Alain de Botton, author of the bestselling "How Proust Can Change Your Life," uses six of the greatest minds in the history of philosophy to discuss everyday problems. We have Socrates, Epicurus, Seneca, Montaigne, Schopenhauer, and Nietzsche addressing some of the issues that concern us all: the lack of money, the pains of love, inadequacy, anxiety, fear of failure, and the pressure to conform.

"Few discussions of great philosophers could be as entertaining... an ingenious, imaginative book" (Humphrey Carpenter, "Sunday Times")

"A delightful read. And good writing, like good philosophy, is always a form of consolation" (John Banville, "Irish Times")

"Simple and accessible... delightfully unique, overflowing with witty modern parables" (Ben Rogers, "Sunday Telegraph")

"Witty, reflective, enjoyable... A book that manages to make philosophy enjoyable while still remaining substantial" (Anthony Clare, "Literary Review")

"Gentle, useful, and human... De Botton's instinct is surely right: in order to bring philosophy to life, we must turn to those thinkers who sought not to be clever or paradoxical, but simply wise." (Roger Scruton, "Mail on Sunday")