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The Consolations of Philosophy

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The Consolations of Philosophy

By: Alain de Botton
Narrated by: Nicholas Bell
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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

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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)
All stars
Most relevant  
Taking some old and well quantified arguments of old but made so much simpler and more interesting to apply to daily life.

Relevant and helpful

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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 thought this would be a recipe for a fantastic listen. I have an interest in philosophy, and have enjoyed many of Alain's Ted Talks. Unfortunately I found the whole thing a bit disappointing.

I found the writing style difficult to engage with, and it all just dragged on a bit. It didn't feel like it flowed particularly well.

A bit disappointed

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Great collection and explanation of philosophers. I could not stop listening and finished it in less than two days. Thank you! I will be starting it again from the beginning very soon.

Only had it two days before finishing

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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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Would recommend to anyone who has an interest in philosophy. The chapters on Montaigne stand out particularly! A great beginners guide!

Hugely entertaining!!

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Really good introduction to the core ideas of these philosophers. Perfect for beginners in philosophy.

Well written and highly enjoyable.

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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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