I remember reading his earlier books a long time ago and I think it was in The Consolations of Philosophy that I first heard him making a point like this- that happiness is an illusion and it's wise to not expect too much of the world- and he described how both the Buddha and Ancient Greek philosophers came to this conclusion independently, and that really struck me -as so different from the modern world, as a universal wisdom we have lost.
You do realise that life is very hateful, right?! You're the reject of society like pessimism says, a fallen creature of imperfection. People who are sick are the ones who try to cure you.
Bukowski's Last Night of the Earth Poems are about the best and most consoling things I've read. I'm also a huge fan of Schopenhauer. "Suicide is painless." - Mash It just takes courage.
From personal experience, being pessimistic can actually be very draining, and it saps the motivation to take effective action in life. Being humble realistic and having reasonable expectations for your life is probably what Alain is supporting. People do have high hopes for fame, glory and love these days. But having reasonable expectations for your life doesn't mean you shouldn't shoot high and stretch your limits just because failure and its associated despair are possible.
You would like that wouldn't you? Despair. But this is a path I don't want to go into. Humility is part of pessimism, if you understand Alain de Botton you'll realise that Pascal is into darkness, and that man shouldn't try to delude himself, herself or theirself into perfection, and that you're a fallen creature, you're not perfect. Pessimism isn't luxury, it's a philosophy and attitude accessible to all mankind.
Alain is a great thinker and a real seeker for truth. he goes deep inside in human nature and relationships. What makes a human being who s/he is? Blaise Pascal work is cheering and it's funny and consoling to read the Pensée. You'll never forget that book once you read it.
All realists and rational thinkers recognise that bad things can and will happen, often randomly, for no purpose. The difference is they don't think there is an all powerful god that apparently knows all this would happen, but chose not to help. That to me would be a depressing scenario, as opposed to bad things happening because the universe is neutral to our existence.
OK then let's consider Antinatalism. It's the one sure way to end some suffering. Everything else is at best a crapshoot and usually full on the failboat. Antinatalism is compassion.
"Mans greatness comes from knowing that he is wretched" This is the "ultimate" truth. The same way that in nature death is what gives it meaning, movement and (natural) "morality", human existence is not too different. Our own existence is also based in overcoming a problem after a problem.
can you be so sure that you can see the good if you try to? I think Alain is saying that trying to see the good will many times disappoint you and make you "see the bad," instead. My take is that rather than trying to see things as good or bad, we should refrain from too much judgement or expectation and just live in the presence.
Naming this perspective "perssimism" seems only halfway to me. The Buddha dwelt deeper into this psychologically and phisolophically and called it by its name: "suffering", the fact of human existance. It is universal and not unique to the modern world.
"Worthy of forgiveness and patience" I have forgotten this. Probably because I just read "patience" is Hitchens' least favorite virtue (as life is so very short).
AutonomousChameleon a balance between the two and by extension Striving for your goals but also knowing your limits and accepting that. It's knowing that life isn't a whimsical fairy tale, nor is it a gothic nightmare. Life is a material reality. You must take the good with the bad. Understand that we are imperfect beings, but not to demonize, rather is a fact that we can accept and embrace. That is realism.
perhaps life is not so much about personal happiness which seems to be more of a chemical phenomena of genetics, less a state of being than a response mechanism , innate if you have it , if learned as a value ( be optimistic , its nicer ) artificial transference for arbitrary needs.. optimism is a concept , a construct of man , and by its very nature as a vehicle for projecting into the future and predicting outcomes - illusion.Or formulaic , like Lotto.
(cont.) ...callousness in all areas of need, expecting nothing from life, no matter what you do, or what happens to you, and not being softened by pleasures, comforts or positives; anyone who lives any different is either foolish or self-superior; this is why psychopaths are immune to many forms of cause & effect
haha i dont think that was the point brotha'... among quite a few other fantastic points about the human condition he is saying that modern secularlist shouldnt have so much faith, (for lack of a better word) in modernity making us happier as this ignores the basic fact about reality that church used to great effect in keeping everything repressed for so long: LIFE IS FUCKING HARD!! so if you accept the truth that bad things will happen, you will be a happier well adjusted, and more productive.
