Alain de Botton is one of my favorite authors. His “Consolations of Philosophy” is a book that helped me tremendously after Scientology. He presented many practical ideas from many different philosophies, explaining each one. That gave me new ideas to study further.
He’s been criticized by other philosophers for oversimplifying things. But in this short TED talk, I think he delivers a heavyweight performance. He builds a very workable connection between atheist and religious thought, presenting a way to extract the good from both for the future of society. The Q&A at the end is profound and enlightening.
I think he’s brilliant.
But. I’m an excitable boy.
Socrates on Self-Confidence
Epicurus on Happiness
Seneca on Anger
Montaigne on Self-Esteem
Schopenhauer on Love
Nietzsche on Hardship