BITESIZE | The Truth About Modern Anxiety & A Surprising Way To Find Joy and Meaning | Alain de Botton #558

Feel Better, Live More with Dr Rangan Chatterjee

Dr Rangan Chatterjee

Health & Fitness, Medicine, Alternative Health, Mental Health

4.8 • 10.9K Ratings

🗓️ 22 May 2025

⏱️ 23 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

Have you ever wondered why, despite all our modern comforts, so many of us still struggle with unhappiness and anxiety? What if a more fulfilling life isn’t about constant positivity but rather a form of ‘cheerful pessimism’? Feel Better Live More Bitesize is my weekly podcast for your mind, body, and heart. Each week I’ll be featuring inspirational stories and practical tips from some of my former guests. Today’s clip is from episode 495 of the podcast with author, internationally renowned philosopher, and founder of The School of Life, the wonderful Alain de Botton. Alain is known for his thoughtful, often humorous take on the complexities of modern life. In this clip, Alain explains a concept that he calls ‘cheerful pessimism’ which challenges what he describes as the modern obsession with happiness and introduces the idea that a more melancholic outlook to life might actually lead to greater fulfilment. His message of hope and understanding about the shared human experience of suffering and complexity is both comforting and inspiring and his thoughtful and practical strategies offer a roadmap for anyone seeking a more authentic and meaningful life. Alain’s latest book: A Therapeutic Journey: Lessons From The School of Life. Thanks to our sponsor ⁠⁠⁠https://www.drinkag1.com/livemore⁠⁠ Show notes and the full podcast are available at https://drchatterjee.com/495 Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts ⁠⁠https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore⁠⁠ For other podcast platforms go to ⁠⁠https://fblm.supercast.com.⁠⁠ DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website

Transcript

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0:43.9	Subscribe now and get a free bottle of vitamin D and five free AG1 travel packs with your first
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0:52.7	See all details at drinkag1.com forward slash live more.
1:00.6	Welcome to Feel Better Live More bite size, your weekly dose of positivity and optimism to get you ready for the weekend.
1:10.8	Today's clip is from episode 495 of the podcast with author,
1:15.6	internationally renowned philosopher and founder of the School of Life,
1:20.6	the wonderful Alain de Botton.
1:23.6	In this clip, Alain explains a concept that he caused cheerful pessimism,
1:30.3	which challenges what he describes as the modern obsession with happiness,
1:35.3	and introduces the idea that a more melancholic outlook to life
1:39.3	might actually lead to greater fulfillment.
1:45.0	Last night, I came across one of your TED talks.
1:49.0	And in it, you said, it's easier now to make a good living,
1:54.0	but harder than ever before to stay calm and be free from career anxiety. I found that really an interesting phrase. You said that
2:05.3	15 years ago on the TED stage. Do you still stand by that today? I mean, perhaps even more so.
	...

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