A kinder, gentler philosophy of success | Alain de Botton

[@AsianPervasion]

Alain de Brilliant.

[@bennyton2560]

Touche

[@minsookim2255]

J. Lee ㄴ

[@crazylittlepartytifs]

yasss 👌👌👌😂

[@jooyoungwuk]

It's a korean joke right? XD For those who don't speak korean, Botton sounds like a word meaning 'average' or 'so-so' in korean!

[@TissDiss]

I wish this dude was my best friend.

[@aljasmialjasmi2510]

and i wish if he is my husband :(

[@luishiguera11]

he is everyone's best friend. whether you're sleeping, eating, walking around a park, getting married, at your child's graduation, Botton is also there. He will always be there.

[@mojitofall5441]

lmao i lol'd

[@TsarOfRuss]

I be marry you

[@CoachDeBora]

Your comment made me smile. Thanks

[@xuanius]

His strength is in making people realize their faults (i.e. Exercising snobbery) without being angered, and in fact leaves us wanting to be kinder :) Great emotional intelligence here.

[@MrSidney9]

Emotional intelligence is a contradiction in terms. It's simply intelligence- clear, logical thinking about how to best persuade Strategic persuasion. It's true though, that his audience is likely made of snobs

[@soberanisfam1323]

​@@MrSidney9no

[@LT-nx7bi]

JP says there's no such thing as emotional intelligence; for instance: am I emotionally un-intelligent if I hate you?

[@nucalabadze3850]

What he says about envy and school reunions is one of his greatest ideas.

[@sinarb2884]

I agree, but it's not his own ideas perhaps, search for the video of him about the book democracy in america.

[@v.dargain1678]

Envy ! ha ha ha ha !

[@jennyhughes4474]

I went to two school reunions and never felt envy for those earning far more than me (or with husbands or families who did) because I knew I had chosen extra free time over money and that made me happy and I think I had far more fun!

[@harrybalszak7526]

Jenny Hughes well said.

[@ennediend2865]

Harder for men though... My opinion.

[@Drtomterrific]

I'm 59 now and I am happy to say, I determined at a young age I would never let anyone else determine my definition of success. I have been driven all my life by a need to understand consciousness, particularly my own of course, that is what has occupied my mind and I'm very happy with the results! I'm retired and living comfortably in the Great American Southwest and I'm looking forward to living the next 25 years with even more gusto than I did my first 59. So much JOY!

[@MrJeanNunes]

thats a terrific statement, terrifictom. i share your thoughts with a great deal of joy myself :D

[@Drtomterrific]

I apologize to the first two of you, for offering no reply to your kind comments. So rare on the internet. But apparently KZbin failed to notify me of your comments until Mr. Parallaxes just about few minutes ago. I appreciate each of your kind words.

[@kallingil9320]

Sau jau chacha ji.

[@LamlaLatoyaBam]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@Drtomterrific]

@Anthony W Moore I am both complimented and disappointed your experience of Americans is so poor. I know there are many people, American and others, who think deep of life. I've met a few here and abroad. But the internet allows me to hear from so many others I would never know existed. Do you know this reference: "There are yet 7,000 who have not bent the knee to Baal."

[@peichunlin392]

What a truly intelligent man.

[@benito_rojas]

A kinder, gentler philosophy of success. Genius. More of this is needed in the world.

[@narimafanficfan]

Simon SENEK has similar views two, check it out if you're interested! much love! (happy new year!)

[@Nka861]

@@narimafanficfan😊

[@unwinsis]

Q. "What do you do?" A. "Same as you. I work, I get paid, I drink."

[@pravinda333]

Did Tyrion saw your comment?

[@petitio_principii]

No offense, but that seems like the life description of an alcoholic. :-/

[@adressepoubelle6488]

Brilliant

[@adressepoubelle6488]

You must be so pure and so perfectly well balanced in your mind and spirit.

[@soninChina]

unwinsis Funny...I have a class reunion coming up. I’m using that if it’s okay with you!!

[@gamolly]

"He is not a loser, although he has lost."

[@hakusansaku8800]

"He is not a f***r, although he has f****d"

[@akhil-ng5yj]

Haku Sansaku f****r

[@davemckay4359]

This is my favorite ideal.

[@spinnetti]

Just like in the Cold Play song...

[@LickNRiff]

This should be watched by every conscious person in the western world.

[@lovedaisy_0728]

And also the eastern world!

[@aliceliu4548]

not only the western world. meanwhile, in China everyone worship money and social status, what a snobby world here now

[@Grace4ever22]

TO BE WATCHED ALL OVER THE WORLD!!!!

