55. Alain de Botton: Finding Answers to Life’s Tricky Questions

Listen to the show via your favourite podcast player: link.chtbl.com/DV5bFr86
Have you ever wondered what the meaning of life is? Well, today’s guest, Alain de Botton, philosopher and founder of The School of Life, has wondered the same thing too.
Have you ever wondered what the meaning of life is? Of course you have, you’re only human after all.
Well, today’s guest, Alain de Botton, philosopher and founder of The School of Life, has not only wondered the same thing too, philosophising this age old dilemma, he’s also written a book on the subject.
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Host:
Dan Murray-Serter
Instagram: / danmurrayserter
Twitter: / danmurrayserter
Linkedin: / danmurrayserter
Producer:
Rich Martell
Twitter: / richmartell

[@kellythrash3154]

I discovered Alain while moonlighting as a housepainter. The hours were odd, and long, and his lectures were perfect for the time. There's now an entire generation of painters in north Louisiana who consider him a teacher, and mentor, and he has no idea how many Cajun marriages he's saved, lol. Much love, Alain, from the Bayou State!!!!

[@furiosaningveryserious7104]

Such a fan of Alain de botton. His channel changed my life. I am indebted to him.

[@maryloustoddard3368]

Thank you for Alain Dr Botton for thinking about school of life because it's the main reason why we are alive stability of emotions will make a peaceful world for all

[@galdevina1224]

This interview is so full of insights! Appreciation from Moscow :)

[@gregorykollarus8190]

Love Alain de botton

[@tubeyou89119]

Thank you for sharing the interview. I have been learning from Alain (via TH-cam, his books) for several years now and my life has improved in many fronts. So grateful!!

[@grannyhorsetraining878]

Thank you for this interview! I found Alain only a couple weeks ago and he is brilliant. I hope his School of Life continues to expand, it will make alot of difference in the world 🌎 💞

[@danmurrayserter]

Our pleasure!

[@jenni4claire]

Same, on all counts.

[@martinsaint-michel5093]

I really like Alain de Botton and the school of life. Sometimes when I just listen to these talks without seeing him, I feel that it's Stewie from family guy that is giving the talk. I say this with the most respect.

[@MaxwellNichols]

I think it's fascinating that he prefers pessimism over optimism. With a big push for optimism and positivity in our current climate, and idolized entrepreneurs and innovators being blatantly optimistic, it seems backwards to progress. Pessimism seems most applicable to a "common" individual, and utilized in a stoic fashion to be precautious of inevitable suffering; yet, in an environment addicted to progress is it allowing one to be complacent or rather fortifying their capacity to handle life's volatility? Obviously there is a balance to everything, but to be so predominantly pessimistic is fascinating.

[@danmurrayserter]

He is surely a unique and talented mind, and they often dont think about things the same was as the rest of us, that's what makes them outliers!

[@thomasandersen9310]

Pessimism over optimism? Well, he lives the life of a nonpessimist I would argue. Family, career, fun interviews and so on.

[@linskynew]

it’s because his pessimism makes him able to accept lifes downfalls when they do come.. not that he believes everything is necessarily awful, but that there always will be awful things that happen and that its ok to accept life as it is 👍

[@summera.7438]

Very much enjoyed this podcast, thank you very much for sharing this. I have truly learnt alot :)

[@danmurrayserter]

thats great to hear Ranya thank you for discovering and enjoying it!!

[@TheMaggieDress1]

cultured and privileged....parental high command....well rounded upbringing ...encouragement... excellent education...

[@denizhasirci8230]

This was beautiful... Thank you :)

[@olivergilpin]

42:25 - interesting ideas

[@tubeyou89119]

I love Switzerland too...too bad it's not an immigration country.

[@debrasnook4714]

Returning to state of Play 29:00 mm / e30:00 mm what is the practice necessary … neglected thoughts in genius minds … we not actually aware of our inner thoughts and feelings (fear inhibitions/ neglect of our deepest impulses = habit of not being in touch ;with what we really think and feel -- What is authentic … in thinking and feeling In my genius mind.. ;l )

[@porquettango]

The great philosopher are not so happy, they don't look for happiness and dead very young!! (like in Plato's cave)

[@mindcache5650]

A stream of Fking sales pitches. Desperate Dan disappear.