Alain de Botton tracks the long-term marriage of Rabih and Kirsten, moving past the initial spark of infatuation to the mundane reality of domesticity and child-rearing. The narrative interrupts their fictional lives with philosophical commentary on the Romantic movement’s failures. De Botton argues that true love is an acquired skill rather than an instinct, focusing on concepts like sulking, the "madness" of every individual, and the defensive mechanisms of the ego. He suggests that intimacy requires a shift from Romanticism to a philosophy of "Classical" endurance.
This book provides a framework for long-term partners who find themselves disillusioned by routine or conflict. Readers seek this text to normalize their frustrations and replace the idealized myth of the soulmate with a practical psychological inventory. It serves those interested in the school of psychological realism, helping them walk away with a more patient view of their partner’s flaws and a realization that being difficult to live with is a universal human trait.
Inward-looking and contemplative; a moderate read.
Best for readers like The Empathetic Explorer. Which reader are you?
- Published
- 2016
- Language
- EN
