French Passions: Alain de Botton on Stendhal

Interestingly, Swiss-born author Alain de Botton is much more into Stendhal’s non-fiction than into his novels. In 2011, he came to the Institut français du Royaume-Uni to discuss Stendhal's life and writing, explaining how the 19th century French author had influenced his work and encouraged him to become a writer.
Born in Zurich, Switzerland in 1969, Alain de Botton now lives in London, where he regularly writes for the British press. His books of essay, in which he addresses topics as diverse as love, travel, architecture and literature, have been described as a 'philosophy of everyday life'.
Boyd Tonkin, literary editor of The Independent, chaired the talk.

[@martagdynia6276]

Wow! It's a remainder of this great book "On love"! In Poland we have a great luck to have marvelous translations od french literature by Boy Żeleński for more than a century now, including the whole od Stendhal.. Great privilege ♥️

[@ambroisebelhy3248]

Alain de Bottom est un genie !

[@ponceperales1041]

Boyd Tonkin, I look forward to reading your articles.

[@thinkmackay8954]

As a speaker of English as my second language, I understand why Standtal used English for his most intense emotions.

[@lotfilotfichafik8933]

strong ghosts, ghosts in prison, prisons to find ! This book is magnificient .

[@alokinrainborn]

I'm a student of French and I go often to L'Institut Francais be Belgrade :)

[@cevonnegut1894]

please be my friend

[@spcb6241]

why didnt he speak in french

[@sedeslav]

The most non passionate people I've ever met are Luxembourgians! they are so calm and happy that that is unbearable borring.

[@ds3965]

Those who are disappointed leave now?? Odd thing to say

[@shinchan9236]

Hi

[@shinchan9236]

Hello

[@shinchan9236]

The as video is amsing

[@JoBlakeLisbon]

Botton has literally no idea what he's talking about when he makes pronouncements on day-to-day life, particularly when it comes to relationships and women. It's amazing that someone with such little insight and experience has something of an audience. I hear the cowardice and weakness in his voice in every sentence.

[@2msvalkyrie529]

Like most of our contemporary English intellectuals he has zero experience of " normal ' Life or people ....especially women. The Brexit vote was the biggest kick in the groin that his class have experienced . They still can't get over it...!

[@Alnivol666]

Can you please tell us your great insights into these subjects since you seem to be so knowledgeable.

[@thinkmackay8954]

Maybe Standtal had a better understanding of the French women than he did the Italian women!