Alain de Botton on the surprising benefits of pessimism
“Optimism is the greatest flaw of the modern world.” -Alain de Botton
Alain de Botton is one of the most well-known living philosophers. In opposition to the majority of undead philosophy enthusiasts, De Botton’s focus is on practical philosophy, aiming to understand and master the fundamental worries of modern life.
Accordingly, his books have been described as “philosophy of everyday life”.
Throughout his oeuvre, De Botton has developed an unusual theory about the value of pessimism.
Why we should be more pessimistic
His argument begins with a central question: what is the source of our unhappiness? What causes these episodes of sadness — these moments, days or perhaps even years during which we are thoroughly convinced that life sucks?
According to De Botton, we are cast into gloom not by negativity, but by hope.
It’s optimism with regard to our careers, love lives, children, politicians and our planet that is primarily to blame for angering and bittering us. The incompatibility between the grandeur of our aspirations and the mean reality of our condition generates the violent disappointments which wreck our days.
