Main content
The Advantages of Pessimism
Alain de Botton on why pessimism is the key to happiness. He argues that the incompatibility between the grandeur of our aspirations and the reality of life is bound to disappoint - unless we learn to be a bit more gloomy!
Producer: Adele Armstrong.
Last on
Wed 5 Jun 201314:50
BBC Radio 4 Extra
More episodes
Previous
Broadcasts
- Fri 12 Aug 201120:50BBC Radio 4
- Sun 14 Aug 201108:50BBC Radio 4
- Wed 5 Jun 201314:50BBC Radio 4 Extra
Podcast
![]()
A Point of View
A weekly reflection on a topical issue.

