Alain de Botton on Art as Therapy

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10 жыл бұрын

LECTURE @THE SCHOOL OF LIFE: The founder of The School of Life, Alain de Botton examines the purpose of art. We often hear that art is meant to be very important; but we're seldom told exactly why. Here de Botton argues that art can be a form of therapy.
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Пікірлер: 368

@elb1914 4 жыл бұрын

The mic matches his sweater in such a perfect way that I can hardly focus on anything else...

@cecilekelly9128 3 жыл бұрын

🤣🤣🤣🤣

@carmenlith201 3 жыл бұрын

Hahaha I was trying to see what you were talking about and at first I thought the mic consisted only of the black shadow part beneath and I didn't even see the purplish brown part

@entropyinreverse 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks, I can't either now 😂

@phillippschulte284 3 жыл бұрын

@@carmenlith201 hahhahaha same 😅🙈

@RoofRack2 3 жыл бұрын

Now you mention it

@maryd9069 7 жыл бұрын

Thank you for teaching me 10 times more in 45 minutes than I've ever learned in 9 years of art class....

@dollgraves 8 жыл бұрын

It's deeply comforting that there is someone out there contemplating and analyzing these concepts and people being affected by them. Having a sensitivity to philosophy and thoughtfulness can make things lonely sometimes.. Thank you School of Life and Alain De Botton!

@TheTruthverdad 10 жыл бұрын

I truly see this guy as a helper of societies , all over the planet.

@alonespirit_1Q84 2 жыл бұрын

Yes..

@cottoncandy113 8 жыл бұрын

This was wonderful. I didn't know that there were other people who viewed art in this way! I actually just dropped out of college as a philosophy major because there was no room for understanding truth or art like this in academia. If anyone is interested on this topic, you might also like Roger Scruton's Documentary "Why Beauty Matters" Also, for those who are into philosophy and are interested in aesthetics, then you would also like David Bentley Hart's "The Beauty of The Infinite". Also, if anyone's into architecture, there's a movement called New Urbanism that discusses how architecture and the placement of buildings affects our lives. I read a book called 'Till We Have Built Jerusalem' and found it very helpful. I have a strong feeling that the people who loved this video will also appreciate these books!

@cottoncandy113 8 жыл бұрын

Thanks, this website and videos are all so helpful. You all give so much practical advice that we should have been discussing sooner in life. Generally, we don't talk about ethics, art,or beauty. We're sort of left to our own devices, and a lot of us are floundering to understand what a good relationship can look like. I've found all of this very helpful.

@33eye33 5 жыл бұрын

@Hive Atlas thank you for the suggestions! New Urbanism should look into Feng Shui it's an ancient way of placing objets; form buildings to details we surround ourselves with and the affect they have on us emotionally. As far as architecture and archeology check "newearth" and "WISE UP" and channels like "John Levi"; food for though if anything. "New Occultic Art In London" by swilliamism, he has many more on that subject. cheers

@echolee601 3 жыл бұрын

I‘m reading his book “Art as therapy” in a bookstore now，and it is really amazing！Thank you！I'll look into the books you recommended👏😄

@Aree. 3 жыл бұрын

i know its been 5 years but...bless you, bless you bless you bless you! ❤

@sandracmyers 2 жыл бұрын

Feng Shui?

@julienparis6933 7 жыл бұрын

I don't think I've ever spent 45 minutes of my life more effectively. That was truly wonderful

@takchengsze4719 4 жыл бұрын

Art is definitely a therapy. I recover from depression by drawing portrait. It also gives me hope.

@erikgranelv 7 жыл бұрын

This channel is a work of art.

@lelandkugelgen3993 8 жыл бұрын

Well, I have an odd point of view, maybe due to old age. I am delighted that de Botton exists. I wish that I had invented him. But It is his writing that surprises me the most. . He can string words together in such a way that I am able to sense the different meanings and thoughts that are hiding within the language we use. It is some kind of meeting of philosophy and poetry! So, when I put the book down I can't say I have learned anything, but my eyes have been opened, and I have been vastly entertained, and maybe even a little bit inspired.

@khemakunzang1005 4 жыл бұрын

Your beautifully poetic as well how you have put these words together. Thank you

@curtchiarelli8957 7 жыл бұрын

Listening to de Botton speak on this subject is such a genuine pleasure. Creativity is the seminal paradox of our civilization. It bridges the child and the adult, our mortality and our immortality, our past, the present and its future. It cannot be measured with tests, yet it is demeaned by the education system as an extracurricular activity. It is harnessed to industry for profit, yet it is dismissed by society as the plaything of folly. It is marginalized to the periphery, yet it is central to who we are as a species. It is denied agency by the elite few who hold their power jealously, yet it is envied and desired by all because it recalls the purity and joy of what it means to be most fully alive and human. Celebrate and embrace this stigma.

