Alain de Botton is an inspiring writer. Every time he visits our shores i make sure to attend the event highly anticipated by his Australian readers. Last time when he was here for "The Architecture of happiness" in 2006, the grand concert hall of the Sydney opera house was full of his fans. Today, he delivered his speech about the subject of his new book called "The pleasures and sorrows of work" at the same place in front of a packed enthusiastic audience.
The man might look frail however the minute he opens his mouth the art of elocution is well evident. The son of a finance magnate, De Botton never knew a routine working life. Highly educated, he began writing in his early twenties and two decades later he has reached the status of a world famous and respected modern philosopher who has published nine best sellers.
I consider De Botton as an intelligent and witty explorer. What is fascinating about him is how he can dissect a subject in an approachable style. His latest is about the pleasures and sorrows of work. In the past, he has reflected on how architecture can be a medium of happiness and well-being; on how people can become anxious about their status; on how travel can be an art of life and even about how Proust can change your life.
Lately, De Botton is behind an exciting new project called "The School of life". It is described as a new cultural enterprise based in central London offering intelligent instruction on how to lead a fulfilled life.
I will be writing more about his books in the future months. In due course, you could check the following websites: www.alaindebotton.com and www.theschooloflife.com
Comments