminology. A fulfilling life entails engaging in meaningful activities, such as loving and forgiving. For instance, true forgiveness is unconditional; once it becomes transactionalâcentered on personal gainâit loses its essence. Society has strayed from recognizing values that possess intrinsic worth, treating them instead as mere tools for individual success.
Q: When discussing inherent goodness, do you attribute it to divine origin or evolution?
A: I do not attribute it to a deity, although I respect those who do. Instead, I view intrinsic goodness as a fundamental aspect of reality, similar to mathematical truths that exist independently of explanation. Helping others should stem from the desire to assist, not from a quest for personal satisfaction. Some actions justify themselves without needing further rationale.
Q: Some might argue you lean toward nostalgia; after all, Aristotle had problematic views on slavery.
A: While I acknowledge my nostalgia, I believe it serves a useful purpose: it reminds us that change is possible. We should not interpret Aristotle literally; instead, we must focus on his core idealsâhuman rationality. Today, we've recognized the equal humanity of all individuals, moving past the outdated and morally indefensible elements of his philosophy.
Q: Your book discusses real love as accepting others as they are. With the rising trend of individuals seeking solace in religion due to disappointments in human relationships, what are your thoughts?
A: This sentiment is understandable. It can be disheartening to view humanity through a negative lens. However, we often overlook our capacity for altruism. While humans may act selfishly at times, those instances are exceptions. In crises, people typically exhibit remarkable kindness and selflessness. The cynicism that leads individuals to withdraw from human connection reinforces a negative cycle. Trusting others requires an initial act of faith; disillusionment should not deter us from this essential aspect of our humanity.
Q: Living by these values is challenging, especially given the prevalent individualism and distrust in society. How can we overcome this?
A: Breaking out of these cycles relies on social support, although tightly-knit communities can also become stifling. People must act; if one spends their life waiting for the perfect moment to forgive or love, they may never take action. Engaging with multiple communities, especially in today's digital age, allows for broader connections. As a psychologist, I believe the solutions to many issues often lie in collaboration with others. While humans can be frustrating, shared activitiesâsuch as engaging in local politics or common causesâcan foster happiness. However, one should remain cautious: seeking happiness directly can lead to disappointment. True fulfillment comes from engaging in meaningful actions with others.
