An interview with Alain de Botton

Author: Maria Arbiter

alain de botton2
Alain de Botton was born in Zurich, Switzerland in 1969 and now lives in London. He is a writer of essayistic books that tackle the questions of everyday life. He has written on love, status, travel, architecture, literature and work.

Here he speaks to Counterpoint about the connection between cultural context and individual identity. What is the relationship between location and identity? In cultures where status and financial success have traditionally been important, will the way people define themselves change? And, what is the impact of technology on our position as global citizens? Does increased access to others via the Internet allow us a true insight into other cultures? Is there a potential for institutions to aid the systematic emancipation of people from prejudice? And if there is, what role could the British Council play in this? Why is elite culture currently so adverse to the idea of self-help?

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Identities and the self

The 21^st century forces us to live in a perpetual paradox—a world which is increasingly interconnected and interdependent, in which communication is apparently easier and cheaper than ever before, but in which we easily feel vulnerable, incomplete or adrift as individuals—a world in which diversity is often an opportunity but still too often lived as a burden.

Counterpoint is asking: how do we develop a sense of self that simultaneously contributes to a much needed collective capacity? And can we do so?

Identities and the self programme outline

The self and:

CounterpointStimulating debate with the British Council