Consolations of Philosophy

 Another Alain de Botton book, they hit a good balance of friendly, self-help tone and bigger ideas. 

Some quotations to remember:

But reassurance can be the cruelest antidote to anxiety. Our rosiest predictions both leave the anxious unprepared for the worst, and unwittingly imply that it would be disastrous if the worst comes to pass.

Wisdom lies in correctly discerning where we are free to mould reality according to our wishes and where we must accept the unalterable with tranquility. 

Friendship a minor conspiracy against what other people think as normal.

 

What need is there to weep over parts of life? The whole of it calls for tears.

^this is definitely my favourite 😂

The art of living lies in finding uses for our adversities

^a commonly repeated idea but I like how this is worded the best

The last chapter features Nietzsche on the topic of difficulties and it being essential to success. I was very surprised that there was no mention of the existential theme. Then I realized the whole book is written in the way that you don't need to know anything prior about each philosopher to appreciate each chapter's message. Easily digestible philosophy is my favourite kind.