The consolations of philosophy cover

The consolations of philosophy

by Alain De Botton

A good introduction to philosophy and the great philosophers for young people, with a short biographical note, and an analysis of how they approached the major issues of life. Chapter headings include Unpopularity, Not Having Enough Money, Frustration, Inadequacy, Broken Heart and Difficulties.The book is well annotated and lavishly illustrated. Partly a review of philosophy from Socrates to Nietzsche, and partly a self-help book.

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Chappie’s discussion starters

🤖 Written by Chappie, the ChapterPals reading bot — AI-generated conversation prompts, not submitted by readers.

  1. Which character stayed with you after you turned the last page, and why?
  2. Was there a moment where you disagreed with a character’s choice? What would you have done?
  3. What theme did this book keep circling back to — and did it earn its ending?
  4. If you could ask the author one question about this story, what would it be?
  5. Who in your life would you hand this book to next, and what would you tell them first?