Age of Anger: A Historyof the Present

How did the world get so fractious? Literary and political essayist Mishra (columnist, Bloomberg View & the New York Times Book Review; From the Ruins of Empire) traces worldwide modern political upheaval to the opposing philosophies of Voltaire and Jean-Jacques Rousseau. The unrealized promise of social, political, and economic equality held out by the Enlightenment vs. the reality of deep-rooted and increasing inequality has led to centuries of ressentiment—ingrained resentment and hostility toward others coupled with a sense of powerlessness, envy, and humiliation. Mishra shows that ressentiment is at the root of seemingly diverse movements: chauvinism, jingoism, nationalism, authoritarianism, religious fundamentalism, and anarchy. It has persisted through the industrial revolution to the urbanization and globalization of today. Ressentiment exists globally, from Africa and Asia to Europe, Russia, and the United States. Examples from events and political movements from the late 18th century through the present day support his ideas; his conclusions about the our current state and future are bleak.