The School of Life: An Emotional Education | Alain de Botton

How to live wisely and well in the twenty-first century―an introduction to the modern art of emotional intelligence.

Emotional intelligence affects every aspect of the way we live, from romantic to professional relationships, from our inner resilience to our social success. It is arguably the single most important skill for surviving the twenty-first century. But what does it really mean?

One decade ago, Alain de Botton founded The School of Life, an institute dedicated to understanding and improving our emotional intelligence. Now he presents the gathered wisdom of those ten years in a wide-ranging and innovative compendium of emotional intelligence which forms an introduction to The School of Life. Using his trademark mixture of analysis and anecdote, philosophical insight and practical wisdom, he considers how we interact with each and with ourselves, and how we can do so better.

From the reigning master of popular philosophy, The School of Life: An Emotional Education is an essential look at the skill set that defines our modern lives.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Praise for The School of Life: An Emotional Education:

Featured in the top 10 of The Bookseller’s Hardback Non-Fiction chart.Featured in the Times Literary Supplement Books of the Year 2019: “With The School of Life: An Emotional Education , de Botton and the writers of the School of Life collective have made a significant contribution to the genre. Delivered in characteristically elegant prose, the book treats the idea of self-improvement as a worthy existential endeavor, neither patronizing nor underestimating readers.” ―The Times Literary Supplement

”We are all messed up, and we will never be as happy as we think we should be, but still there are lots of nice things to share and enjoy, and it is good to be nice to one another. . . . Each of these thoughts [is] a huge relief. I . . . found the book so convincing that I took its ideas into consideration while making some major decisions in my own life.” ―The Cut

”Excellent read on what maturity really means” ―Brain Pickings

“It is an amazing book. Beautifully written . . . a beautiful book that you should have in your home” ―Virgin Radio “As we each do our part to remake our institutions to be more focused on human flourishing, we can and should begin with ourselves, using the insights gathered in this practical volume” ―Erraticus magazine

People Magazine’s “Self-Help Pick” in Best New Books.

Featured in Yes! Magazine November 2019

Praise for Alain de Botton:

‘A serious and optimistic set of practical ideas that could improve and alter the way we live.’ ―Jeanette Winterson, The Times

‘Alain de Botton likes to take big, complex subjects and write about them with thoughtful and deceptive innocence.’ ―Observer

‘What he has managed to do is remarkable: to help us think better so that we may live better lives.’ ―Irish Times

About the Author

The School of Life is a global organization helping people lead more fulfilled lives. Through our range of books, gifts and stationery we aim to prompt more thoughtful natures and help everyone to find fulfillment. The School of Life is a resource for exploring self-knowledge, relationships, work, socializing, finding calm, and enjoying culture through content, community, and conversation. You can find us online, in stores and in welcoming spaces around the world offering classes, events, and one-to-one therapy sessions.

The School of Life is a rapidly growing global brand, with over 5 million YouTube subscribers, 343,000 Facebook followers, 183,000 Instagram followers and 160,000 Twitter followers.

The School of Life Press brings together the thinking and ideas of the School of Life creative team under the direction of series editor, Alain de Botton. Their books share a coherent, curated message that speaks with one voice: calm, reassuring, and sane.