Consolations of Philosophy by Alain de Botton

The Consolations of Philosophy by Alain de Botton is a book that explores the idea that consolation can be found in philosophy. Using six philosophers (and their philosophies) as examples, de Botton offers consolations for unpopularity, poverty, frustration, inadequacy, heartbreak, and difficulties.

The book begins with Socrates, who believed that courage was not limited to warfare, and that money and influence were not necessary and sufficient features of virtue.

Epicurus viewed philosophy as a tool to help us interpret distress and desire and help us avoid acting on immediate impulses and instead investigate rationality of our desires.

Seneca argued that philosophy should reconcile us to the true dimensions of reality, and so spare us from frustration. Montaigne suggested that we should turn to philosophers when our soul is unwell.

Schopenhauer said that the real foundation and purpose of romantic attraction and love is our biological drive to preserve the species.

Nietzsche argued that we should direct our aim not to what is pleasant and agreeable in life, but to the avoidance, as far as possible, of its numberless evils.

The main themes of the book are that philosophy can offer practical advice about life’s struggles, and that thinking is a constitutive element of a good life. The book also suggests that happiness may be difficult to attain, and that the obstacles are not primarily financial.

Useful Takeaways

• Courage is not limited to warfare, and money and influence are not necessary and sufficient features of virtue.
• Philosophy can help us interpret distress and desire and help us avoid acting on immediate impulses.
• Philosophy should reconcile us to the true dimensions of reality, and so spare us from frustration.
• We should turn to philosophers when our soul is unwell.
• The real foundation and purpose of romantic attraction and love is our biological drive to preserve the species.
• We should direct our aim not to what is pleasant and agreeable in life, but to the avoidance, as far as possible, of its numberless evils.
• Thinking is a constitutive element of a good life.
• Happiness may be difficult to attain, and the obstacles are not primarily financial.

What I Liked

Everything – I love his selection of philosophers, his approach to each. I liked that the book did not try to do too much, and such with very practical takeaways.

What I Did Not Like

Not a whole lot – like all of de Botton’s work, he can be a bit contemplative, melancholic, and earnest. But he’s also a clear thinker and excellent writer.