I learnt to stop fantasising about the perfect job or the perfect relationship because that can actually be an excuse for not living. Alain de Botton excusefantasisejob Change image and share on social
I passionately believe that's it's not just what you say that counts, it's also how you say it - that the success of your argument critically depends on your manner of presenting it. Alain de Botton argumentcountcritically Change image and share on social
I assemble my ideas in pieces on a computer file, then gradually find a place for them on a piece of scaffolding I erect. Alain de Botton assemblecomputererect Change image and share on social
When work is not going well, it's useful to remember that our identities stretch beyond what is on the business card, that we were people long before we became workers - and will continue to be human once we have put our tools down forever. Alain de Botton businesscardcontinue share on social
Kant and Hegel are interesting thinkers. But I am happy to insist that they are also terrible writers. Alain de Botton happyhegelinsist Change image and share on social
Social media has lots of benefits, but compared to Christianity, it tends to group people by interests. Religion puts you with people who have nothing in common except that you're human. Alain de Botton benefitchristianitycommon Change image and share on social
I know a lot about writing, but I don't know much about how other industries work. I've tried to use my naivety to my advantage. Alain de Botton advantagehaveindustry Change image and share on social
Le Corbusier is an outstanding writer. His ideas achieved their impact in large measure because he could write so convincingly. His style is utterly clear, brusque, funny and polemical in the best way. Alain de Botton achievebrusqueclear share on social
As an atheist, I think there are lots of things religions get up to which are of value to non-believers - and one of those things is trying to be a bit better than we normally manage to be. Alain de Botton atheistbelieverbite Change image and share on social
