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" I'm going to rush out and buy Montaigne's "Essays" now. "
- Clayton, 2/20/2014
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" Funny and smart all at the same time. I learned a lot and had no idea. "
- Georgia, 2/18/2014
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" Alain de Botton uses a light touch and frequent images to explain how philosophy can be a consolation to a number of modern frustrations, organised by chapters and straightforward headings. Pretty interesting, but becomes a bit dull halfway through. "
- Vivien, 2/18/2014
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" Wow! Alain at his very best! "
- Jeffrey, 2/8/2014
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" Especially liked the chapter on love a la Shopenhauer "
- William, 1/20/2014
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" Excellent english and some very profound thoughts. watch Alain on TED talks. The book reflects similar ideas. "
- Anandha, 1/9/2014
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" Solid round up of a lot of ancient philosophy. Nothing that new if you've studied them before, but a good summary/refresher. "
- Xavier, 12/26/2013
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" An excellent gallop through some interesting thinkers and their relevance to the issues of today. "
- Dave, 12/4/2013
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" Great overview of many types of philosophy, as well as that of the people who founded each type. "
- Megan, 11/28/2013
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" This is a marvelous book, easy to read and I learned an immense amount from it. A great pleasure. "
- Jean, 9/6/2013
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" This book uses plain language to explain philosophy idealism from famous philosophers descriptively. It provides six consolations for six of man's harness situation. Both inspiring and enjoying, it can service as a good introductive book to philosophic world combined with author's personal feelings. "
- Sunny, 6/9/2013
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" Nice overview in lay terms of some of the major tenets of philosophy and how they inform our understanding of modern life. "
- Mark, 4/16/2013
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" this is a real interesting book. it chronicles the lives and main thesis of 6 prominent philosophers. it's surprisingly engaging, witty and informative. if you've had anything less than a good experience with philosophy in the past, i'd recommend this book. "
- Brandon, 1/5/2013
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" An excellent introduction to philosophy: it's not a dusty, boring topic that should be confined to old men with long beards, but a facinating way of looking at life. Highly recommended. After reading this book you will feel like all the world is in perspective. "
- Bronwen, 9/12/2012
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" The intersection of self-help and Philosophy 101 - but entertaining. "
- Douglas, 9/9/2012
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" I read this several years ago but remember being blown away. Makes learning about major philosophers accessible and enjoyable. I think I had a crush on Botton himself after reading this book. "
- Melissa, 9/4/2012
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" Interesting, but he could have gone deeper. "
- Chaepyong, 8/29/2012
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" Quirky. Informative but written with a wry voice. I've liked most everything I've read by Alain de Botton. "
- Mary, 4/21/2012
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" Interesting, but the primary purpose of philosophy is not consolation (making you feel better). Philosophy is about taking a long, hard look at the world and trying to come up with some basic truths. Whether those truths are consoling or not is up to you. "
- Oliver, 12/4/2011
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" Very powerful piece of literature. It completely changed my view of the world. "
- Rhett, 10/28/2011
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" An excellent overview of philosophy that is both smart and funny. Do not get this confused with an obtuse philosophy book by the same title but different author.
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- Hdmsisk, 6/29/2011
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" a bit light and fluffy but an enjoyable read
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- Peter, 6/26/2011
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" Enjoyable and thought-provoking, with a nice sense of humour.
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- Michelle, 5/27/2011
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" Very enjoyable, intelligent and easy to read. This one is banging.
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- Adil, 5/8/2011
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" I am partially consoled already - liking the stoics
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- Anywavewilldo, 5/3/2011
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" Excellent english and some very profound thoughts. watch Alain on TED talks. The book reflects similar ideas.
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- Anandha, 4/27/2011
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" it was very informational, but its not my style of reading for pleasure.
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- Alyssa, 4/24/2011
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" Three stars - only because the entire premise of the book was undermined in the final paragraph. Otherwise, much too postmodern.
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- Nicola, 4/6/2011
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" How interesting. Philosophy chopped up and presented in a nice neat little packet.
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- Drew, 4/3/2011
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" 3.5 stars. Love de Botton, and this is a fun, accessible but still really interesting introduction to 6 philosophers and what they can teach us (or,how they can "console" us.) Who knew that no one would marry Nietzsche and that he went insane at 44?)
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- Ann, 1/15/2011
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" Alain de Botton shows how philosophy can provide wisdom and solice for being human. Lack of money, frustration, broken hearts, unpopularity and inadequacy are addressed with consolations from thinkers in the past.
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- Cheryl, 1/13/2011
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