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  • Alain de Botton Quotes   372
  • If the behaviour of babies and small children is any guide, we emerge into the world with our tendencies to imbalance already well entrenched. In our playpens and high chairs, we are rarely far from displaying either hysterical happiness or savage disappointment, love or rage, mania or exhaustion--and, despite the growth of a more temperate exterior in adulthood, we seldom succeed in laying claim to lasting equilibrium, traversing our lives like stubbornly listing ships on choppy seas.
  • 6 years ago



    Tags : Alain de Botton Quotes , Baby Quotes , Disappointment Quotes
  • When work is not going well, it's useful to remember that our identities stretch beyond what is on the business card, that we were people long before we became workers - and will continue to be human once we have put our tools down forever.
  • 6 years ago



    Tags : Alain de Botton Quotes , Long Quotes , People Quotes
  • .. if you asked most people whether they believed in love or not, they’d probably say they didn’t. Yet that’s not necessarily what they truly think. It’s just the way they defend themselves against what they want. They believe in it, but pretend they don’t until they’re allowed to. Most people would throw away all their cynicism if they could. The majority just never gets the chance.
  • 6 years ago



    Tags : Alain de Botton Quotes , Believe Quotes , Thinking 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.
  • 6 years ago



    Tags : Alain de Botton Quotes , Beautiful Quotes , Commitment Quotes