The Absurdity of Airport Business Books: A Deep Dive
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Chapter 1: The Illusion of Business Wisdom
The often-quoted phrase by Karl Marx, "religion is the opium of the people," is frequently misinterpreted. Many see it as a commentary on people's addiction to religion. In reality, it suggests that religion serves as a painkiller, helping individuals cope with the harsh realities of life, especially in the demanding field of software engineering.
Recently, while navigating an airport, I found myself with an overwhelming amount of time and very few options that didn’t involve draining my wallet on unnecessary purchases—particularly when it comes to food that would likely lead to discomfort during my flight at 30,000 feet.
Modern airports have become indistinguishable from one another, resembling sterile, brightly lit shopping malls that prioritize profit over passenger comfort. The limited dining options and the so-called duty-free shopping—where prices are often inflated—only add to the frustration. And then there’s the inevitable discomfort of a long flight waiting at the end.
But what truly puzzles me are the airport bookstores.
In an age where e-books dominate, the vast array of hefty, hardback business books on display seems increasingly pointless. More often than not, these volumes are discarded in lounges or hotel lobbies soon after the flight. The sheer volume of mediocre non-fiction business literature available raises the question: who is actually reading this simplistic content?
I often wonder if there are really that many LinkedIn "thought leaders" out there. Are these books merely props for passengers trying to impress others during the flight?
I certainly can't recall ever being intrigued by tales of CEOs and their 4 AM routines, or the latest strategies for climbing the corporate ladder. The idea of needing to "pivot" or "breakthrough" during a flight is not something I find appealing.
From my observations of the numerous oversized volumes left behind in offices or public transportation, it’s clear that they all share a common theme: offering advice on "success." It seems there’s no better place to recycle the contents of business blogs or LinkedIn posts than in airport bookstores, where they remain hidden from the general public and only cater to business travelers.
These travelers, eager to showcase their business savvy with designer luggage and self-help books, form a niche market for such literature.
"Synergy + Symbiosis + Airport Bookshops = Profit"
from "Fly Fast, Climb High, Sell Crap," a forthcoming eBook by the author
Unfortunately, this trend resembles many aspects of late-stage capitalism, where originality is sacrificed for profit. After all, how many different ways can one say "try harder" or "learn more" before it all starts to sound repetitive?
Fortunately, the actual readership of these books is low. Most people are drawn in by flashy titles and attractive covers that promise more than they can deliver.
If you’re curious about this phenomenon, it’s wise to avoid purchasing these books. Instead, keep an eye out for business travelers who might be willing to part with their copies. You can also check hotel lobbies, taxis, or even the back of airport restrooms for forgotten volumes.
Alternatively, you could simply browse LinkedIn and enter your boss’s email in the usual "get your free eBook!" pop-up next time you stumble upon it.