ALAIN DE BOTTON: A philosophical fix for anxiety

Alain de Botton (School of Life founder; author) has written 15 books about the philosophy of living – such as The Art of Travel; Status Anxiety; Art as Therapy; and The Course of Love – but he has recently turned his focus to mental health and how philosophy can be used as a therapeutic aid. Alain argues that a mental breakdown can provide the opening a despairing soul seeks. Indeed, anxiety so often is its own fix.

We sat down in WeAre8’s London office for this two-way conversation about the philosophical wisdoms we personally use to have a life of meaning in the face of despair. We also talk about the writing process (and why it’s a salve), the healing effects of figs and dark chocolate, how to love, plus a super fresh take on “adult boredom” (embrace your impatience, get to the point!).

SHOW NOTES
• Get hold of The Therapeutic Journey here (amzn.to/47Wdse6) and the School of Life range of books here (alaindebotton.com/shop)
• First, We Make the Beast Beautiful is available in more than a dozen languages here (amzn.to/492PX4e)
• I also mention my Wild chat with AC Grayling (shows.acast.com/62538867ad55de001281af36/63158…) on how to have a philosophy of your own
• And my conversation with Pico Iyer (shows.acast.com/62538867ad55de001281af36/episo…) as well as the episode with David Whyte (shows.acast.com/62538867ad55de001281af36/episo…)
• We recorded the episode at WeAre8 (click.weare8.com/zMp3/1qib7lyt) HQ in London – big thanks to the team for being such wonderful hosts!

If you need to know a bit more about me… head to my "sarahwilson.com/about"; page
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