Alain de Botton

Alain de Botton was born in Zurich, Switzerland in 1969 and now resides in London. He is a writer known for his essayistic books that delve into the philosophy of everyday life. He has explored themes such as love, travel, architecture, and literature in his works, connecting these subjects to both personal and societal well-being. His books, including "The Consolations of Philosophy" and "The Pleasures and Sorrows of Work," have been bestsellers in 30 countries.

In addition to his writing, de Botton founded The School of Life, which is dedicated to developing emotional intelligence through the teachings of philosophy. He also established Living Architecture, an organization that collaborates with leading architects to build holiday homes in the UK. He has been recognized for his contributions to culture and literature with several awards, including being made a Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et Lettres by France.

De Botton's engagement with the public includes delivering a TED talk titled "A Kinder, Gentler Philosophy of Success," which has been viewed over one million times. His thought-provoking approach has also been adapted into documentary formats for television, with his books "Status Anxiety" and "The Consolations of Philosophy" being featured on PBS. His latest published work from September 2019 is "The School of Life: An Emotional Education," a collection of essays that encapsulates the philosophical teachings of The School of Life.