Alain de Botton

jkforde

I'm finding Alain de Botton's twitter updates and his website a mind expanding experience. Has anyone read any of his books, the one on Proust sounds good.

bluefinger

How proust can change your life, is excellent imo, and after reading it I tried reading a couple of his other ones, the consolations of philosophy for one, but didn't enjoy as much as the proust one which is a very well observed popular philosophy book that is very witty and gives you a little insight into Proust who liked to write very long sentences a little like this one

Gary L

I really was changed by his series, philosophy: a guide to happiness. The companion book, consolations of philosophy, I thought was equally genuine. Alain is bringing philosophy back to its roots.

markok84

I've read the consolations of philosophy and the architecture of happiness, I found them very accessible as an entry into philosophical writings for an architecture student, especially before attempting to read any Heideigger or Gadamer. I really enjoyed the architecture of happiness which has lovely little drawings and diagrams throughout to keep the reader interested, you could easily read the whole thing in a few hours. I'm gonna check out his website now. Thanks OP.

Humans eh!

jkforde wrote: »

I'm finding Alain de Botton's twitter updates and his website a mind expanding experience. Has anyone read any of his books, the one on Proust sounds good.

"The consolations of philosophy" and "Status Anxiety" are both excellent reads.

Never thought about following him on Twitter but will now - thanks OP

bluefinger

http://topdocumentaryfilms.com/philosophy-guide-to-happiness/


here's a good link to a series based on the book, the consolations of philosophy.
haven't watched it yet but thought i'd stick it here for anyone interested.

Diairist

http://www.veritasbooksonline.com/consolations-of-philosophy.html

Actually talks about Alain de B's series and has a final chapter on how it's unreasonable to seek consolation from philosophy. (But I think that lad's Norwegian so....;))

SecurityGuy

The book on Proust in spite of pretentious title is a decent reading, very light, I would say too light for the subject. It also has a few REALLY awkward fragments, especially related to author's girlfriend.

InReality

Anyone at his talk tonight ? Enjoyed it , its a pity we don't have more people like him in the world.
Lot of assumptions exposed !