Alain De Botton is one of the greatest philosophers of our time. His work has had a profound impact on me more than any other. I have wanted to do this episode for the last 8 years.

In Today’s Episode with Alain De Botton We Discuss:

1. Why Status is Making You Miserable:

Why are we richer yet more anxious than ever?
What is the right way to define status? Why do we want it so much?
Is it bad to want status? What are some non-obvious signs that you are seeking status when you do not realise it?
Does social media enhance the desire for status? How so?
Do the happiest people want status the least? What are Alain’s biggest observations in how truly happy people think about status?

2. Why Parents Want You To Fail:

Why is the sign of good parenting when your child does not want to be famous?
Why do your parents sometimes want you to fail?
What should parents do if their child wants to chase an unachievable goal?
Why should parents encourage their children to start very early?

3. Why Meritocracy is a Fallacy & Meaningful Work:

Why does Alain believe a true meritocracy is an impossible dream?
Why is meritocracy a bad thing when taken to the extreme?
Why does Alain believe that companies are not families?
Why does Alain tell people that they should not bring their full selves to work?

4. WTF is “Meaningful Work”:

What does it mean to do “meaningful work”?
Why do humans need to do “meaningful work” today in a way that we did not many years ago?
What are Alain’s biggest pieces of advice to young people today, unsure of what they should do with their lives and careers?
Why does Alain believe the idea of a “calling” is BS?

5. Ambition, Achievement and Sacrifice:

What does Alain mean when he says “you have to tolerate your own averageness”?
What does Alain say to the young generation who want work/life balance?
What does Alain mean when he said you “cannot be at war with yourself”?
Does Alain agree that to achieve you must sacrifice?

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