@soulreaperichig0 8 жыл бұрын

I have read most of Alain's works. I really love this guy.

@RedRabbleRouser 8 жыл бұрын

In my personal life, Art has been a constant source of therapy, and has been the primary thing I reach for when I go through a bout of depression or despair. Every serious depressive episode I have ever had in my adult life has been followed up by a flurry of creation, mostly in music and writing. Very few people ever hear my music or read my writing, but it is not about other people. It's about my own attempt to express, and thereby deal with, my writhing, seething subjectivity by externalizing it in an act of thoughtful creation.

@AtlanticStar233 5 жыл бұрын

Hear you 🙌🙌🙌

@sarah.ashley. 4 жыл бұрын

amen!

@piccadelly9360 2 жыл бұрын

Have you post your writhing online? I would like to read

@yourtranspersonalself5528 10 жыл бұрын

Alain totally rocks, he doesn't delve into the transpersonal so much but his articulation, eloquence and pace are enchanting. Ultimately he, like most of us wants to help create a better, more humane world for us all.

@chloezaffran3552 8 жыл бұрын

Yesterday I discovered by chance (or rather thanks to the wonderful algorithms that reign over youtube) The School of Life. It is earth-shattering to me because close to everything said on this channel is something I have felt, by myself, alone, without being able to put words on it, and there is an entire wave of people who thinks the same. To know that there are people that have the same ideology as I do, and that there is precedence in history (which I have had the chance to read a little of, Nietzsche being a personal favorite) larger than I assumed feels reassuring on such a deep level for me. I don't think many other things will make me happier than having discovered The School of Life.

@amalasiri 5 жыл бұрын

Léo Zaffran I feel the same way since I discovered the School of Life. Feeling validated and inspired at the same time which doesn’t happen very often for deep thinkers (dare I say) like myself.

@divergentlanding4601 7 жыл бұрын

Finally! we have philosopher of 21st century! Alain - he s the one!

@dornelli1 Жыл бұрын

when I play the piano or write my novels I feel immortal, and the world is noble and good, rewarding even.

@thomasmarsh6834 Жыл бұрын

lol course you do

@Iyari88 7 жыл бұрын

Wish there were more professors like you at the University.

@brendadrew834 6 жыл бұрын

Been a professional artist for over 50 years and a composer. I didn't know we were considered the new therapists and the new priests! LOL Thanks for sharing! Very enlightening!

9 жыл бұрын

I visited the Rijks last May (2014) and it was simply the best museum experience I've ever had. I still think about it from time to time. Brilliant! Thank you Alain de Botton

@alisonsmart4597 9 жыл бұрын

22.00 you are my role model and i look up to you Alain. you are my hero

@cynthiajohnson9412 7 жыл бұрын

Thanks Alain, you make the world more beautiful with your ideas.

@Willmolloy1 8 жыл бұрын

Alain is truly magnificent. I doubt you'll see this, but I'd like you to know that you're by role model Alain. You and the school are doing work I admire so much I'm finding it difficult to actually get the point across. Thank you very, very much.

@swiftie_billie.eilish 3 жыл бұрын

His smile is sexy, so as his voice especially his intelligence. But he's not ugly to begin with. His eyes are beautiful. Your talks are amazing.

@angellacanfora 7 жыл бұрын

A wonderful lecture. It's safe to say I exist because of art. My art heals me daily, gives me peace, a reason to live and a way to eloquently communicate who I am and what I value. Since I can't hold down a normal job due to my genetic disorder, I make mosaics, take nature photos, write poems, play multiple instruments and write/record songs. I've been lucky in that I've had some success in each field. The art absorbs me. I don't know how good I am, objectively speaking, at any of it. All I know is that I have to do it, for it's not so much about the end result as it is the making of it. I become hyper-focused - my thoughts and vision sharpen, the mental and physical pain is lessened. Chronic art for chronic pain.

@kirstycollins4237 9 жыл бұрын

Just brilliant! I LOVE the reference to how we choose kitchen designs to try to fill in what is missing from our lives, ie, calm.

@bert.hbuysse5569 4 жыл бұрын

Reminds me of what Freud spoke of in the beginning of 'Civilization and its discontents'. Alot of existententialism this too. I like De Botton, hes a good narrator .

