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Books » Nonfiction » Philosophy » General
The Consolations of Philosophy
http://www.fishpond.com.sg/Books/Consolations-of-Philosophy-Alain-de-Botton/9780140276619
By
Alain de Botton
RRP US$26.99 US$11.80 Save US$15.19 (56%)11.8
Free Shipping Worldwide  Ships within 24 hours from UK supplier| Rating: | | | Format: | Paperback, 272 pages | | Other Information: | Ill. | | Published In: | United Kingdom, 01 March 2001 |
'Witty, thoughtful, entertaining ...a stylish book, which manages to make philosophy both enjoyable and relevant, at the same time providing a very sensible digest of consolations for many of our current psychological ills' - Anthony Clare, "LiteraryReview". About the AuthorAlain de Botton was born in 1969. He is the author of three novels and the bestselling HOW PROUST CAN CHANGE YOUR LIFE. ReviewsThree years ago, de Botton offered a delightful encounter with a writer many find unapproachable, in his bestselling How Proust Can Change Your Life. Now he attempts a similar undertaking--not wholly successful--with the great philosophers. In clear, witty prose, de Botton (who directs the graduate philosophy program at London University) sets some of their ideas to the mundane task of helping readers with their personal problems. Consolation for those feeling unpopular is found in the trial and death of Socrates; for those lacking money, in Epicurus' vision of what is essential for happiness. Senecan stoicism assists us in enduring frustration; Schopenhauer, of all people, mends broken hearts (by showing that "happiness was never part of the plan"); and Nietzsche encourages us to embrace difficulties. Black-and-white illustrations cleverly (sometimes too cleverly) accent the text: a "Bacardi and friends" ad, for example, illustrates the Epicurean doctrine of confused needs. Self-deprecating confessions pepper the book, a succinct account of an episode of impotence being the most daring. The quietly ironic style and eclectic approach will gratify many postmodern readers. But since the philosophers' opinions often cancel each other out (Montaigne undermines Seneca's trust in rational self-mastery, and Nietzsche repudiates "virtually all" that Schopenhauer taught), readers will need to pick and choose whose cogitations to take to heart. At his best (e.g., on Socrates), de Botton offers lucid popularization--an enjoyable read with "a few consoling and practical things" to say. (Apr.) Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information. |
| Publisher: | Penguin Books Ltd | | ISBN: | 0140276610 |
| EAN: | 9780140276619 | | Dimensions: | 19.0 x 12.0 x 1.0 centimeters (0.19 kg) |
| Age Range: |
15+ years |
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2.0
out of 5 based on
3
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 – Customer review on 05/02/2012
Y'know, it's not that I didn't enjoy this book- I've read some Alain de Botton books in the past and have enjoyed them. I think it's mostly that philosophy was something I enjoyed a lot in the past, particularly as a child when I read Sophie's World and was astounded and marveled and thought it was so deep and interesting. Now I just can't be bothered dealing with it.
But this is a good layman's book, and sums up some of the main philosopher's theories in a few paragraphs.
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4.0
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 – Customer review on 15/04/2009
The author provides a remarkable commentary on five of the worlds leading philosophers. Not only does he portrary such views in an edifying light, but he also achieves a rare elucidation that makes for an easy understanding of the philosophies themselves. This is even when the concept of consolation is not considered.
The author himself mentions that commentaries are hardly as reviled or excorriated as the subject itself; and in with regard to this axiom this text does not fail, it allows a greater discernment and understanding of philosophies than could be achieved by reading the original texts in their obfuscating format.
Though i do disagree with many of the philosophies, especially in regard to Scrophenhaurs will to life, this is in no way demonstrative of a failure on the part of the documentarian. It also testament to the authors ability to mould dialectic in that he can actually present philosophers such as Nietszche as consoling rather than disconcerting. Especially, when it is rumoured that philosophy contributed to Nietzche's madness and depression
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5.0
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 – Customer review on 04/10/2008
Alain de Botton with his book The Consolations of Philosophy, manages to take on traditionally unapproachable and hard to digest philosophical notions and concepts, and win the battle to explain them to us. He achieves this with his own inimitable style - his writing is direct and straightforward, he has a great sense of humour, and he manages to avoid alienating readers by condescending us (which many philosophical books can tend to do).
De Botton covers a lot of ground in this book - consolation for unpopularity from Socrates, consolation for those lacking money from Epicurus, Stoicism to help us cope with frustration, Schopenhauer to help mend broken hearts and Nietzsche to help us overcome difficulties.
He pulls all of this off with ease - you won't be disappointed with the help that you'll find in this book!!
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