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On Being Awesome

A Unified Theory of How Not to Suck

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On Being Awesome

By: Nick Riggle
Narrated by: Nick Riggle
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About this listen

 A lively philosophical exploration of what it means to be awesome and not suck, and a plea for more awesomeness in our personal, social, and public lives

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.

*Bonus PDF Included with Awesomeness/Suckiness Chart Ethics & Morality Personal Development Personal Success Philosophy Social Sciences
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Sorry Nick, when I first heard you on the philosopher's zone I thought you and your ideas were Awesome! But unfortunately I found the endless list of people who annoy you really sucked. Yes, I think your initial questions where interesting: 'What do people mean when they say "Awesome", or "that sucks"'. I feel however that your initial hypothesis is limited. If being awesome is simply a matter of having the ability to create social openings, then making racially superior comments in the company of racial bigots might indeed be awesome, as would making social or educational superior comments in the company of social or educational bigots – beauty is in the eye of the beholder after all despite what Immanuel might say on the subject. Might I suggest that a person, object, or event is "Awesome" if it gives a subjective sense of hope, love, and joy – and conversely "it sucks" if it takes away any such feeling? Perhaps being "Awsome" is instead a matter of being generous in spirit, delivered with humility and sincerity.

Promises to be awesome, but actually sucked a bit

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