“What we encounter in works of art and philosophy are objective versions of our own pains and struggles, evoked and defined in sound, language or image. Artists and philosophers not only show us what we have felt, they present our experiences more poignantly and intelligently than we have been able…
They explain our condition to us, and thereby help us to be less lonely with, and confused by it.”
Dubbed the “new rock and roll,” The Consolations of Philosophy provides a refreshing and captivating take on established schools of thought dating back centuries. With a renowned thinker each assigned a dilemma associated with human experience, Alain de Botton investigates the value of the thinkers’ contributions in tackling these everyday problems.
The chapters focus on the following contentions:
For Popularity, Socrates’ resilience in unapologetically questioning the logic and rationale behind the conventional and the accepted, even if strictly against public opinion.
For Lack of Money, to adopt Epicurus’ understanding of the true discriminants of happiness. Acknowledging it is not riches nor fame we are seeking, but the psychological needs of friendship, freedom and thought.
For Frustration, the Senecan worldview where we must reconcile with the imperfectability of existence–detaching ourselves from hope and expectation so as we may not descend into despair when bad news comes knocking.
For Inadequacy, following Montaigne’s example in accepting human nature in its entirety – appreciating our flaws, bodily needs, and indecencies, rather than attempting mastery over these sensations.
For Heartbreak, to apply Schopenhauer’s pessimistic ‘will to life’ theory: soothing the stings of rejection by accepting the unconscious workings of natural selection. An inclination, Schopenhauer argues, preoccupied with our innate desire to bear children who do not carry our imperfections, sometimes at the expense of an ill-suited partner.
Finally, For Difficulties, the Nietzschean lexicon: Ubermenschen. A “Superman” figure that understands the value of pain and suffering in attaining self-actualisation. One who does not immediately eliminate difficulties for comfort and relief but understands something beautiful will come to fruition from such struggle. One who accepts these troubles as gifts, and one, that does not drink.
While we may disagree with some of the ideas placed forth by these great minds, de Botton’s text offers us gentle direction and guidance on how to apply their wisdom to our lives – in the hopes of better understanding ourselves and the world around us. Consolations captures the essence of philosophy and its ongoing relevance in our world: bottled into one compact, accessible medium.
Philosophy can sometimes feel dense, bland, and even alienating. The good-humoured, playful nature of Consolations offers a breath of fresh air. De Botton peppers his text with intriguing anecdotes, pictures breaking up heavy concepts and humourous commentary – keeping the subject matter engaging and digestible. For those curious about the rich world of philosophy searching for a place to begin, or looking for a light read on these modern-day woes, this tight-knit manual is a great introductory springboard to leap off for further reading.
Books for Thought 