The Consolations Of Philosophy

i really like this (audio)book.

its light and playful style makes it easy to listen to, and it's a great overview of some important philosophical figures and their ideas. and the method of relating whatever is being discussed to the challenges everyone ends up facing while going through life has an inspirational, comforting effect.

imo, it's especially good as a starting point for those who have always had a vague, unnourished interest in philosophy in the background of their minds. i re-listen to this occasionally and am always left a little happier, with a better perspective of life.

disgusting

Interesting read. I read most of the book, but skipped Schopenhauer because I'm not brokenhearted and don't need his advice. Really appreciated the grounding in the ancient philosophers - Socrates and Epicurus in particular, as I've not read much of the Western Canon yet. However, the quotations aren't sourced in the book, which makes me suspicious that they've been cherry-picked to death. Obviously, they are cherry-picked, but without being sure what translation they're from or having a way to verify the context, I feel less trusting overall. And I'm uncomfortable with that, because I've developed some respect for de Botton after reading this book, his website, and the School of Life in London with which he is affiliated.