alain-de-botton ambition anxiety aspirations class comparative-literature comparison competition consumerism contentment critique cultural-analysis cultural-criticism cultural-critique culture disillusionment eastern-philosophy emotional-well-being emotions existential-angst existential-crisis existentialism failure fame fulfillment happiness human-condition human-nature identity inequality insecurity materialism mindfulness modern-life modern-society personal-growth philosophy philosophy-of-life power psychology purpose-of-life self-awareness self-esteem self-help self-improvement self-reflection self-worth social-class social-commentary social-comparison social-hierarchy social-sciences social-status societal-expectations societal-norms societal-pressure societal-pressures society sociology status status-anxiety success wealth western-culture western-society