I'm not tied into happiness, happiness is fleeting, I only have bliss, and a chance to enjoy your life is ruined by the mean reality, which should be you in a happy state of being but you're actually upset finding reality scary, mean, and putting you down, calling you nuts, insane, crazy, for everything supergenius or sage about you, without these put downs I would've invented one for somebody else, like they're unwise, unphilosophical, unscrupulous, and even eerie. Things need the mistakes and failures removed, but something's wrong, trying to drag me down to their level, ultrapessimism isn't the cure for my unhappiness, getting off the meds completely is the cure for my unhappiness, because no matter what I do, on the meds I'll never be happy, I'm upset, I'm hurt, and it will never go away until I get off the meds.
The truth is nothing is anything but God's unwanted kids. Admitting you've sinned sure is pessimistic, Christianity sure is negative in a positive way, I'm talking of pessimism. Alain is an expert in being a one-trick philosopher, saying truths which are popularly taken seriously in his pseudo-secular universe. Life really is our darkest moments, but pessimism isn't just a philosophy, it's a view of the world, it's a way of thinking.
I don't agree. Good and bad are subject to interpretation. We choose which one too see. So why seek out the bad? This idea supposes that humans are naturally bad, but who is to say that this is correct? The opposite is just as correct if good and bad are subjective.
What you are suggesting is that thier is some inherent ultimatum of optimism and pessimism, that we must choose one or the other. Pessimists are claimed to be mentally Ill and that optimists are in perfect, mental health in this day and age, but if you the people who claim this were on the other side of perspective, may realize the opposite.
An interesting philosophy. Much of what he says is so true, but we could read the works of thousands of philosophers without ever being sure of what true guidance is. Why not read and learn about the best philosopy for life from the One who put us here in the first place. The authentic, unchanged, uncorrupted word of God; the Quran.
I think this man is related to the Rothschild banking family. He has a very distinguished look to him and his father was involved with that banking dynasty, being recruited as managing director of the Zurich branch in 1968. He then went on later to manage the New York branch, before founding Global Asset Management in 1983.
His voice is so enjoyable and uses the language so well
I agree. Alain de Botton has one of the best speaking voices I have ever heard.
I love u Schopenhauer!!!
The real Schopenhauer would probably have torn de Botton to pieces by now.
@@azabshniggurath1541 calm down, we are his students
So "life sucks and then you die" may actually be words of wisdom, words to live by. Who knew?
I remember reading his earlier books a long time ago and I think it was in The Consolations of Philosophy that I first heard him making a point like this- that happiness is an illusion and it's wise to not expect too much of the world- and he described how both the Buddha and Ancient Greek philosophers came to this conclusion independently, and that really struck me -as so different from the modern world, as a universal wisdom we have lost.
I want Alain to read me a bedtime story. What an amazing voice.
I put on the school of life playlist.
I agree with this. Schopenhauer is fun to read.
Schopenhauer is spot on. A born antinatalist and compassionate human.
Read Schopenhauer.
Read Schopenhauers "Studies in Pessimism"
Nah
I agree with him. The cognitive distortion is the belief that we deserve the best life has to offer. We get what we get and need to deal with it.
You do realise that life is very hateful, right?! You're the reject of society like pessimism says, a fallen creature of imperfection. People who are sick are the ones who try to cure you.
"Don't Try" -Bukowski
Bukowski's Last Night of the Earth Poems are about the best and most consoling things I've read. I'm also a huge fan of Schopenhauer. "Suicide is painless." - Mash It just takes courage.
Trying is the first step towards failure.
What an insight.. Thank you. Truly therapeutic. M.C
A healthy point of view, easy to listen and with plenty of content to reflect upon.
Thanks! Much appreciated it.
