Losers

Josh Cohen's Losers explores the societal implications of loss, urging readers to embrace humility as a radical value in a competitive world.

In Losers, psychoanalyst Josh Cohen delves into the complex interplay of politics, humility, and the societal implications of loss. He starts with a provocative assertion: to be called a 'loser' is not merely an insult but a reflection of a pervasive truth in our culture. Through the lens of psychoanalysis, Cohen explores why the fear of losing has become so ingrained in our collective psyche, particularly in the context of modern political discourse. He examines how this term, popularized by figures like Donald Trump, has shaped our understanding of success and failure, pushing us to confront the meritocratic values that underpin societal divisions.

Cohen argues that the key to transcending our toxic political landscape may lie in embracing humility. Rather than being a mere moral virtue, humility emerges as a radical and transformative value that encourages individuals to accept their vulnerabilities and acknowledge their 'inner loser.' By invoking the works of literary figures such as Thomas Bernhard, Franz Kafka, and Robert Walser, Cohen illustrates how we can navigate beyond a culture steeped in enforced positivity and resentment. He invites readers to consider how humility can serve as a foundation for genuine connection and understanding in a world often defined by competition and humiliation.

Ultimately, Losers offers a refreshing perspective on the need for a more compassionate approach to success and failure. It challenges readers to rethink their relationship with loss and to recognize the potential for growth that lies within humility. Through insightful analysis and engaging prose, Cohen provides a much-needed conversation on the paradoxes of our contemporary ethos, making a compelling case for why embracing our losses can lead to a more fulfilling existence.