The Right to Fail
Pessimism isn't cynicism; it's a clearer way of seeing. When we expect less, we're not disappointed and can appreciate what we have.
Alain de Botton
British philosopher and writer, founder of The School of Life, author of books on love, anxiety, and everyday wisdom.
All moments: Alain de Botton
- A Therapeutic Journey — Alain de Botton
Travel is a way to reset your perspective. It shows you that the way you live is not the only way to live.
- The Right to Despair — Alain de Botton
It's okay not to be okay. Our culture's obsession with happiness makes sadness feel like a failure, when actually it's part of being human.
- The Knots We Tie Ourselves — Alain de Botton
We are all a bit mad, and the healthiest thing we can do is acknowledge it and laugh at ourselves.
- Love is a Skill — Alain de Botton
We treat love like something that happens to us by luck, when actually it's something we build through deliberate effort and skill.
- On Greatness and Humility — Alain de Botton
Success is not what we think it is. True achievement comes from understanding yourself and being honest about your limitations.
- Philosophy in Everyday Life — Alain de Botton
Philosophy's job is not to give us answers, but to help us live better with the questions.
- Why We All Marry the Wrong Person — Alain de Botton
To love is charity — a generosity of interpretation, the slack we all need cut for us, because our behavior is tricky.
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