Depressive Realism

Reviews / Votes

'Colin Feltham's wide-ranging and thoughtful book, Depressive Realism, is written in his characteristically engaging and accessible style. This makes for an easy read on a topic that many people find difficult to contemplate.'
David Benatar, Head of the Department of Philosophy at the University of Cape Town, South Africa

'Life is to a first approximation depressing and without meaning. In his latest book, Colin Feltham takes the reader on an interdisciplinary journey through this dark worldview of 'Depressive Realism.' Feltham's conversational prose is engaging and encouraging, shepherding the reader gently but confidently through a masterful tour of the reaches of Depressive Realism. Feltham patiently guides the reader through historical and current applications of Depressive Realism to the realms of religion, philosophy, literature, film, psychology, psychotherapy, politics, and science and technology. Feltham's latest offering is the best one-stop review of this worldview and its applications and implications. Learning about the depressive meaninglessness of life has never before been so entertaining and enjoyable.'

Todd K. Shackelford, Distinguished Professor and Chair, Co-Director, Evolutionary Psychology Lab, Oakland University, United States of America

'Depressive Realism is a welcome antidote to the happiness industry. Through deep and rich investigation Colin Feltham explores how Depressive Realism is threaded through psychology and philosophy, and in art and in science, in poetry and in politics, in history and in health. Feltham's book will be a revelation for anyone interested in the redressing of this imbalance, in realising how the negative is a critical component of our existence.'

Jacky Bowring, Professor of Landscape Architecture, Lincoln University, New Zealand.

'A brave and challenging examination of the human condition that refuses to take refuge in a false optimism about our prospects. Probing into areas of our experience that most of us are reluctant to acknowledge openly, Feltham boldly recasts depression as both an unavoidable, and a necessary, part of social existence. A book to make you reconsider your worldview.'

Stuart Sim, author of A Philosophy of Pessimism.