I am a huge fan of Alain de Botton whose books take some quite heavy subjects and make them accessible to the rest of “us plebs”. I bought this particular book as it seemed to take the philosophy of ancients such as Socrates and apply it to modern day questions. The title of de Botton’s book is a reference to an earlier book of the same title by Boethius, a Roman senator, who “turned to philosophy” as consolation for his feelings whilst imprisoned.

“Anicius Manlius Severinus Boëthius, commonly called Boethius, was a Roman senator, consul, magister officiorum, and philosopher of the early 6th century. He wrote The Consolation of Philosophy in AD 523 during a one-year imprisonment he served while awaiting trial – and eventual execution – for the alleged crime of treason under the Ostrogothic King, Theodoric the Great. Boethius was at the very heights of power in Rome and was brought down by treachery. This experience inspired the book which reflects on how evil can exist in a world governed by God, and how happiness is still attainable amidst fickle fortune, while also considering the nature of happiness and God. It has been described as “by far the most interesting example of prison literature the world has ever seen.”

De Botton’s book is organised into 6 sections as shown below, each with a “guiding philosopher” and their views quoted extensively in terms of advice in overcoming the specific demise or problem.