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Svend Brinkmann

STAND FIRM

Resisting the Self-Improvement Craze

Translated by Tam McTurk











polity

Acknowledgements

A vast array of books has been churned out on self-development, self-improvement and self-realisation. Millions of them are sold every year, and the philosophy of self-development is ubiquitous in the worlds of education and business. Our lives may be in a state of constant flux and change, but legions of coaches, therapists and lifestyle counsellors are on hand to steer us safely through these choppy waters. This book is an attempt to voice opposition – to posit an alternative – to the culture of self-development. In short, it isn’t about how to develop, but about how to stand firm on your own ground. It’s not about finding yourself, but about living with yourself. It recommends negative, not positive, thinking as your first port of call. It isn’t inspired by pop philosophies like the Seven Good Habits, spirituality or Theory U, but by the sober (though never boring) philosophy of Stoicism, as formulated in Ancient Rome by both a slave (Epictetus) and an emperor (Marcus Aurelius). This may sound a bit strange at first … but bear with me.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Lise Nestelsø and Anne Weinkouff for publishing the original Danish version of the book, even though it differs so starkly from many others in the Gyldendal Business catalogue. That is precisely why I thought you were the right publishers for the job, and I thank you for your trust and confidence in me. The whole process was enjoyable from start to finish. Anne was an extremely helpful sounding board, reader and editor. I would also like to thank Anders Petersen, Ester Holte Kofod and Rasmus Birk, who provided many valuable comments on the manuscript. Also, huge thanks to Todd May for positive feedback and for recommending the book to Polity Press – a publishing house under whose imprint I am immensely proud to appear. And last but not least, my thanks to Louise Knight, who was such an excellent and helpful editor during the production of the UK edition and to Tam McTurk for having provided a phenomenal translation.