The Architecture of Happiness - Alain de Botton

The Consolations of Philosophy - Alain de Botton

choice of this topic is inspired, what use is philosophy if it cannot, at least, provide consolation. One of the more thought provoking features of the book is the way de Botton relates philosophical problems to himself. For instance, in the opening chapter on 'Consolation for Unpopularity' he points out that, as for most people, 'In conversations, my priority was to be liked, rather than to speak the truth'. He contrasts this with Socrates, who was prepared to speak the truth while courting great disfavour - indeed he upset the Athenian authorities so much that they forced him to take his own life by drinking Hemlock. Socrates has always been the ...

The Consolations of Philosophy - Alain de Botton

There are few more depressing phrases in the English language than 'self-improvement' ('high-fibre' is one, 'New Labour' is another), but that's probably the best way to describe what Alain De Botton's 'The Consolations of Philosophy' is about. Now, I would imagine that few people regularly read works of philosophy for fun; generally, I read books by philosophers now because in previous lives I've been forced to read philosophy for various A-Level and degree courses, and now that I don?t have to, I can occasionally pick up something without wincing. De Botton's aim is quite ambitious, although perfectly logical. The ...