Philosophy is useful in many ways. De Botton makes that clear. ( )

An original journey into the idea of consolation (a reference to the philosoper Boethius), under the guide of a few "wise friends": Socrates, Epicurus, Seneca, Montaigne, Schopenhauer and Nietzsche. With an accessible style and an original use of images, De Botton is able to tighten the gap between philosophy and everyday life, problems and perception. The chapter focused on Socrates and Nietzsche are probably the best. ( )

So many philosophy books get bogged down pretty quickly, and I lose interest. That wasn't the case with this one. Admittedly, it is on the lighter side, but De Botton's choice of philosophers and philosophies is interesting. I found his descriptions of Schopenhauer and Nietzsche to be much more understandable than other overviews. And, essentially, he includes stoicism, which is a philosophy we all need more of. He writes with humor and, like Montaigne, he doesn't spare himself as he weaves his story. So, this is very enjoyable and may provide a basis for digging further into these philosophers ( )

An introductory look at the lives and ideas of 6 European philosophers, with a bit of the author’s own perspectives thrown in. Certainly not comprehensive, but interesting. ( )

Para jush do të shfaqet Sokrati, Epikuri, Seneka, Montenji, Shopenhaueri, Niçe. Me idetë, veprën dhe jetën e tyre, së bashku me kumtet e fshehta dhe ato aspekte të filozofisë që mund t'u ngushëllojnë në jetën tuaj, ata do ju shërbejnë të parandaloni dhimbjen.