Alain de Botton: Introspection, defence mechanisms, and ghosts

Breaking patterns of intergenerational trauma could have a profound effect on the state of the modern world. Writer Alain de Botton believes love – or a lack thereof – is at the heart of our personal and societal issues.

In this chat with Fearne, Alain explains why so-called ‘attention seekers’ are precisely the people who need to be wrapped in love and attention. He also talks about why our defence mechanisms usually have real logic behind them, and why we should be curious about other peoples’ odd characteristics rather than getting frustrated by them.

Plus, he answers the simplest and most complex of questions: what actually is a healthy mind?

Alain’s book, A Therapeutic Journey: Lessons From the School of Life is out now.

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