@gregorykollarus8190 3 жыл бұрын

Love to hear him speak. What wonderful insight this man has to say.

@SwingDanceBand 3 жыл бұрын

Awesome presentation - works of art should be presented according to emotion: sadness, anxiety, love.... this is how we file it in our souls.

@fatherburning358 6 ай бұрын

As an artist I needed to hear this. I've been holding back. Like I needed permission. Thankyou Alain. Frame I will. Loudly!

@berlinbaby41 8 жыл бұрын

Thank you for these incredible and inspiring videos! I truly believe that the internet was intended for vessels such as School Of Life and it's a genuine help to myself and the loved ones I share the videos with. Thank you.

@LorenaFernandezArts 4 жыл бұрын

Such an excellent lecture on the importance of that basic human need and capacity, to be creative, make symbols to represent aspects of our own life and create art.

@Direwreck 5 жыл бұрын

What’s so wonderful about this lecture is that in certain moments I can identify where he’s sourcing information without him mentioning the person. Of course, it goes without saying that he isn’t trying to take credit for the ideas but rather taking the valuable ideas from these philosophers and applying their ideas in an engaging delivery similar to a rabbi at a sermon. So many sources of inspiration all neatly packaged with brilliance.

@tubeyou89119 4 жыл бұрын

Can't wait to visit a museum arranged as Alain described. He is so brilliant in explaining complicated things with amazing clarity and fresh perspectives. We are blessed.

@designthink 9 жыл бұрын

Ah!! This has so long been my exact complaint about art's modern presentation, and I am happy to hear an eloquent argument from Alain de Botton. I now also know who was behind the brilliant re-hanging at Rijksmuseum which I experienced in August 2014. When I returned to the States, I was ranting and raving about how wonderfully and humanely the art was addressed there... well done!

@ciaran6309 3 жыл бұрын

Manual labour work is great therapy

@sevadafilms 10 жыл бұрын

This made my day. I just found a role-model in Alain.

@umayusu 9 жыл бұрын

I never understood the true meaningness art can have in our lives. It always stirred me, thinking about the thoughts and emotions running through the artists' minds and onto the painting/sculpture, but I never truly understood it. This discussion has opened up a huge part of our culture to me. Thank you :)

@sammy0099 8 жыл бұрын

I've listened to this lecture over and over again, what a great argument, a truly insightful way of looking at art. Thank you !

@easylife686 8 жыл бұрын

Thank you Alain for all wonderful lessons and insights and perspective. You mean so much for this world. One day I wish my work would be as poetic as the feeling I have when I'm listening to you.

@ryanesplin 8 жыл бұрын

Where can I read more about the idea that what we seek in art is what is lacking in us?

@-_-Onyx-_- 7 ай бұрын

One of the best orators I have ever seen.

@joelleprice3518 7 жыл бұрын

So many pearls of wisdom... and ways to 'reframe' our thinking.

@PhilosopherMuse 9 жыл бұрын

44:40 Awesome conclusion! A perfect way to end a speech. Alain, I am humbled and graced. Thanks again

@scottwilson5624 9 жыл бұрын

Brilliant I'm an artist living in Kingston and this is everything I'm trying to do with a rinky dink little art school and gallery - I think this is so correct so humanist so the future. If your getting this because I've made it public watch it I know it's long but worth every moment.

@charlesjoseph7505 8 жыл бұрын

Scott Wilson it's unbelievable. He is one of the all time great thinkers. I had no idea.

@pushthetempo2 5 жыл бұрын

What's your gallery called?

@chayaduchin1670 2 жыл бұрын

As a practicing religious person - while I might not agree with the concept of art replacing religion in todays society, I very much appreciate your description of how art expresses the vastness and depth of complex and multi-faceted human emotions (which can enhance religious practice as well as the general practice of being human). Thank you for yet another psychologically saavy, stimulating and entertaining lecture!

@MrCanigou 7 жыл бұрын

Listened to this presentation darning my socks, which is an activity I allow myself to consider as a really comforting and truly satisfying form of arts and crafts. I am pretty sure I get the same satisfaction as Manet had when he gave his best attention to a bunch of asparagus. Whatever, I will feel good walking with them this coming week.

@ladymuck2 4 жыл бұрын

Patrick Leclercq I expect it's an activity which is meditative for you

@maryfedotova4406 6 жыл бұрын

This is such a thrilling and exciting and engouraging lecture! Even cried a bit while watching it! For me as for a student of art history, this is such a meaningful and prospective on art. Thank you so much.

