We are certainly influenced by role models, and if we are surrounded by images of beautiful rich people, we will start to think that to be beautiful and rich is very important - just as in the Middle Ages, people…

Quote by Alain De Botton

Topics: Alain De Botton Quotes

It's clear to me that there is no good reason for many philosophy books to...

It's clear to me that there is no good reason for many philosophy books to...

The Arab-Israeli conflict is also in many ways a conflict about status: it's a war...

The Arab-Israeli conflict is also in many ways a conflict about status: it's a war...

In Britain, because I live here, I can also run into problems of envy and...

In Britain, because I live here, I can also run into problems of envy and...

The more familiar two people become, the more the language they speak together departs from...

The more familiar two people become, the more the language they speak together departs from...

Status anxiety definitely exists at a political level. Many Iraqis were annoyed with the US...

Status anxiety definitely exists at a political level. Many Iraqis were annoyed with the US...

Booksellers are the most valuable destination for the lonely, given the numbers of books that...

Booksellers are the most valuable destination for the lonely, given the numbers of books that...

We may seek a fortune for no greater reason than to secure the respect and...

We may seek a fortune for no greater reason than to secure the respect and...

Booksellers are the most valuable destination for the lonely, given the numbers of books that...

Booksellers are the most valuable destination for the lonely, given the numbers of books that...

Booksellers are the most valuable destination for the lonely, given the numbers of books that...

Booksellers are the most valuable destination for the lonely, given the numbers of books that...

Pick up any newspaper or magazine, open the TV, and you'll be bombarded with suggestions...

Pick up any newspaper or magazine, open the TV, and you'll be bombarded with suggestions...

I passionately believe that's it's not just what you say that counts, it's also how...

I passionately believe that's it's not just what you say that counts, it's also how...

What is fascinating about marriage is why anyone wants to get married.

What is fascinating about marriage is why anyone wants to get married.

I was uncomfortable writing fiction. My love was the personal essay, rather than the novel.

I was uncomfortable writing fiction. My love was the personal essay, rather than the novel.

I am conscious of trying to stretch the boundaries of non-fiction writing. It's always surprised...

I am conscious of trying to stretch the boundaries of non-fiction writing. It's always surprised...

I'm also interested in the modern suggestion that you can have a combination of love...

I'm also interested in the modern suggestion that you can have a combination of love...

Kant and Hegel are interesting thinkers. But I am happy to insist that they are...

Kant and Hegel are interesting thinkers. But I am happy to insist that they are...