The Consolations of Philosophy

A short book of popular philosophy in six chapters, each pairing a common source of unhappiness with a philosopher who offers some relief. Socrates consoles for unpopularity, showing that the verdict of a crowd is no proof of error. Epicurus consoles for not having enough money, arguing that pleasure depends more on friends, freedom and reflection than on wealth. Seneca consoles for frustration, teaching that anger comes from expecting the world to be kinder than it is. Montaigne consoles for inadequacy, making room for the body, ignorance and ordinary life. Schopenhauer consoles for a broken heart by explaining love as the will to life acting through us. Nietzsche consoles for difficulties, arguing that hardship is the soil of any worthwhile achievement. De Botton mixes biography, close reading, pictures and wry personal anecdote, and his aim is openly practical: philosophy as help with living, an idea his title borrows from Boethius's The Consolation of Philosophy.

It makes six philosophers useful for ordinary troubles such as money, rejection and heartbreak, and shows how philosophy can be read as practical help with living.