@albuquerqueThomas 8 жыл бұрын

I was amazed to hear about Fernando Pessoa, studied most of his work. He is absolutely brilliant.

@JohannesBosgra 10 жыл бұрын

Wonderful view on art, art can indeed console and inspire us. And it can show us the beauty of the world and life. This beauty can give us consolation from the horrors of life we all go through sometimes.

@Jack2488 10 жыл бұрын

Brilliant, love this school of life.

@zetetick395 3 жыл бұрын

A wonderful and useful philosopher! Love AdB's work, it's all genuinely life improving AND truthful!

@hayleymiller898 Жыл бұрын

This was recommended to watch as part of an art subject in my uni degree and this was great to watch/listen to. I have learned a lot. Thankyou 🙌🏼

@claudiascott6654 4 жыл бұрын

Can't get enough of this guy.. loved the Rijksmuseum as much as any museum I've ever visited.

@danjackson7758 3 жыл бұрын

he always has something interesting to say, and his delivery is superb. even his shiny bonce is disarming and prevents me from otherwise resenting him for making me feel inadequate ! .

@mikejones1707 8 жыл бұрын

i need alain to walk around an art gallery with me and tell me what they all mean

@crosstolerance 8 жыл бұрын

+Scott Phillips Lol, that's awesome. I second that post!

@LynxSouth 8 жыл бұрын

+Scott Phillips Yes, agreed. As I was listening to him talk about 'framing', I was thinking that we need his light, concise commentary (on plaques to read, on audio, whatever) so we can (better) understand the artist, what s/he was living through, trying to convey, etc. Some paintings or sculptures or buildings are fairly easy to decipher, to understand. Others, particularly many abstract ones, while often aesthetically pleasing or emotionally powerful in some way, are not at all easy to interpret. I may feel something, but even though I'm fairly good with words, I fail at naming, let alone articulating what I feel in response to a certain painting. De Botton's captions or commentaries would make that process so much simpler and therefore, the viewing of the art so much more helpful to me/viewers.

@crismeloearth 7 жыл бұрын

So he would be translating it for you..giving you his view, when art is actually subjective, its goal is to be what you see, what you feel, and how it changes or triggers you. I'm an artist. I don't want to tell anyone what I felt or whatever while doing it. I want the viewer to feel his/her own feelings. Art is not even about the artist, it's something that lives in the ether and comes through people, not by people. Listening to somebody else's interpretation is not The Truth...you are listening to a version from somebody who did not even participate in creating the art...I don't see critics or "art interpreters" as something that's necessary. I find them annoying and arrogant, often sounding jealous.

@galarog5598 5 жыл бұрын

i dont know if i can say the art interpreters are necessary, but if you were intrigued by a piece of art and cant quiet understand and articulate why, you don't necessarily have to take the interpretation as "the truth" - rather a point of view. Objective remarks about the artist and the work of art can as well create more curiosity and willingness to understand what you feel and dwell on it.

@nancymohass4891 5 жыл бұрын

If the Art itself, don't communicate with one , has w valuable would the " interpretation" would be ?

@TheOneProjectca 8 жыл бұрын

This is brilliant! Thank you so much for putting these ideas out into the world. We are the first photography community for depression and anxiety, based on therapeutic photography and storytelling techniques - glad to see more conversation around art as therapy :)

@cozzajones 10 жыл бұрын

Thoroughly enjoyed and feeling just that bit more enlightened. Bravo!

@moonchild1518 8 жыл бұрын

Magic, I love your work. I discovered Astrology just before a nervous breakthrough and as I'm a jungster I try to use his ideas around art and the unconscious to explore deeper psychological challenges in certain charts. Thank you for your inspiration

@ecetetik3088 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you Alain, this is a truly inspirational talk!

@rafalmichalszaton9263 2 жыл бұрын

I am so happy to find you! You're are amazing! Thank you

@hughiedavies6069 5 жыл бұрын

His lectures are entertaining, funny , and extremely intelligent. A great lecturer!

@artecht2202 10 жыл бұрын

Great man, great work, you can see it three times , thank you !!

@elvansavkl7972 Жыл бұрын

I love listening him.He always makes me better.

@QueenZenaTheFirst 4 жыл бұрын

This is one of the most amazing thing I’ve heard in a long time

@ralucacreivean7393 7 ай бұрын

I am watching it for the third time... Always enlightning

@losmiquis 10 жыл бұрын

This guy is a genius. So inspiring. Love this talk!

