A Philosophy of Discomfort

A hard chair, an irritating draught of air, an embarrassing conversation – all of these provoke in us a sense of discomfort. Normally we define ‘discomfort’ simply as a lack of comfort. But which came first, comfort or its lack?

A Philosophy of Discomfort explores the idea of comfort and discomfort as a historical and philosophical concept – a constant push and pull of opposing forces. Discomfort is a relative state, changing as the idea of well-being shifts through different epochs and cultures. Yet Jacques Pezeu-Massabuau claims that discomfort is of greater importance than comfort, even as we maintain the constant struggle to evade pains and privations.

He explores notions of comfort over time, and considers examples of housing and interiors, from Japanese homes to the Moroccan casbah and modern city apartments, in which aspects of discomfort – the physical lack of well-being – are tolerated and accepted. In so doing, he also unravels the myths of modern comfort. While instinct demands we avoid it, the author insists that we recognize discomfort as central to our existence. He suggests we should learn to utilize it in order to find our way to its opposite: be it pleasure, hedonism or well-being.

Imaginative and clearly argued, A Philosophy of Discomfort will help the reader understand and cope with the uncomfortable in day-to-day life, whether we manage to escape it, change it or tolerate it.