My father paid for my education; then he made it clear that I was on my own. Alain de Botton cleareducationfather Change image and share on social
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
When I'm writing, I write all day. Other days, I sit around thinking. Or I run around from one meeting to another, out in the world. It varies, and I like that. Alain de Botton daymeetrun Change image and share on social
I keep a picture of my beloved children close by. Also, water and plenty of pads and pens. Alain de Botton belovedchildclose Change image and share on social
It's very hard to respect people on holiday - everybody looks so silly at the beach, it makes you hate humanity - but when you see people at their work they elicit respect, whether it's a mechanic, a stonemason or an accountant. Alain de Botton accountantbeachelicit share on social
As for despair, it comes about when I have been a fool and hate myself and despair of my personality. I am prone to gloom, but not depression as such. Alain de Botton depressiondespairfool Change image and share on social
Never, ever become a writer. It's a nightmare. Alain de Botton nightmarewriter Change image and share on social
There are people who say, 'Oh this guy is quite thick.' I think the reason is that, increasingly, I don't mind being simple in terms of literary expression. Others say, 'No, no, no. He went to Cambridge. He got a good degree. He must be Einstein.' Alain de Botton cambridgedegreeeinstein share on social
On paper, being good sounds great but a lot depends on the atmosphere of the workplace or community we live in. We tend to become good or bad depending on the cues sent out within a particular space. Alain de Botton atmospherebadcommunity 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
