#459: Books I've Loved — Alain de Botton

Podcast Notes Key Takeaways  Home Is Where We Start From by D. W. WinnicottIt’s a collection of essays by the English psychoanalyst Donald WinnicottKey lesson:You don’t want to be a perfect parent. In fact, being one is dangerous because essentially the job of a parent is to disappoint a child bit by bit and induct them into adult realities.Alain recites a quote from the book: “No one needs a perfect parent. All they need is a good enough parent.” The Wisdom of Life by Arthur Schopenhauer“He is the most miserable person on earth. However, reading him is a joy.”Schopenhauer also encourages people to make friends with despair and other dark truths:Many of your dreams likely won’t come trueYour career won’t be as smooth as you thinkYou will be disappointed by friends and loved ones“This is your man at the moments of real despair. He is the friend in darkness. And oddly, strangely, he is immensely consoling.” 

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Books I've Loved — Alain de Botton | Brought to you by Audible.

Welcome to another episode of The Tim Ferriss Show, where it is my job to sit down with world-class performers of all different types—from startup founders and investors to chess champions to Olympic athletes. This episode, however, is an experiment and part of a shorter series I’m doing called “Books I’ve Loved.” I’ve invited some amazing past guests, close friends, and new faces to share their favorite books—the books that have influenced them, changed them, and transformed them for the better. I hope you pick up one or two new mentors—in the form of books—from this new series and apply the lessons in your own life.

Alain de Botton (@alaindebotton) is the founder and Chairman of The School of Life. He is a writer of essayistic books that have been described as a 'philosophy of everyday life.' He’s written on love, travel, architecture and literature, including the titles How Proust Can Change Your Life and The Consolations of Philosophy. His books have been bestsellers in 30 countries. 

“Books I’ve Loved” on The Tim Ferriss Show is brought to you by Audible! I have used Audible for many years now. I love it. Audible has the largest selection of audiobooks on the planet. I listen when I’m taking walks, I listen while I’m cooking… I listen whenever I can. Audible is offering Tim Ferriss Show listeners a free audiobook with a 30-day trial membership. Just go to Audible.com/tim and browse the unmatched selection of audio programs. Then, download your free title and start listening! It’s that easy. Simply go to Audible.com/tim or text TIM to 500500 to get started today.

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