An Evening with Alain de Botton

Few thinkers have succeeded in bringing the world of ideas beyond the ivory tower with such clarity and grace as Alain de Botton. Since his breakthrough study of Marcel Proust, his work has touched on such themes such as philosophy, travel, materialism, beauty and the world of work.

Now, in an event that extends one of the Wheeler Centre chief themes for the year, Alain de Botton brings his light touch and intellectual pirouettes to religion. In his only Melbourne appearance, de Botton will discuss the provocative ideas in his latest book, Religion for Atheists, arguing why atheists and agnostics should stop mocking religions and steal from them instead.

Blending deep respect with total impiety, de Botton (a non-believer himself) proposes that we look to religion for insights into how to build a sense of community, make our relationships last, overcome feelings of envy and inadequacy, and reconnect with the natural world.

Tweet at this event: #alainmelb