Alain Botton Quotes (7 Quotes)

We need objects to remind us of the commitments we've made. That carpet from Morocco reminds us of the impulsive, freedom-loving side of ourselves we're in danger of losing touch with. Beautiful furniture gives us something to live up to. All designed objects are propaganda for a way of life.

I find a welcome interest in the problems of everyday life. I find a humanity and a devotion to using thought to alleviate suffering.

Architects themselves tend to shy away from the word, preferring instead to talk about the manipulation of space.

Literature has always had its circus side, its freaks and its frivolities - and maybe that's all part of it, and no bad thing if it draws people towards what is most worthwhile.

I used to walk past this block of flats and wonder 'Who could have built that What were they thinking What were they trying to do

I am in general a very pessimistic person with an optimistic, day-to-day take on things. The bare facts of life are utterly terrifying. And yet, one can laugh. Indeed, one has to laugh precisely because of the darkness the nervous laughter of the trenches.

Snobbery exists in all areas of life, not least literary criticism. By snobbery I mean, any method of judging someone or something whereby you latch on to one or two features about themit, and use these to come to a definitive, immovable judgement. In intellectual matters, the snob will often take the external features of a work as a guide to its value.