[@beezanteeum]

@@aliceliu4548 It's even seeped onto Asian and every single collective cultures (Afro, Latin, Indigenous, etc.)

[@poppymoon4122]

The whole world

[@alexandrusuciu885]

"let's make sure our ideas of success are truly our own" :) Yes!

[@v.dargain1678]

I totally agree . Sucess is not an end product of "the thrill of the chase" .

[@edkensalexandre7043]

This TEDtalk could not have come at a better moment.

[@doza6472]

And is still so relevant today!

[@zozi_kozi951]

Hi, how its going?

[@Qvksylver]

@@zozi_kozi951 The future kinda sucks, stay in the past.

[@zozi_kozi951]

@@Qvksylver you are right! All my best wishes for you ❤️

[@francesca4192]

As a third year student at uni, this video helps me every time in dismantling constant social pressures I keep receiving from the current system.

[@inspira.]

I'm so happy that people like him exist in this world. Takes some load off your soul.

[@thepolyglotfarmer6085]

One of the best talks I've ever listened to. The guy is a genius, on the one hand he speaks with such clarity and elegance and on the other he maintains a very good sense of humor!👌

[@CodebreakerCH]

I highly recommend his documentary "Status Anxiety" for anyone who liked this talk. It's about the same topic like in this video but in a 2 and a half hour version.

[@tagaway6173]

Yours Truly does he work with "the school of life"? I wrote "status anxiety" and I cleaked on the school of life video, just to see what they say, before I watch the video u recommended. To my surprise, 'TS of Life' whole video was this ted-talk, but shoter. But they did not credit Alan at all. Sad.

[@mukamaslove1986]

Alain de Botton owns School of Life so don't please dont be sad :)

[@a4286j]

Mukama's Love - i knew ive heard that voice before

[@aronk001]

op already states “his documentary”

[@juanfranciscosanda6780]

Thx for sharing

[@joycefungo1414]

Is he the voice of School of Life?

[@shuhengazhang]

Yeah

[@TrollinJoker]

+Joyce Fungo Not only that, I believe he is also the brain behind SOL

[@ihazthots]

+Alex Ander , Indeed. He has also authored plenty of books on myriad subjects. The School of Life store has more information.

[@JuanRuiz-ji6ug]

He is The school of life, The book of life, etc.

[@mmv3547]

Watching his videos, hearing him speak about life and such gives me life....

[@pinkmazohyst]

He could read the Sunday paper or a recipe book and I'd be fully attentive

[@Live.startup]

This man represents that which is good about the internet. I love his crude straightforwardness! The School of Life, good to have you here!

[@genehughes4022]

There's nothing crude about what he is saying

[@yanzili2090]

Dear Alain, thank you so much for this speech and for all the great speeches you have given, the books you have written, the kindness, the wisdom, the humor, the deep thinking and profound caring for people. We are so lucky to have you!

[@josefinay.785]

Very inspiring talk, and a healthy dose of reality for all of us who have had it drummed into us to 'chase' success.

[@JuanRuiz-ji6ug]

why isn't this ted Talk viewed in the millions?

[@adamlee6435]

+Juan Ruiz Because there are too many talks on success, and too many ways to define success (money, family life, job satisfaction, emotional stability). Inflation of perceived intrinsic value in talks about success.

[@TsarOfRuss]

Because they delete Spiritual videos !! alot of people hate them ... they said they are only based on facts, but they accept psychotherapy speakers anyway

[@soninChina]

Juan Ruiz I just stumbled upon his videos. Now I binge watch!!

[@tonytanou2810]

Because most others are drinking the Kool-Aid. The phrase "drinking the Kool-Aid" refers to the 1978 Jonestown massacre, in which more than 900 people committed mass suicide by drinking a flavored drink mixed with Valium, chloral hydrate, cyanide, and Phenergan. "The phrase can be used ironically or humorously to refer to accepting an idea or changing a preference due to popularity, peer pressure, or persuasion.

[@LynnBFriedman]

@juan ruiz Because he talks truthfully. His ideas demand introspection and growth. Hard to do ---

[@aichaf3070]

That crease across his shirt makes him ever so slightly more approachable. Love Alain de Botton.

[@stephanietaylor7504]

Aicha F I can picture him buying the shirt in the airport on the flight over

[@oi8542]

Aicha F really funny

[@TheArtemis07]

I was thinking the same thing. The crease in his shirt and his slight slouch. He should be standing tall with all his accomplishments, but the fact that he slouches means, to me, that he is unassuming and humble.

[@ft1sesa]

Alain de Botton will be remembered for many years to come

[@heideleho]

I feel like everyone would be a little bit calmer, confident and more mindful if they watched Alain's Ted talk series.

