Sex, Money, Happiness, and Death: The Quest for Authenticity

by Manfred F.R. Kets de Vries

The four main tenets of life are explored in this unique new book that examines the interface between psychology and management. Based on his own experiences as a clinician and psychoanalyst, the author provides insights into the issue of the life/work balance.

Genres: Psychology, Philosophy, Nonfiction, Management, Business

239 pages, Hardcover

First published April 22, 2009

About the author

Manfred F.R. Kets de Vries is a Dutch psychologist, Professor of leadership development and organizational change at INSEAD, and consultant

Reviews

[Valeria · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, expected it to be more thorough. Simply author's reflections on the role of sex in our life and its influence on the decisions we make at work, recommendation not to make a big deal out of money, what doest it really mean to be happy and what does death means to him.

I would frankly, recommend to read Seneka, who looks at same things but presents them is a deeper way.

[Jaak Ennuste · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some books can and should be judged by their cover.

[Evan Micheals · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a pragmatic book investigating the above and the roles they play in our lives. Does not get bogged down in metaphysics, but keeps his ideas as authentic and pragmatic as possible. I really liked it and found myself quoting it a lot on Facebook. It is the sort of book that is worth re reading as one contemplates and reflects on life. I have recommended it already to friend who struggle with the existential questions of life.

[Endre · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read for everybody in business

[andrew dyshuk · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the great books about our lives, apart everyday business. The books shares worold wisdom about things that are not taught in school. A must read.

[Wibisono Yamin · Rating 4 out of 5]

In a realm where power was paramount, a humble stonecutter, dissatisfied with his lot, embarked on a quest to become the most powerful being in the land. He envied the wealthy merchant, the high official, and even the sun, only to discover that each was subject to a greater force. He transformed into a cloud, then the wind, and finally, a towering rock, believing he had attained ultimate power. But alas, he was humbled by the persistent strike of a stonecutter's chisel, realizing that his true place was not in dominating others, but in the quiet strength and artistry of his original self. His journey revealed a profound truth: sometimes, the best path is not the pursuit of power, but the acceptance of our place in the world, the very place we were destined to be. The world, in its wisdom, has already given us the best alternative.

[Olga · Rating 2 out of 5]

Фрейд и Поллианна - взболтать, но не смешивать. И бесконечно устарело.

[ahmed · Rating 4 out of 5]

I likes the chapters about money and happiness . A lot of wisdom packed in these chapters and it should be re-read every now and then. Much verbose in the chapter of Death, it started good but then gradually the author wrote so much details about his story that could be written in much fewer words . Overall I recommend reading this book .

[Dimitrios Stratakis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Deep and touching on all the major elements of a life well lived (or not).

Deals with the importance of sex, money, happiness and death in our lives as the main drivers on everything we do.

A book I plan to revisit often and I made a lot of notes from.