The Consolations of Philosophy

By: Alain de Botton

Narrated by: Simon Vance

Length: 6 hrs and 3 mins

Publisher's summary

Alain de Botton has performed a stunning feat: He has transformed arcane philosophy into something accessible and entertaining, useful and kind. Drawing on the work of six of the world's most brilliant thinkers, de Botton has arranged a panoply of wisdom to guide us through our most common problems. From the frustration of misplacing your keys to the sadness of losing a loved one, the writings of Seneca can offer consolation. For the particular agony of not having enough money, Epicurus has a solution that everyone can afford. And if your life is beset by difficulty after difficulty, wise advice may be found in the words of Nietzsche, the brilliant philosopher whose own life was riddled with poverty, bad health, and excruciating loneliness. The Consolations of Philosophy is smart, lucid, and pleasing, a rare sort of book that wonderfully fulfills the promise of its title.

©2000 Alain de Botton (P)2006 Blackstone Audiobooks

Critic reviews

"De Botton, genial, accurate, humane guide to the thinkers at hand, has written a rich and useful book." (Washington Post Book World)
"The quietly ironic style and eclectic approach will gratify many postmodern readers....An enjoyable read with 'a few consoling and practical things' to say." (Publishers Weekly)

Cheering, empathic, helpful

Sometimes our opinion of a book indicates what we are, moreso than the book. Alain de Botton's reflections are for those people who are in touch with their pain, great and small, and who are inclined to solve their problems by understanding them. Frankly, philosophy's greatest value might be to raise the heads of the downtrodden--to console them, not to allow them to look down their noses at others. Forget what snobs are saying about the use of "Philosophy" in the title, both here and on bookstore sites. If you're a person who examines his or her life seriously, then you will find helpful and invigorating ideas about your existence by an articulate, sensitive author. Botton even addresses snobbery. Oh, and the narration is great; Vance at his best.

Delightful

Hardcore lovers of philosophy might be critical of this book. I am a layman and I loved it. With humor, humanity, and a kind of background sorrow, Vance puts forth some of the great philosophies of life. I especially loved the chapter on Epicurus. Great audiobook that I have finished twice and will probably play again.

Good read.

What made the experience of listening to The Consolations of Philosophy the most enjoyable?

Narrator.

Who was your favorite character and why?

There was no main character.

What about Simon Vance’s performance did you like?

I liked the intonation and speed.

What’s the most interesting tidbit you’ve picked up from this book?

Many others have been in our feet in the past. They have dealt with the same issues such as mortality, love pains and materialism. It gives you a real overview of what makes us human and how things do not change through the millenniums.

A balm for the spirit.

I come back to this book about twice a year. For me, it has a uniquely calming effect on my nerves; helping me put this so-called life into a better - more attainable - perspective.
Thank you Mr. Botton

Wonderful

I’ve listened to this book several times. A calm harbor of reason. I hope it gains a foothold in our culture.

OUTSTANDING

I'm a professor with extensive background in philosophy and I found de Botton's contextually based explanations of core philosophers genuinely informative, enlightening and entertaining. I originally got this as an audio bool but had to get the Kindle version to recapture comments I thought exceptionally valuable.

Perfectly okay.

Listen to an empathic feeling therapist teach you an intro to western philosophy class. It's totally … okay.

More history then substance

this is more of a historical account of philosophy there's a few things here and there but overall was not worth the purchase and really not worth the listen

Enjoyed it!

It was a great performance of an amazing book, definitely recommend it to anyone that’s looking for a short and easy to digest philosophy book!

Best author ever

I have read 3 or 4 books by De Botton and I intend to read every last thing this guy writes. The narrator is a perfect fit as well. For my money there is no better combination on Audible. I can't imagine anyone not liking this (or any other book by De Botton). Other than my wife perhaps - who refuses to read it because there are no vampires. ugh.