Age of Anger: 8 key ideas
The core ideas of Age of Anger, each in under a minute, written in our own words. Want the full depth? Get the book.
- IDEA 1 OF 8
Modern anger has deep roots
Mishra argues that the anger behind today's extremism, nationalism and populism has roots in the history of modernity itself.
He traces it back to the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. He argues that these roots are still active today.
- IDEA 2 OF 8
Envy turns into resentment
Mishra uses the idea of ressentiment, a mix of envy, humiliation and powerlessness.
He argues that people promised equality and success, but denied them, can turn this feeling into rage.
- IDEA 3 OF 8
Rousseau challenged Voltaire
Mishra contrasts Voltaire, who celebrated commerce and progress, with Rousseau, who warned that modern society bred inequality and envy.
He sees Rousseau as a prophet of modern discontent. Their debate still echoes in arguments about progress today.
- IDEA 4 OF 8
Modernity promised too much
Mishra argues that modern societies promised freedom and prosperity for all, but many people were left behind.
This gap fuelled anger. People who saw promises that did not reach them felt cheated and became bitter.
- IDEA 5 OF 8
Anarchists once spread terror
Mishra describes nineteenth-century anarchists and revolutionaries who used violence against the existing order.
He sees parallels with modern extremists. Mishra argues that, like them, some people today feel an angry need to strike at a world they find unjust.
- IDEA 6 OF 8
Nationalism offered belonging
Mishra describes how nationalism gave uprooted people a sense of identity and pride.
It could also turn into aggression. In his account, that sense of belonging offered comfort but could also be used to blame outsiders.
- IDEA 7 OF 8
Uprooted young men are vulnerable
Mishra argues that young men cut off from traditional communities and denied opportunities are especially drawn to radical movements.
In his view, resentment grows when people feel they have no place in the world around them.
- IDEA 8 OF 8
Liberal progress has limits
Mishra challenges the belief that economic growth and liberal values would spread smoothly everywhere.
He argues that the discontent they produced must be faced. In his view, pretending the problem does not exist only makes the anger stronger.
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