On Being Awesome: A Unified Theory of How Not to Suck

By Nick Riggle

Book Overview

In this engaging, fun, and astute investigation of a thoroughly contemporary condition, philosopher and former pro skater Nick Riggle argues that our collective interest in being awesome (and not sucking) marks a new era in American culture, one that is shaped by relatively recent social, political, and technological shifts. At the core of his work is the idea that awesome people are exemplars of social creativity. We suck when we foil their attempts at creative community building. To be down, game, chill, basic, wack, or a preference dictator are just a handful of ways we can create, respond to, or fail to take up social openings in the office, in public, or with our friends and loved ones. What can the invention of the high five and the history of "cool" tell us about the origins of awesome? Can introverts be awesome? How do our expectations of awesome relate to race, gender, and sexuality? How is our desire for awesomeness shaping our cultural landscape-art, altruism, athletics, and public life? These are just a few of the questions Riggle explores in this accessible, philosophical road trip through the ethos of our time . On Being Awesome articulates a singular and gripping cultural ideal and provides a new and inspiring framework for understanding friendship, success, and happiness in our everyday lives.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0143130900
• ISBN13: 9780143130901
• Release Date: September 2017
• Publisher: Penguin Books
• Length: 224 Pages
• Weight: 0.70 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.4" x 7.4"

Customer Reviews

Awesome book. Changed my perspective in significant ways.

Good ideas. More people need to read this today. Sometimes we are awesome, and sometimes we suck as people. The author helps us understand this dichotomy and leads the way toward a more awesome existence. The concept of a "social opening" (and the choices you have to engage in such an opening) is a fresh idea that I'd like to explore further. Can the author write more about this topic?