Alain de Botton is a British writer of Swiss descent. He is a member of the Royal Literary Society, studies philosophy, works as a television presenter, and is also an entrepreneur. From his pen came the famous English-language bestsellers in which the author spoke about various aspects of modern life. Alain in his speeches always emphasizes that philosophy is inextricably linked with our everyday life.
Brief Biographical Information
Alain de Botton was born in 1969, December 20. The boy's father, Gilbert, was expelled from Egypt. The second president of the country, Nasser Hussein, issued a decree on the removal of Sephardic Jews, including Alain’s father. The future writer spent his childhood in Zurich (Switzerland). When the boy was eight years old, he moved with his family to live in England. Already in his teens, Alain had a great craving for knowing the world and himself. He entered Kings College, University of London, and graduated in 1991 with a master's degree in philosophy.
First book
The young man wrote his first novel at the age of twenty-three years. It was called "Experiences of Love." Immediately after its release, the book won the hearts of many people. Critics, romantics and aesthetes on both sides of the Atlantic were delighted with the peculiar writing style. The story is conducted in the first person. The book can be identified with a popular treatise that is full of illustrated diagrams, diagrams and drawings, or with a psychologist’s column printed in a fashion magazine. The first work of the author is filled with peculiar comparisons, universal situations, as well as witty and insightful observations of de Botton himself. Alain in his work gives examples of statements of great people not only about love, but also about life in general. But these are just a few of the startling discoveries that the reader can find in this book. The circulation of the publication amounted to two million copies.
About philosophy and travel
In 2002, de Botton wrote a book entitled The Art of Traveling. This work of the writer is intended for those who are "lost" in life and cannot find their place. The book raises important questions. Why does a person have a "wanderlust"? Is it possible to go on a journey without leaving my apartment? Why does a person perceive the world around him during his wanderings absolutely differently from everyday life? The writer helps the reader to understand himself, to find answers to the above questions. Moreover, “The Art of Traveling” is a book, after reading which a person understands that one can go on a journey not only to relax and gain new impressions, but also to free oneself from prejudices and experience moments of complete happiness.
On the role of architecture in human life
In 2006, a new work of the British writer was released, in which he shared his observations on the relationship of architecture and the internal state of man, entitled "Architecture of Happiness." The influence of surrounding buildings on what a person can become is an idea that feeds de Botton's book. The author is sure that architecture has an important task. It should remind people of the richness of their potential. The architect is obliged to design the building so that its appearance contributes to a sense of happiness. This book of the writer is a kind of journey through architecture, its philosophy and psychology. The purpose of the author’s work is to change a person’s attitude to his home, streets, surrounding buildings, and, as a result, to himself.
Popular book on philosophy
In 2000, Alain de Botton wrote a book entitled Consolation by Philosophy. Every person from time to time faces difficulties in his life. Self-doubt, unrequited love, poverty - these are problems that philosophy can help to cope with. This science teaches that through the dark clouds of adversity, the rays of the sun necessarily break through. Great thinkers came out of the most difficult situations with philosophical calm. They firmly believed that a person can overcome any circumstances. Under de Botton's pen, philosophy has become a true art of living.
The main ideas and tasks of the writer
Alain de Botton received a Ph.D. in philosophy. But he refused his career at the university, as he decided to work for the benefit of the mass audience. The popularization of classical literature, philosophy and art is the main task of the writer. Most of de Botton's works contain theses of artists and great thinkers. The author of books on everyday philosophy gives lectures at universities around the world, and also works with the media. Moreover, he opened his own production company, which produces television programs based on his work. Today de Botton's books are very popular. After all, they allow the reader to take a fresh look at themselves and the world.