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3.88 AVERAGE
3.88 AVERAGE
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
I don't usually write reviews but bear with me.
Alain de Botton is arguably one of the best, few contemporary philosophers who actively uses his knowledge to simplify the complexity of philosophical views on various aspects without losing the value along the way.
His aim is to make philosophy more accessible to the average person in order to help ease life a bit, which is the generally the goal of philosophy; making life a bit bearable.
Botton achieved that goal in this book. Some might accuse it to be more of self-help book with a sprinkle of philosophy here and there. However, I disagree.
The Consolations of philosophy tie themes of everyday life struggles with wisdom of well known philosophers, and also a great and light brief of the history of some widely spread philosophical arguments.
It is very enjoyable and informative.
You can get into this book as, but not limited to,:
- short bios of famous philosophers
- guides to your everyday philosophical questions
- or a self-help book if you're into that..
It presents great arguments but it's also not free of flaws as all books, depending on which angle you are going with when reading.
But one thing for sure is that, it will not be the worst thing you read and you will get out of it with at least new information or perspective on certain issues.
Alain de Botton is arguably one of the best, few contemporary philosophers who actively uses his knowledge to simplify the complexity of philosophical views on various aspects without losing the value along the way.
His aim is to make philosophy more accessible to the average person in order to help ease life a bit, which is the generally the goal of philosophy; making life a bit bearable.
Botton achieved that goal in this book. Some might accuse it to be more of self-help book with a sprinkle of philosophy here and there. However, I disagree.
The Consolations of philosophy tie themes of everyday life struggles with wisdom of well known philosophers, and also a great and light brief of the history of some widely spread philosophical arguments.
It is very enjoyable and informative.
You can get into this book as, but not limited to,:
- short bios of famous philosophers
- guides to your everyday philosophical questions
- or a self-help book if you're into that..
It presents great arguments but it's also not free of flaws as all books, depending on which angle you are going with when reading.
But one thing for sure is that, it will not be the worst thing you read and you will get out of it with at least new information or perspective on certain issues.
"The Consolations of Philosophy" is absolutely everything you want from a Penguin classic. It is engaging, full of big ideas, and challenging. The concepts presented are broad but expressed in a simple manner to make them approachable. Such simplicity is complimented by the way Alain de Botton breaks the text into small, digestible chunks that makes it easy to have a break, contemplate what you have read, and come back to the text without losing the narrative flow.
While de Botton does hold back from really plumbing the depths of the ideas of such philosophers as Epicurus, Montaigne, and Nietzsche, the whole point of the text is to provide a hit-and-run introduction to many of the key ideas in classic philosophy. Therefore, de Botton only really outlines the ideas of the key philosophers, but does not providing critique or challenging those ideas (besides sometimes contrasting it to a previous philosopher).
Someone with training in philosophy will likely find this a boring read. However, for the few of the philosophers in here I had not read extensively, the writing style and succinct representation of their ideas made this an enjoyable book.
While de Botton does hold back from really plumbing the depths of the ideas of such philosophers as Epicurus, Montaigne, and Nietzsche, the whole point of the text is to provide a hit-and-run introduction to many of the key ideas in classic philosophy. Therefore, de Botton only really outlines the ideas of the key philosophers, but does not providing critique or challenging those ideas (besides sometimes contrasting it to a previous philosopher).
Someone with training in philosophy will likely find this a boring read. However, for the few of the philosophers in here I had not read extensively, the writing style and succinct representation of their ideas made this an enjoyable book.
4.5 stars. One of the best books I have read to date.
First philosophy book (although there is some argument in the reviews about whether it can be categorised as such!) but nonetheless I found it easy to read an a great entry point into philosophy.
It lost .5 stars because some chapters on inadequacy were unnecessarily long . I could have summarised them neatly in 1 paragraph.
First philosophy book (although there is some argument in the reviews about whether it can be categorised as such!) but nonetheless I found it easy to read an a great entry point into philosophy.
It lost .5 stars because some chapters on inadequacy were unnecessarily long . I could have summarised them neatly in 1 paragraph.
Bello e pieno di riflessioni filosofiche utili sulla vita quotidiana
Drawing from the lives and teachings of various philosophers namely, Socrates, Epicurus, Seneca, Montaigne, Schopenhauer and Nietzsche, De Botton draws out anecdotes and examples to fit a narrative about different human ailments of the mind and existence.
Dealing with the problems of Unpopularity, Poverty, Inadequacy (cultural, intellectual, sexual), Frustrations of anger and anxiety, failure in Love and a resentment towards Difficulties of life, the book provides ample ways to think differently and positively about each of them.
Peppered with wry wit and humour throughout and a very readable style, it is an absolutely wonderful book and one comes away better for the experience.
Dealing with the problems of Unpopularity, Poverty, Inadequacy (cultural, intellectual, sexual), Frustrations of anger and anxiety, failure in Love and a resentment towards Difficulties of life, the book provides ample ways to think differently and positively about each of them.
Peppered with wry wit and humour throughout and a very readable style, it is an absolutely wonderful book and one comes away better for the experience.
challenging
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced