Psychoanalyst Josh Cohen discusses his book, ‘All the Rage’, in which he argues that anger is not an emotion to suppress but a fundamental force shaping both our personal relationships and the wider world.

Anger permeates our lives, from the intensity of road rage to the fervour of political protest, manifesting physically and sometimes erupting into violence. How should we understand this powerful emotion—and can it ever serve a constructive purpose? Drawing on patient case studies, neuropsychology, literature, philosophy, and recent political events, Josh Cohen explores the many facets of anger and its role in our lives. In conversation with author and filmmaker, Devorah Baum.

About the speakers:

Josh Cohen is a psychoanalyst in private practice, and Professor of Modern Literary Theory at Goldsmiths University of London. He is the author of numerous books and articles on modern literature, psychoanalysis and cultural theory. His books include Not Working (Granta 2019) How to Read Freud (Granta, 2005) and The Private Life: Why We Remain in the Dark (Granta 2013). He is a regular contributor to Guardian, New Statesman and TLS.

Marina Benjamin is a writer of creative non-fiction, personal essays and memoir. She has written six books, most recently a trilogy exploring the midlife experience in real time. The Middlepause (2016) and Insomnia (2018) were widely acclaimed in the UK, US and elsewhere and have been translated into 9 languages. Marina’s latest book A Little Give (2023) completes the trilogy. Her books have been shortlisted for prizes in the US and UK and her essays have appeared in The Paris Review, Granta, Aeon and the TLS. She lives in London and is a senior editor at Aeon Magazine.