The Consolations of Philosophy
by Alain de Botton
Six philosophers for six troubles: Socrates for unpopularity, Epicurus for not having enough money, Seneca for frustration, Montaigne for inadequacy, Schopenhauer for a broken heart, Nietzsche for difficulties. It is accessible, witty and genuinely useful as an introduction to philosophy as a practice of living.
Read it if…
you want philosophy applied to ordinary pain, without the academic apparatus.
Skip it if…
you want rigorous philosophy; this is popular by design.
Three things you will actually use
- Unpopularity is not error; Socrates.
- Enough is little; Epicurus.
- Frustration comes from expectation; Seneca.
Do this first
Read the chapter matching your current trouble.
Our verdict
Accessible and useful.
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