I For the unpopular

II For the poor

III For the Frustrated

IV For the Inappropriate Beings

V For the heartbroken

VI For those in need

List of signatures
Biographical Index

In "The Consolation of Philosophy - For the Anxious," Alain de Botton explains the difficult ideas of philosophers in an easy and fun way for the unpopular, the poor, the frustrated, the inadequate, the heartbroken, and the troubled.
For Socrates (470-399 BC), happiness was possible through practicing the truth through correct intellectual perception (unity of knowledge and action).
Although he was hated by the people and eventually sentenced to death, he never lost courage until the very end, and his appearance makes us reflect on ourselves, who are easily swayed by public opinion and anxious about opposing opinions around us.

The following is a story about Epicurus (342?-270 BC), a philosopher well known to us as one who pursued pleasure.
Pleasure is often misunderstood in a negative sense, but the pleasure Epicurus sought was a spiritual pleasure achieved through “right knowledge”—restraining desires and living a comfortable and humble life with friends.


The Stoic philosopher Seneca (4 BC? - AD 65) was forced to commit suicide by order of Emperor Nero, but he accepted his death calmly.
Seneca's reason demanded that he accept as "fate" anything that he could not change by his own power.
In other words, he was a wise man of obedience.

Montaigne (1533-1592) liberated the naked nature of human beings, that is, the power of the body and instinct, from the philosophical world that had until then been dominated by the power of reason.
He boldly spoke about sex, which had been taboo until then, compared different cultures from different countries, accepted the differences as natural, and did not hesitate to break through the barriers of national prejudice.

The pessimistic philosopher Schopenhauer (1788-1860) became the philosopher who discovered why love rules over life by understanding that the blind “will to life” works for the survival of the human species.
He says that the great pain we feel when we are rejected by others is normal and that there is nothing wrong with us.

Nietzsche (1844-1900) believed that happiness cannot be achieved without suffering, and that sublimating life depends on one's attitude toward accepting suffering.
He talks about the pain that comes with the creation of great works of literature, and about artists who wisely sublimate that pain.
He faced many challenges in his life, including relationships, marriage, career, and health, but he fought hard to be happy.
Even though he failed to reach his goal, Nietzsche remained fixated on his ideal of an active life.

This book, which offers warm yet sober wisdom and advice through six great philosophers to us who are always anxious, will provide true comfort.


“Thank heaven for sending us Alain de Botton. … [He] is cheerful, humorous, and sharp, without the slightest hint of pretentiousness… He puts the reader at ease as he reads.”
_ "Seattle Post-Intelligencer"

“An accurate and friendly guide into the world of philosophers.
Alain de Botton has written a rich and informative book.” _ The Washington Post “Book Review”

“A wonderful introduction to the world of philosophy.” _ Newsweek

“Without a doubt, philosophy is the new rock and roll, and Alain de Botton is the new Colonel Tom Parker.
There is a joy in reading.
And like good philosophy, good writing is always a comfort.” _ John Banville, The Irish Times

“Alain de Botton has returned philosophy to its simplest and most important purpose: to help us live our lives.” _ The Independent

“Wow, a few discussions of great philosophers can be so entertaining…a quirky and imaginative book.” _ The Sunday Times

“Witty, thoughtful, and funny.
“This book makes philosophy enjoyable and meaningful to our lives.” — Anthony Clare, Literary Review