Quote

It is in books, poems, paintings which often give us the confidence to take seriously feelings in ourselves that we might otherwise never have thought to acknowledge.

Alain de Botton

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Alain de Botton
Age: 55
Born: 1969
Born: December 20
Journalist
Philosopher
Publisher
Writer
City of Zurich
Alain De Botton
Thought
Acknowledge
Give
Seriously
Might
Otherwise
Book
Confidence
Take
Painting
Giving
Books
Never
Often
Paintings
Feelings
Poems

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Reputation matters so much only because people so seldom think for themselves.
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Instead of bringing back 1600 plants, we might return from our journeys with a collection of small unfêted but life-enhancing thoughts.
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It would be foolish to describe the logistics hub as merely ugly, for it has the horrifying, soulless, immaculate beauty characteristic of many of the workplaces of the modern world.
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A danger of travel is that we see things at the wrong time, before we have had a chance to build up the necessary receptivity and when new information is therefore as useless and fugitive as necklace beads without a connecting chain.
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We may seek a fortune for no greater reason than to secure the respect and attention of people who would otherwise look straight through us.
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Much of the really serious trouble in the world gets going with a sense of humiliation.
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We accept the need to train extensively to fly a plane but think instinct should be enough for marrying and raising kids.
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A great writer picks up on those things that matter. It’s almost like their radar is attuned to the most significant moments.
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In the works of Lucretius, we find two reasons why we shouldn't worry about death. If you have had a successful life, Lucretius tell us, there's no reason to mind its end. And, if you haven't had a good time, Why do you seek to add more years, which would also pass but ill?
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Bitterness: anger that forgot where it came from.
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In the gap between who we wish one day to be and who we are at present, must come pain, anxiety, envy and humiliation.
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Maturity: knowing where you're crazy, trying to warn others of the fact and striving to keep yourself under control.
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The study of maps and the perusal of travel books aroused in me a secret fascination that was at times almost irresistible.
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We read the weird tales in newspapers to crowd out the even weirder stuff inside us.
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There is a longing for a return to a time without the need for choices, free of the regret at the inevitable loss that all choice (however wonderful) has entailed.
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Every realistic picture represents a choice as to which features of reality should be given prominence no painting ever captures the whole.
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Good sex isn't just fun, it keeps us sane and happy. Having sex with someone makes us feel wanted, alive and potent.
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We need objects to remind us of the commitments we've made. That carpet from Morocco reminds us of the impulsive, freedom-loving side of ourselves we're in danger of losing touch with. Beautiful furniture gives us something to live up to. All designed objects are propaganda for a way of life.
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We are sad at home and blame the weather and the ugliness of the buildings, but on the tropical island we learn that the state of the skies and the appearance of our dwellings can never on their own underwrite our joy nor condemn us to misery.
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Pegging your contentment to the overall state of the world rather than of your own life: the basis of morality, or a sort of madness?
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