Affluenza: The Virus of Selfish Capitalism

What if the modern world isn’t just stressful — but sick?In this deep dive into Affluenza by Oliver James, we explore the unsettling idea that our obsession with money, status, image, and fame may be operating like a psychological virus. James argues that “selfish capitalism” — dominant in countries like the US, UK, and Australia — systematically fuels anxiety, depression, narcissism, and emotional isolation.Through the stark contrast between Sam, a billionaire stockbroker living in paranoid luxury, and Chet, a struggling taxi driver grounded in faith and connection, we uncover a disturbing paradox: the richer we become, the less secure and fulfilled we feel.Is your anxiety a personal flaw — or a rational response to a sick society?This episode challenges the core values of modern ambition and asks whether true sanity means refusing to play the game at all.