Alain de Botton Interview

Alain de Botton, FRSL is a Swiss-born British Philosopher and author. His books discuss various contemporary subjects and themes, emphasizing philosophy's relevance to everyday life. is many things, but I think of him as a rare breed of practical philosopher. In 1997, he turned away from writing novels and instead wrote an extended essay titled How Proust Can Change Your Life, which became an unlikely blockbuster. His subsequent books have been described as a ‘philosophy of everyday life’ and subjects include love, travel, architecture, religion and work. Connect with Alain de Botton: Like Alain de Botton on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alaindebotton Follow Alain de Botton on Twitter: https://twitter.com/alaindebotton Follow Alain de Botton on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alaindebotton How Philosophy Can Change Your Life, Alain de Botton Show Notes: http://fourhourworkweek.com/2015/11/10/alain-de-botton/ Answering the question, “What do you do?” [7:43] Beginnings and emotional intelligence [11:23] The importance of “proving” oneself [17:08] On mixing nonfiction and fiction writing [21:23] Most influential writers and books [22:58] How Proust Can Change Your Life [24:38] What changed Alain de Botton’s life? [30:23] Low expectations and achieving great things [35:38] Complex philosophy vs useful philosophy [39:53] Pre-Cambridge years [59:38] Best practices to help status anxiety [1:03:08] On developing the skill of listening [1:16:23] Embodiment of success [1:25:13] Most gifted books [1:29:28] A contrarian belief [1:30:38] Utilitarian philosophers, AI, and the future of philosophy [1:36:08] Favorite documentaries and movies [1:40:08] Favorite purchase of $100 or less [1:41:58] Valuable daily rituals and routines [1:44:18] Alain's billboard [1:47:18] Advice to your 30-year-old self [1:48:08] SUBSCRIBE: http://bit.ly/1dSzTkW About Tim Ferriss: Tim Ferriss is one of Fast Company’s “Most Innovative Business People” and an early-stage tech investor/advisor in Uber, Facebook, Twitter, Shopify, Duolingo, Alibaba, and 50+ other companies. He is also the author of five #1 New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestsellers: The 4-Hour Workweek, The 4-Hour Body, The 4-Hour Chef, Tools of Titans and Tribe of Mentors. The Observer and other media have named him “the Oprah of audio” due to the influence of his podcast, The Tim Ferriss Show, which has exceeded 200 million downloads and been selected for “Best of iTunes” three years running. Connect with Tim Ferriss: Visit the Tim Ferriss PODCAST: https://bit.ly/2rYjUBr Visit the Tim Ferriss BLOG: http://bit.ly/17jDHw3 Like Tim Ferriss on FACEBOOK: http://on.fb.me/1avYUxq Follow Tim Ferriss on TWITTER: http://bit.ly/17d94TE Follow Tim Ferriss on INSTAGRAM: http://bit.ly/2IfH37J Follow Tim Ferriss on INSTAGRAM: http://bit.ly/2IfH37J

Tim FerrisshostAlain de Bottonguest

Nov 20, 20152h 0mWatch on YouTube ↗

EPISODE INFO

Released: November 20, 2015
Duration: 2h 0m
Channel: Tim Ferriss
Watch on YouTube: ▶ Open ↗

EPISODE DESCRIPTION

Alain de Botton, FRSL is a Swiss-born British Philosopher and author. His books discuss various contemporary subjects and themes, emphasizing philosophy's relevance to everyday life. is many things, but I think of him as a rare breed of practical philosopher. In 1997, he turned away from writing novels and instead wrote an extended essay titled How Proust Can Change Your Life, which became an unlikely blockbuster. His subsequent books have been described as a ‘philosophy of everyday life’ and subjects include love, travel, architecture, religion and work. Connect with Alain de Botton: Like Alain de Botton on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alaindebotton Follow Alain de Botton on Twitter: https://twitter.com/alaindebotton Follow Alain de Botton on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alaindebotton How Philosophy Can Change Your Life, Alain de Botton Show Notes: http://fourhourworkweek.com/2015/11/10/alain-de-botton/ Answering the question, “What do you do?” [7:43] Beginnings and emotional intelligence [11:23] The importance of “proving” oneself [17:08] On mixing nonfiction and fiction writing [21:23] Most influential writers and books [22:58] How Proust Can Change Your Life [24:38] What changed Alain de Botton’s life? [30:23] Low expectations and achieving great things [35:38] Complex philosophy vs useful philosophy [39:53] Pre-Cambridge years [59:38] Best practices to help status anxiety [1:03:08] On developing the skill of listening [1:16:23] Embodiment of success [1:25:13] Most gifted books [1:29:28] A contrarian belief [1:30:38] Utilitarian philosophers, AI, and the future of philosophy [1:36:08] Favorite documentaries and movies [1:40:08] Favorite purchase of $100 or less [1:41:58] Valuable daily rituals and routines [1:44:18] Alain's billboard [1:47:18] Advice to your 30-year-old self [1:48:08] SUBSCRIBE: http://bit.ly/1dSzTkW About Tim Ferriss: Tim Ferriss is one of Fast Company’s “Most Innovative Business People” and an early-stage tech investor/advisor in Uber, Facebook, Twitter, Shopify, Duolingo, Alibaba, and 50+ other companies. He is also the author of five #1 New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestsellers: The 4-Hour Workweek, The 4-Hour Body, The 4-Hour Chef, Tools of Titans and Tribe of Mentors. The Observer and other media have named him “the Oprah of audio” due to the influence of his podcast, The Tim Ferriss Show, which has exceeded 200 million downloads and been selected for “Best of iTunes” three years running. Connect with Tim Ferriss: Visit the Tim Ferriss PODCAST: https://bit.ly/2rYjUBr Visit the Tim Ferriss BLOG: http://bit.ly/17jDHw3 Like Tim Ferriss on FACEBOOK: http://on.fb.me/1avYUxq Follow Tim Ferriss on TWITTER: http://bit.ly/17d94TE Follow Tim Ferriss on INSTAGRAM: http://bit.ly/2IfH37J Follow Tim Ferriss on INSTAGRAM: http://bit.ly/2IfH37J

SPEAKERS

Tim Ferriss
host
Entrepreneur, author, and podcast host known for The Tim Ferriss Show and The 4-Hour Workweek.
Alain de Botton
guest
Philosopher and author focused on everyday life and emotional health, and founder of The School of Life.

EPISODE SUMMARY

In this episode of Tim Ferriss, featuring Tim Ferriss and Alain de Botton, Alain de Botton Interview explores alain de Botton on practical philosophy, love, status, and modern meaning Alain de Botton says his work centers on emotional health and the “first world” dilemmas that persist after food and shelter are secured, such as meaning, relationships, ambition, and purpose.

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