This week on How To Fail, we are doing something slightly different. I know, I know, we don’t like change, but sometimes IT’S GOOD FOR US. It’s especially good for us when it comes in the form of Alain de Botton, one of the most intelligent, eloquent and thoughtful people on the planet.
And because it’s Alain de Botton, modern philosopher, founder of The School of Life and bestselling authors of life-changing books such as Essays In Love, I decided to allow him a little leeway. Instead of choosing personal failures, Alain wanted to talk about three philosophical ‘failure concepts’ and I’m so glad he did, because it led to one of the most fascinating and enlightening discussions I’ve ever had on the topic.
We discuss the idea that we can be good people and yet fail, and the concept (which I’m forever banging on about) that failure is the norm, and that we should find contentment in the average rather than constantly expecting the exceptional. He also has brilliant insights into why romantic break-ups are not, in and of themselves, tragic, because each relationship teaches you something you need to know, and when the time is right, it is ok to move on. Along the way, I also ask him about X Factor, so fear not, I’m there to pepper his brilliance with my usual lowbrow content, as per.
It was such a delight to meet Alain. An hour in his company left my brain fizzing with new (and reassuring) ideas, and I hope it has the same effect on you.