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.

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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]

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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.

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