The Consolations of Philosophy

By: Alain de Botton

Narrated by: Simon Vance

Alain de Botton has performed a stunning feat: He has transformed arcane philosophy into something accessible and entertaining, useful and kind. Drawing on the work of six of the world's most brilliant thinkers, de Botton has arranged a panoply of wisdom to guide us through our most common problems. From the frustration of misplacing your keys to the sadness of losing a loved one, the writings of Seneca can offer consolation. For the particular agony of not having enough money, Epicurus has a solution that everyone can afford. And if your life is beset by difficulty after difficulty, wise advice may be found in the words of Nietzsche, the brilliant philosopher whose own life was riddled with poverty, bad health, and excruciating loneliness. The Consolations of Philosophy is smart, lucid, and pleasing, a rare sort of book that wonderfully fulfills the promise of its title.©2000 Alain de Botton (P)2006 Blackstone Audiobooks

Critic reviews

"De Botton, genial, accurate, humane guide to the thinkers at hand, has written a rich and useful book." (Washington Post Book World)
"The quietly ironic style and eclectic approach will gratify many postmodern readers....An enjoyable read with 'a few consoling and practical things' to say." (Publishers Weekly)

A balm for the spirit.

I come back to this book about twice a year. For me, it has a uniquely calming effect on my nerves; helping me put this so-called life into a better - more attainable - perspective.
Thank you Mr. Botton

Wonderful

I’ve listened to this book several times. A calm harbor of reason. I hope it gains a foothold in our culture.

OUTSTANDING

I'm a professor with extensive background in philosophy and I found de Botton's contextually based explanations of core philosophers genuinely informative, enlightening and entertaining. I originally got this as an audio bool but had to get the Kindle version to recapture comments I thought exceptionally valuable.

Best author ever

I have read 3 or 4 books by De Botton and I intend to read every last thing this guy writes. The narrator is a perfect fit as well. For my money there is no better combination on Audible. I can't imagine anyone not liking this (or any other book by De Botton). Other than my wife perhaps - who refuses to read it because there are no vampires. ugh.

Simply fantastic

I just finish my 5th listen of this book and want to pick it back up immediately.