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Podcast
The Truth About Modern Anxiety, A Surprising Way To Find Joy and Meaning & How To Transform Your Relationships with Alain de Botton
Have you ever wondered why, despite all our modern comforts, so many of us still struggle with unhappiness and anxiety? What if a more fulfilling life isn’t about constant positivity but rather a form of ‘cheerful pessimism’?
Today’s guest is Alain de Botton. Alain is the founder of The School of Life, a hugely popular education and wellness organisation that provides guidance on how to achieve happiness and fulfilment. He is also an internationally renowned philosopher and the author of multiple books including his very latest: A Therapeutic Journey: Lessons From The School of Life.
In this conversation, we delve deep into the complexities of modern life and the importance of love, empathy and tolerance in addressing societal problems. Alain introduces the concept of ‘attuned care’ in childhood and explains why a lack of it can show up in our adult behaviours and relationships.
Alain also explains a concept that he calls ‘cheerful pessimism’ which challenges what he describes as the modern obsession with happiness and introduces the idea that a more melancholic outlook to life, might actually lead to greater fulfilment.
We also discuss the value of inner reflection, the truth about modern anxiety and the importance of effective communication. Throughout this conversation, Alain shares practical tools that we can immediately apply into our lives – such as specific journaling exercises, ‘the 2 chair’ technique he has borrowed from Gestalt therapy and simple strategies to help us become better listeners and more effective communicators.
This conversation is an invitation to reassess what truly matters in life. Alain’s message of hope and understanding about the shared human experience of suffering and complexity is both comforting and inspiring and his thoughtful and practical strategies offer a roadmap for anyone seeking a more authentic and meaningful life.
Disclaimer: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.*
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Watch the video version of the conversation here:
Find out about Alain and The School of Life:
Alain’s books:
- A Therapeutic Journey: Lessons from the School of Life†
- The School of Life†
- The Course of Love†
- The News: A User’s Manual†
- Art as Therapy†
- Religion for Atheists†
- The Pleasures and Sorrows of Work†
- The Architecture of Happiness†
- Status Anxiety†
- The Art of Travel†
- The Consolations of Philosophy†
- How Proust Can Change Your Life†
- Essays In Love†
Related Feel Better Live More Episodes:
#171 How To Change Your Mindset and Transform Your Life with Ryan Holiday
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Dr Chatterjee’s books and resources:
- Pre-order Make Change That Lasts. UK version†, US & Canada version†
- Order Happy Mind Happy Life. UK version,† US & Canada version†
- Feel Great Lose Weight is available to order now. Click here for the UK version† and click here for the US & Canadian version†
- Dr Chatterjee’s book Feel Better in 5 is out now. Click here for the UK version† and click here for the US & Canadian version†
- Order Dr Chatterjee’s book The Stress Solution†
- Find Dr Chatterjee’s 4 Pillars of Health in The 4 Pillar Plan†
- Available in the US & Canada with the title How to Make Disease Disappear†
- Click here for Dr Chatterjee’s YouTube channel
- Join the Dr Chatterjee 4 Pillar Community Tribe Facebook page
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*DISCLAIMER: Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.
†Disclosure: All books marked with a † are hyperlinked to an affiliate program. We take part in Amazon’s affiliate advertising program designed to provide a way for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon’s website. You are not charged any extra by using these links to purchase books.
Dr. Rangan Chatterjee
MbChB, BSc (Hons), MRCP, MRCGP
