Alain de Botton (School of Life founder; author) has written 15 books about the philosophy of living – such as The Art of Travel; Status Anxiety; Art as Therapy; and The Course of Love – but he has recently turned his focus to mental health and how philosophy can be used as a therapeutic aid. Alain argues that a mental breakdown can provide the opening a despairing soul seeks. Indeed, anxiety so often is its own fix.
We sat down in WeAre8’s London office for this two-way conversation about the philosophical wisdoms we personally use to have a life of meaning in the face of despair. We also talk about the writing process (and why it’s a salve), the healing effects of figs and dark chocolate, how to love, plus a super fresh take on “adult boredom” (embrace your impatience, get to the point!).
SHOW NOTES
- Get hold of The Therapeutic Journey here and the School of Life range of books here
- First, We Make the Beast Beautiful is available in more than a dozen languages here
- I also mention my Wild chat with AC Grayling on how to have a philosophy of your own
- And my conversation with Pico Iyer as well as the episode with David Whyte
- We recorded the episode at WeAre8 HQ in London – big thanks to the team for being such wonderful hosts!
If you need to know a bit more about me… head to my "about" page
For more such conversations subscribe to my Substack newsletter, it’s where I interact the most!
Get your copy of my book, This One Wild and Precious Life
Let’s connect on Instagram and WeAre8
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
