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Summary and Reviews of The Consolations of Philosophy by Alain de Botton

The Consolations of Philosophy by Alain de Botton

The Consolations of Philosophy

by Alain de Botton
  • Critics' Consensus (4):
  • Readers' Rating (3):
  • First Published:
  • Apr 1, 2000, 320 pages
  • Paperback:
  • Apr 2001, 320 pages
  • Rate this book

About This Book

Book Summary

A delightful, truly consoling work that proves that philosophy can be a supreme source of help for our most painful everyday problems.

From the author of How Proust Can Change Your Life, a delightful, truly consoling work that proves that philosophy can be a supreme source of help for our most painful everyday problems.

Perhaps only Alain de Botton could uncover practical wisdom in the writings of some of the greatest thinkers of all time. But uncover he does, and the result is an unexpected book of both solace and humor. Dividing his work into six sections -- each highlighting a different psychic ailment and the appropriate philosopher -- de Botton offers consolation for unpopularity from Socrates, for not having enough money from Epicurus, for frustration from Seneca, for inadequacy from Montaigne, and for a broken heart from Schopenhauer (the darkest of thinkers and yet, paradoxically, the most cheering). Consolation for envy -- and, of course, the final word on consolation -- comes from Nietzsche: "Not everything which makes us feel better is good for us."

This wonderfully engaging book will, however, make us feel better in a good way, with equal measures of wit and wisdom.

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Reviews

Media Reviews

Time Out New York
[T]hanks to the author's characteristically whimsical and lucid style, the book does offer more than a refresher course in basic philosophy. Consolations like Proust before it, is downright delightful to read.

The New York Times Book Review - Jonathan Lear
There is a need for someone to bring that joyful activity of mind we call philosophy to the wider reading public. And de Botton ... writes with verve.

Kirkus Reviews
Congenial, refreshing, original and mercifully succinct de Botton may well achieve the impossible by making philosophy popular.

Publishers Weekly
The quietly ironic style and eclectic approach will gratify many postmodern readers..... At his best (e.g., on Socrates), de Botton offers lucid popularization--an enjoyable read with a few consoling and practical things to say.

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