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 and the School of Life range of books here
• First, We Make the Beast Beautiful is available in more than a dozen languages here
• I also mention my Wild chat with AC Grayling on how to have a philosophy of your own
• And my conversation with Pico Iyer as well as the episode with David Whyte
• We recorded the episode at WeAre8 HQ in London – big thanks to the team for being such wonderful hosts!

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