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A review by michaelacabus
The Consolations of Philosophy by Alain de Botton
5.0
The premise of this book seems simple enough...philosophy as a way to deal with life's problems.
However even a cursory knowledge of philosophy reveals that philosophy is full of contradiction. Should we lead a life in which we avoid pain, or is avoiding pain denying the world the great art you will create as a response (as Wagner quipped, get married or write an opera). Is life about hedonism or living stoically (hedonism is less exciting when you realise it's more about enjoyment in simplicity).
We do get a sense though from this book about the usefulness of philosophy, despite its contradictions, particularly as a way to break down paradigms that may be part of current culture. Stoicism may help us see failure as more acceptable; Neitzche may even make us feel failure is a part of being powerful. It may even prevent a bad marriage.
As a map of a way to live philosophy is worth the complexity. It's really the only way to figure out different modes of living. The life you save may be your own.
A+
However even a cursory knowledge of philosophy reveals that philosophy is full of contradiction. Should we lead a life in which we avoid pain, or is avoiding pain denying the world the great art you will create as a response (as Wagner quipped, get married or write an opera). Is life about hedonism or living stoically (hedonism is less exciting when you realise it's more about enjoyment in simplicity).
We do get a sense though from this book about the usefulness of philosophy, despite its contradictions, particularly as a way to break down paradigms that may be part of current culture. Stoicism may help us see failure as more acceptable; Neitzche may even make us feel failure is a part of being powerful. It may even prevent a bad marriage.
As a map of a way to live philosophy is worth the complexity. It's really the only way to figure out different modes of living. The life you save may be your own.
A+