From personal experience, being pessimistic can actually be very draining, and it saps the motivation to take effective action in life. Being humble realistic and having reasonable expectations for your life is probably what Alain is supporting. People do have high hopes for fame, glory and love these days. But having reasonable expectations for your life doesn't mean you shouldn't shoot high and stretch your limits just because failure and its associated despair are possible.
spetsnaz5 well put.
Thank you for this!
You would like that wouldn't you? Despair. But this is a path I don't want to go into. Humility is part of pessimism, if you understand Alain de Botton you'll realise that Pascal is into darkness, and that man shouldn't try to delude himself, herself or theirself into perfection, and that you're a fallen creature, you're not perfect. Pessimism isn't luxury, it's a philosophy and attitude accessible to all mankind.
Love that man.
Hope is killing me Jerry!
-- George Costanza
I agree with that. Maybe it should have been "Why optimism can be unhealthy".
*_'Happiness is a matter of perception; often a fleeting illusion of a delusional mind' [quote: by me/May 2016]_*
Hehe how fucking cute.
Alain is a great thinker and a real seeker for truth. he goes deep inside in human nature and relationships. What makes a human being who s/he is? Blaise Pascal work is cheering and it's funny and consoling to read the Pensée. You'll never forget that book once you read it.
All realists and rational thinkers recognise that bad things can and will happen, often randomly, for no purpose. The difference is they don't think there is an all powerful god that apparently knows all this would happen, but chose not to help.
That to me would be a depressing scenario, as opposed to bad things happening because the universe is neutral to our existence.
In all due respect depressed people are the pessimists, you're only bringing darkness upon darkness with this warlike philosophy.
OK then let's consider Antinatalism. It's the one sure way to end some suffering. Everything else is at best a crapshoot and usually full on the failboat. Antinatalism is compassion.
Is anti natalism support abortion? I hope any one answer
@@okbye9542 Yes, the most if not all antinatalists support it.
and euthanasia for whoever wants to leave.
"Mans greatness comes from knowing that he is wretched" This is the "ultimate" truth. The same way that in nature death is what gives it meaning, movement and (natural) "morality", human existence is not too different. Our own existence is also based in overcoming a problem after a problem.
Yeah, I would buy every one of his books if he could make them audio books. My hands and eyes are so busy, but my ears have time to spare.
can you be so sure that you can see the good if you try to? I think Alain is saying that trying to see the good will many times disappoint you and make you "see the bad," instead. My take is that rather than trying to see things as good or bad, we should refrain from too much judgement or expectation and just live in the presence.
Naming this perspective "perssimism" seems only halfway to me. The Buddha dwelt deeper into this psychologically and phisolophically and called it by its name: "suffering", the fact of human existance. It is universal and not unique to the modern world.
Hatred and ill will towards other is always a sign of self hatred.
Jan96106 What's not to hate? Whether it be yourself or others. Especially when you see yourself in others.
I prefer the buddhist idea of being neither pessimistic or optimistic but touch each event lightly with your judging mind and just let it go......
I second that.
"Worthy of forgiveness and patience" I have forgotten this. Probably because I just read "patience" is Hitchens' least favorite virtue (as life is so very short).
things can only get better, because they cannot get any worse
You bet they can get worse. Wait until you're body starts to quit.
Things can, reasonably, always get worse.
paloriggs oh they can get worse
the 'proper' attitude isn't about optimism, pessimism, or whatnot; it's
AutonomousChameleon a balance between the two and by extension Striving for your goals but also knowing your limits and accepting that. It's knowing that life isn't a whimsical fairy tale, nor is it a gothic nightmare. Life is a material reality. You must take the good with the bad. Understand that we are imperfect beings, but not to demonize, rather is a fact that we can accept and embrace.
That is realism.
Agree...agree..!
I want to start reading philosophy. With which philosophers should I start?