[@ihazthots]

+heideleho, or you could follow his exemplary KZbin channel called The School of Life. Similar philosophical discussions, but short, animated and recurring.

[@nwschultz01]

Alain de Botton points out that meritocracy includes both the positive idea that each of us can climb to the top and the negative idea that those who are at the bottom deserve it. He goes on to suggest that we learn to read tragedy (Euripides, Sophocles, Shakespeare) because it is the art form that best combats the view that people have earned their poverty or unfortunate circumstances. He specifically mentions Hamlet, pointing out, "Hamlet loses, but you wouldn't call Hamlet a loser." Funny how meritocracy leads back to the middle age's concept of the great chain of being--everyone has a place in the hierarchy, and everyone belongs in the place he's in.

[@800542204]

This feels so important right now with everything going on in the world. There is so much that is completely outside of the control of individuals.

[@HybridHalfie]

So for everyone who enjoyed this there is a whole documentary and book he made called "status anxiety" This Ted Talk was like a condensed summary of the whole book and 2 hour documentary. Highly recommend it if you liked this :)

[@DPSCo29]

My favorite book!

[@Nanciefy]

"Judge your success by what you had to give up in order to get it."

[@cowboylikeme854]

How are you

[@cowboylikeme854]

Asking since it's been 8 years

[@Nanciefy]

Hahah damn it’s been a while! I’m good - this quote couldn’t be more relevant 😂 I’ve given up a lot since then, changed my career 3 times, and I’m finally feeling like I’m on the track to embracing my true self! If I hadn’t done that, I would have never discovered my current passion. Letting go has been one of my most humbling yet empowering lessons :) take care!

[@cowboylikeme854]

@@Nanciefy that's great to know! Congratulations!

[@ahmadtharwat2670]

Excellent reverse_engineering statement

[@nevil3076]

12 years down the road and this speech is becoming more important.

[@kubasniak]

Very clever man I must say. His knowledge is astonishing. One of the best TED talks.

[@lovedaisy_0728]

He is also a kind, gentle person himself

[@elnazpayani9436]

Dear Alain, Thanks for your existence! you are more than a genius!

[@swissschoolofyoga]

Such an intelligent, kind and clever man, so happy I've discovered his lectures

[@shre9]

We are blessed to have Alain in our era. Such a legend

[@ahmadtharwat2670]

this type of content is way above the level of Just A TED Talk

[@Faarax96]

The narrator of the school of life videos!

[@susansreemala6595]

That was what I was wondering.

[@amalbouakez8066]

Ozymandias he is the founder of school of life

[@joyce7550]

He is my favorite modern philosopher now. Not too serious despite his serious chosen subjects. Recently, I am listening to Jordan Peterson and for my break, I go back to Alain de Button.

[@Phoenix_7568]

I'm addicted to this guy's TED Talks.

[@Tunawesmake]

Have you tried his The School of Life Chanel?

[@polymath7]

"There are two tragedies in life. One is not getting what one wants, and the other is getting it." This is more true than many would believe. Wilde is always right. Always.

[@abundant224]

Watching it forgive second time. So much respect for this man

[@nicholaserickson4233]

Great message, slowed it down to .75 and made it much more relaxing for me. He whizzed through that at times.

[@worldsavy]

I can definitely relate to this. I feel like it is incredibly easy to live a comfortable life, but very few of us feel that simply living such a life is "successful". In America especially, I feel that being a mailman or working for the postal office or working for any government branches will yield good healthcare, comfortable salary, great job security, and just an overall relaxed working environment. But it is because of society's expectations that we all want to gamble for the millions.

[@yurojuan]

He undestands life more than any other wealthy man out there. Now that is true wisdom, and the peace that comes with it is priceless.

[@SubhamoyChakraborti]

Stimulating talk on success, failure and the impossibility of setting up meritocracy in absolute sense.

[@knockitdown20]

Love it. He's a great mind that's able to distill true wisdom. He looks through the ages of human existence beyond just our era. And he's able to recognise true wisdom even though he's not religious

[@binkybunsssss]

I need more series of talks of Alain de Botton. My daily morning routine is listening to his talks on Pessimism, Romanticism, Emotional Education 🌼🌿

[@xiongluong]

Never gets old this talk.

[@owenlee9474]

Right so you are.

[@harrybalszak7526]

This guy doesn’t get the credit he deserves. He’s done more for public philosophical education than any individual in the last 100 years. Sure we have the medium of the internet but without Alain it would still lack accessibility on the forefront.

[@Leotique]

yeah especially with The School Of Life

[@davidedmundson8402]

Probably the most consistently entertaining TED I've seen. Some pretty good ideas, too.

