This talk really resonates with me as Alain addresses expectations vs reality in terms of modern society’s interpretation of “success”.
He explores the issue of anxiety with careers and life and the pressures one can feel in relation to this. In particular, that moment when you get asked the question in a social scenario of “what do you do for a living?” – which is a question that can sometimes make you want to hide under the table! When you answer “executive assistant” most people don’t really know what that means. And to explain it would take much longer than anyone wants or needs to hear!
He also talks about snobbery – “a snob takes a small part of you to make a complete vision of who you are”. If there is one thing in life I despise, it’s snobbery and he really hits the nail on the head how he addresses this sad phenomenon.
De Botton concludes:
We can find greater meaning and happiness in the work we choose to do – because we love it, not because it buys us love.”
– Alain de Botton, A Kinder, Gentler Philosophy of Success
