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The Consolations of Philosophy

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About this listen

In ancient Greece or Rome, philosophers were seen as natural authorities on the most pressing questions. However, since then, the idea of finding wisdom from philosophy has come to seem bizarre. Enter a university department today and ask to study wisdom, and you will politely but firmly be shown the door. The Consolations of Philosophy sets out to refute the notion that good philosophy must be irrelevant and gathers together six great philosophers who were convinced of the power of philosophical insight to work a practical effect on our lives.

Socrates, Epicurus, Seneca, Montaigne, Schopenhauer, and Nietzsche are studied for the light their work can shine on certain great universal problems - poverty, inadequacy, lovelessness, and so on. They stand as examples of the practical utility of philosophy.

©2000 Alain de Botton (P)2013 Bolinda Publishing Pty Ltd Consciousness & Thought History Movements Personal Development Personal Success Philosophy Stoicism Inspiring Thought-Provoking Ancient Greece

Critic reviews

"Singlehandedly, de Botton has taken philosophy back to its simplest and most important purpose: helping us live our lives." ( Independent)
"No doubt about it, philosophy is the new rock and roll and Alain de Botton is its Colonel Tom Parker.... A pleasure to read. And good writing, like good philosophy, is always a consolation." (John Banville, Irish Times)
"Few discussions on the great philosophers can have been so entertaining...an ingenious, imaginative book." (Humphrey Carpenter, Sunday Times)
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I enjoy anything by Alain de Botton. He's done all the hard work of reading these philosophers, and translates them into brilliant lessons, observations and anecdotes.

Made me think, laugh and learn

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I would never have read a book on philosophy, but this book is easy to digest

really interesting content

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I always love Alain de Botton's books and find them to be full of accessible, well explained wisdom. this book was no exception.

Consoling and entertaining

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Opened up Nietschze for me and introduced Schopenhauer hilariously. I will read more as a result thanks

Clarity breadth and humour

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Although not written in the same style as religion for atheists, a book I really enjoyed reading, this is a wonderful book that by telling the life stories of philosophers such as Epicurus, Socrates, Seneca, Schopenhauer, Nietzsche and others explores their ideas about happiness, anger, fear, friendship, freedom, religion, alcohol and many other things.

Wonderful food for thought

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