[@asphotawasti7005]

Oh my god! I love this TED talk. I saw this after 11 years, and I can relate to it 100%!

[@windokeluanda]

And you enjoy his books...

[@codacreator6162]

I wish more of the most influential people on this planet actually listened to Alain de Botton. Imagine how great the world could be.

[@anitawildman6248]

This was brilliant - I need to listen to it again. Everyone should listen to this.

[@ArchiduquesaMA]

Alain is brilliant. Huge admiration for him

[@drSarahai]

I'm writing highlights in Arabic. اهم النقاط التي استفدتها هنا فلسفة لطيفة عن النجاح. هناك علاقة بين المجتمعات التي تقنعك بأنك قادر على فعل اي شيء وبين تفشي ثقة النفس المتدنية بين أفرادها. قيمة الشخص الحقيقة لا يمكن ان تستشف من بطاقة أعماله فقط في الفشل، نحن لا نخشى فقدان المال او المهنة، احيانا نخشى حكم الآخرين علينا عندما فقدنا عبادة الخالق او الكون، واتجهنا لعبادة الخلق وأنفسنا. فقدنا المتنفس الذي يأخذنا من أنفسنا و من الخلق والتنافس والدراما المرتبطة بهم. انت لا تستطيع ان تكون ناجحا في كافة المجالات، هذا هراء. اي رؤية للنجاح يجب ان تعترف بمواطن خسارتها. تاكد من ان فكرة النجاح تنبع من ذاتك وليست مستقاة من خارجها، بأن يملى عليك ما يجب ان تفعل وتكون

[@afshanhameed203]

and now it's somehow scary to some people!!

[@salwayousef8212]

Thanks شكرا

[@marwazein7283]

شكرا لمجهودك فكرة جميلة ترجمة المحتوي للعربية.

[@drSarahai]

@@marwazein7283 العفو، شكرا للطفك

[@Thank-u-so-much-for-everything]

Blind faith in others is not true love but trying to understand others is true form of love. Trying to understand others can't produce hate or fear except love and kindness in us.

[@pkcre]

This is simply one of the best talks I have watched - amazing stuff.

[@nancymohass4891]

I'm so amazed by his thoughts ! Wish he had a regular debate program on the media , so we all could participate !

[@thisisntallowed9560]

Wise man and amazing talk. I also believe that everyone's goal is to be happy, but we're told that a certain type of success will make us happy

[@beldonhuang]

This is such a great talk by Alain, who is one of my favourite modern philosophers. The knowledge that is delivered here in the early 2000s still applies to us today. Just because someone is financially successful doesn't mean they are the best people to hang around with. Likewise, just because someone isn't financially successful (yet), doesn't mean they are not working hard to strive for what they wish to achieve. Essentially, just like Alain says, we shouldn't judge people merely based on their outlook.

[@fron645]

Alain never disappoints. Such a great guy.

[@andrewr311]

I see many people including myself that have lived tragic lives. We tend to think everything is in our control and if we succeed it's all down to us but each day we all rely on millions of other people, to grow our food, to transport it, sell it, those who have planned our roads and cars and built them, those who obey the rules of the road around us etc etc.

[@ahmadtharwat2670]

We need more of this man in our modern world

[@lovedaisy_0728]

This man has said something that the whole world needs to hear.

[@nabieladrian]

He really lives far beyond the time, ultimately great man

[@cointreasurehunt1319]

A class act. A man who cares and helps people, (who listen) live happier, and emotionally healthier lives.

[@urbinamdm]

Love it. Lighthearted and great insights, A rare message these days, and because of that, very timely indeed.

[@v.dargain1678]

Lighthearted and not authoritative . Nice

[@aaronkeogh]

I think that this is probably the best TED talk I have heard so far. I like this quite from Yvon Chouinard, (The founded or Patagonia), "You learn that what's important is how you got their, not what you've accomplished".

[@SistahNedra]

What a great way to start my first day back to school. I love his series; Philosophy: Guide to Happiness.

[@cavedon.felipe]

It's incredible how he can pass so much knowledge so straight forward.

[@htaylorja]

Yup

[@amruthagirish1532]

One of the best TED talks ever!

[@fangirlfortheages5940]

This man has a channel called School of Life. It has intelligent videos like this, narrated in his voice, on all sorts of philosophical topics. They’re beautifully animated and so eloquent. 10/10 highly recommend

[@bherusinghkitawat9933]

Most underrated Ted talk of all time. I can't trust on my ears what I have just heard. This is what I wanted to hear from very long time. Thanks for sharing your thoughts about life 🙏

[@stenl6383]

The distinction between TED and TEDx is so clear here.