Kierkegaard is entertaining and a great philosopher
perhaps life is not so much about personal happiness which seems to be more of a chemical phenomena of genetics, less a state of being than a response mechanism , innate if you have it , if learned as a value ( be optimistic , its nicer ) artificial transference for arbitrary needs.. optimism is a concept , a construct of man , and by its very nature as a vehicle for projecting into the future and predicting outcomes - illusion.Or formulaic , like Lotto.
(cont.) ...callousness in all areas of need, expecting nothing from life, no matter what you do, or what happens to you, and not being softened by pleasures, comforts or positives; anyone who lives any different is either foolish or self-superior; this is why psychopaths are immune to many forms of cause & effect
I adore seductive classical French. I know that I'm very wretched. I just go along with it.
haha i dont think that was the point brotha'... among quite a few other fantastic points about the human condition he is saying that modern secularlist shouldnt have so much faith, (for lack of a better word) in modernity making us happier as this ignores the basic fact about reality that church used to great effect in keeping everything repressed for so long: LIFE IS FUCKING HARD!! so if you accept the truth that bad things will happen, you will be a happier well adjusted, and more productive.
Schopenhauer will open your eyes to this dreadful world.
I’m the ceo and director of my life
No one else , alright ?
I’m recovering from a hysterectomy atm.
I'm not tied into happiness, happiness is fleeting, I only have bliss, and a chance to enjoy your life is ruined by the mean reality, which should be you in a happy state of being but you're actually upset finding reality scary, mean, and putting you down, calling you nuts, insane, crazy, for everything supergenius or sage about you, without these put downs I would've invented one for somebody else, like they're unwise, unphilosophical, unscrupulous, and even eerie. Things need the mistakes and failures removed, but something's wrong, trying to drag me down to their level, ultrapessimism isn't the cure for my unhappiness, getting off the meds completely is the cure for my unhappiness, because no matter what I do, on the meds I'll never be happy, I'm upset, I'm hurt, and it will never go away until I get off the meds.
socrates, or some niche that you like and want to learn more about
الدحيح❤❤
Who are the persons who downvote this? 🤓
has he ever made a bad programme...?
Rebuttal to steven pinker up and down
The truth is nothing is anything but God's unwanted kids. Admitting you've sinned sure is pessimistic, Christianity sure is negative in a positive way, I'm talking of pessimism. Alain is an expert in being a one-trick philosopher, saying truths which are popularly taken seriously in his pseudo-secular universe. Life really is our darkest moments, but pessimism isn't just a philosophy, it's a view of the world, it's a way of thinking.
Underpromise and overdeliver.
My only disagreement here is the religious are no better. They are just “waiting” for their eternal happiness after death.
I don't agree. Good and bad are subject to interpretation. We choose which one too see. So why seek out the bad? This idea supposes that humans are naturally bad, but who is to say that this is correct? The opposite is just as correct if good and bad are subjective.
Raffums wow great point!
What you are suggesting is that thier is some inherent ultimatum of optimism and pessimism, that we must choose one or the other.
Pessimists are claimed to be mentally Ill and that optimists are in perfect, mental health in this day and age, but if you the people who claim this were on the other side of perspective, may realize the opposite.
My take is I think you wish to be dead
Nothing matters and I get on with it I make my own Philosophy
Don’t kill yourselves folks
No need to be optimistic. The end is near. Just attend your local evangelical church.
Haha... probs cause its not authentic, totally corrupted and certainly not the word of God... but ya know... to each her own :)
Kokomo Bedford philippinews
An interesting philosophy. Much of what he says is so true, but we could read the works of thousands of philosophers without ever being sure of what true guidance is. Why not read and learn about the best philosopy for life from the One who put us here in the first place. The authentic, unchanged, uncorrupted word of God; the Quran.
Cept there is no proof of your irrational god. At least we know De Botton exists. lol
I think this man is related to the Rothschild banking family. He has a very distinguished look to him and his father was involved with that banking dynasty, being recruited as managing director of the Zurich branch in 1968. He then went on later to manage the New York branch, before founding Global Asset Management in 1983.
Daniel Gontar he is looking a little Illuminati
Better put up a link with some evidence or stfu.