Reading List: Assholes * A Theory

Contrary to popular belief, I am not an asshole. That's right, I have proof.  My sister gave me a book for Christmas titled, Assholes* A Theory by Aaron James.  Who is Aaron James, you may ask?  Well, Aaron James is not a comedian or humorist.  He has credentials that include a Ph.D from Harvard and he is a professor of Philosophy at The University of California, Irvine.

Assholes * A Theory

I have to admit when I received the book, I thought it was going to be a humor book.  Instead it was an academic study of assholes (the people, not the anatomy).  The book was not an easy read, but I'm glad I labored through it.

I've used this term all my life.  I've called teachers, coaches, neighbors, family members, celebrities, and countless strangers this name for many decades.  It may be hard to believe but this word has actually been directed at me a time or two in my lifetime.  I now have a new appreciation of the word and in fact, have academic proof (backed up with references and citations) which proves conclusively that I am indeed not an asshole.

I may have my share of asshole tendencies, but according to James, I am not an asshole. Some may argue the fact that someone who argues publicly that they are not an asshole proves that they are an asshole, but James has done the research and easily dismisses this argument.

The author goes into much detail and gives many examples of real and true assholes. Stripped down to its most basic definition. James defines an asshole as:

(1). Someone who allows himself/herself to enjoy special advantages and does so systematically;

(2). does this out of an entrenched sense of entitlement: and

(3). is immunized by his/her sense of entitlement against the complaints of other people.  (Assholes * A Theory; James, Aaron, 2012; Anchor Books, New York)

Allow myself special advantages?  Nope, not me. Entrenched sense of entitlement? Nada. Immunized by a sense of entitlement against the complaints of others?  Again, I'd have to say, no.

If someone wants to do an academic study on jerks, they may be on to something.  In the meantime, I will relish in the knowledge that for once academia is on my side.