[@IlinaKuriashkina]

A wonderful and insightful talk. Well done, Alain!

[@tilleternity]

so delighted and honored

[@tilleternity]

I'm here ❤

[@Nonoyawns]

He is a fantastic speaker! His series of shows "Philosophy: A Guide to Happiness" were great as well! Alain de Bottom has potential as a great popularizer of philosophy.

[@team2learn]

Random thoughts 'a small amount of information can put you aside' 'a Mom can always brag about you' Ferrari -You are incredibly wealthy or vulnerable. Either way you are in need of Love. Meritocracy aside, work in your passion. However it could turn another person away. Self-help, 2 kind of books. 1) You can do anything 2) you have low self-esteem Alain is amazing. A teacher from whom we can all learn.

[@Amina088]

Having listened to most of the recent videos of School of Life, I am surprised why I have just discovered this TED Talk. Although the content is nothing new to the current me, his calming voice makes his messages so kind and assuring. One day, I, too, want to become a splendid speaker like him. :)

[@megganwright1535]

Im not sure how I came across this video BUT i can definitely say that I am more the wiser after having watched it multiple times over. And I thank you Good Sir.

[@adressepoubelle6488]

Funnily I'd like to argue that our appropriation of external ideas of success is due to the point you made earlier on according to which our own internal idea of success is to be respected and held in high esteem.

[@chamarasajith6395]

this man is golden!This guy spoke out my mind

[@Paseosinperro]

I think the idea of success is insane in itself, specially the meaning it has nowdays

[@joaopedroduarte6622]

Brilliant as always. Alain de Botton is one of the best contemporary writers.

[@sudhindrak]

That accent.. man. that accent is perhaps what God speaks in. That Brit accent is the most beautiful thing in this world after music.

[@MrChandanc9]

ha ha !! these people don't speak they sing :)

[@Jmndmb32]

sudhindra srinivas His accent is also heavily influenced by the German language.

[@nixances9894]

Try british music

[@bink865]

It's a posh British accent. We don't all talk like that. He is a good egg

[@htaylorja]

Lolololol i really couldnt help myself with your delivery of how you wanted to express your awe of his accent. And its hilarious but i get you, however the funny thing is the Almighty accent may be a bit older than the English accent or dialect even though he understands all and can communicate all and reaches us deeper than a vocal range. Just a thought. Great delivery though.

[@everythingispolitics6526]

I love this video for various reasons. One being the candidness and honesty in his explanations.

[@metroexokitt4416]

I feel always im a "loser" so this was a great speech to me!

[@yashraj7007]

One of the most honest videos I've every watched. You sir have condensed so much information in this video that if there's book by you, I would like to buy many copies to gift it to my loved ones. Thank you good sir

[@SocialNetwooky]

there are actually many books by him. Very readable and read-worthy too.

[@TheNicolaGrace]

Amazing discussion Alain:) I like your line where you stress that success is to be free from anxiety.

[@이지훈-q3m4n]

Because of him i try to think that all my failures are just in case and i'll success but, have to think what the success is before i success!!

[@RimzMeow]

I think society has measured success in monetary and materialistic manner. But what is success to an individual usually can't quantified. It could be raising a happy family or doing well in a business or it could just be anything. Like he said, one has to know their own definition of success. And as a wise man once said "it not about how much you make but how you make it that matter"

[@trickstercod]

I've always applaud the piece of art this guy presents with stunning insight from his reading and research. Bravo!!!

[@architettoleonardorusso]

The most important thing is to have a garage. needless to hope without this

[@Martin-lf9se]

There was a time in history that people of power were the only ones that could speak, be heard and respected. In our times of internet and available data (think quality), it’s NOT easy to appear in front of millions (thanks to KZbin) and deliver a message that is not opinionated, based on years of research and persuasive. Well Done!

[@DJ-yj1vg]

This is a really profound and poignant speech. Many of these problems with society have magnified by social media allowing us to compare ourselves to every other stranger on the planet

[@chiclesdefueg]

at the end I realize this is the dude from the School of Life.. he's brilliant, I am glad I found this video, tanks Ted Talks :)

[@afonsobrito6933]

2:58 I bet there's that one ferrari owner in the audience...

[@ride9111]

Afonso Brito V V.

[@aminaz1778]

What's wrong with owning a Ferrari if it takes you from A to B?

[@swish1234567890]

i like that idea of looking more at tragic art. When we see all the little things that make people behave in a certain way we can't help but feel sympathy. He who knows all forgives all

[@yuhanhe2583]

He is simply great

[@ChibiOlia]

Thanks!