@leesoulcamp 10 жыл бұрын

Nice to meet you. Thank you for your information!

@bellamarie7254 5 жыл бұрын

Love this guy I listen to him often x

@kypasthug 7 жыл бұрын

I think sorting books by year is not that bad. For me it shows, how the thoughts of humanity have evolved. Most writers were genuinely smart guys, who had read a lot and knew the history of literature. Therefore they didn't write already said things, but improved the ideas of writers, and the ideas of society itself. I think having books sorted by date until 19th century is great approach to know understand the history of literature.

@KokowaSarunoKuniDesu 3 жыл бұрын

You don't have to gird yourself to look at every painiting when you enter a gallery. You can pick a theme, or pick a room or pick a single work, ponder, reflect, then leave, and come back for something different another time. You can also go back to visit old friends: I always like to visit Towneley Hall Art Gallery, and seek out the Sogne Fjord, The Egyptian Girl, and Farquharson's studies of sheep.

@PraiseG423 4 жыл бұрын

he has some really great ideas, glad I listened.

@songhuyen9186 7 жыл бұрын

Speaking of the boring everyday humdrum, I observed an ant running around today and realised how beautifully free he is, than most of us...

@piccadelly9360 2 жыл бұрын

A free ant, would feel alone and get depressed and eventually die

@ddbt342 2 жыл бұрын

@@piccadelly9360 exactly, that ant is in one of the most horrendous and stressful points of it's life and yet to someone it is beutiful.

@matthew_thefallen 8 жыл бұрын

Lovely! As an artist i always thought i was a shaman, entering the world of fantasy and feelings, connecting people to this world with art. I love the idea of art as therapy, because many of my painting have to be relaxing, people should feel safe in this world, everything is calm.

@TheElenaripoll 9 жыл бұрын

love this talk, its very soothing etc etc

@alvihussain5729 2 жыл бұрын

I just watch Alain to rest. His calm voice is luscious.

@nikitaw1982 2 жыл бұрын

vr head sets could be a lovely way to see art

@carolinazemma6106 5 жыл бұрын

OMG I saw that exhibit! I did not realize that the author I adore had curated the expo!

@JohnTomlinson-Misery-of-Men 10 жыл бұрын

Intriguing and forward thinking spiritual view of art's power. I am an artist, I feel close to many of his views and I am not attached to any established religion..

@cyork1288 8 жыл бұрын

Art has been my Therapy most of my life...I didn't know it but that's no surprise to me nor you if you know me at all.

@thefirstdraft4335 5 күн бұрын

brilliant ! thank you for this

@kurtv6281 3 жыл бұрын

Alain has the most beautiful and comprehensive way of explaining the most misunderstood subjects. Kurt Veith

@laylael1110 5 жыл бұрын

I swear I'm in love with his mind

@YasYasYasaman 2 ай бұрын

This speech is gem fr.

@elisa2358 4 жыл бұрын

Incredible. The mic blends in with his shirt perfectly... Coincidence?

@miumiuchoco 4 жыл бұрын

Wonderful message! Great as always :)

@oliviahesson881 7 жыл бұрын

I completely agree that art is therapy!

@nancymohass4891 4 жыл бұрын

Wish you think about all kind of art when give us examples not just paintings. But thanks, for your work.

@carolinenorman6141 4 жыл бұрын

Modigliani always makes me feel love for humanity .

@aubriewest1135 Жыл бұрын

I love his books. Love from Iran.

@zetetick395 3 жыл бұрын

The *positive* sense of feeling small (when looking at the sky or ocean, for instance) is that you are thrown into a sublime, humbling perspective beside its vast, eonic magnificence - But, crucially, you also *know* that you _intrinsically belong within and as a part of it!_ - The *negative* aspect of _'being made to feel small'_ in life is the implied secondary message of "YOU do not belong!"

@AnneSofieLovesMozart 6 жыл бұрын

Please rearrange the national gallery in Copenhagen, this sounds so wonderful. We have Købke here :)

@dsarvia 8 жыл бұрын

I had read the book and got a slight interest but it woke in me a lot of curiosity and i found a School of Life in Melbourne unfortunately i am in Brisbane but now i understand more and in a better way what was the initial message of the book that i had misinterpreted tks for people who as Alain can bring intellectual joy and make life more pleasant

@telex1 10 жыл бұрын

Thanks Alain, again I'm up too late being enlightened when I should be asleep...

@Bursadesain 6 жыл бұрын

good content, Thanks!

@JP51ism 6 жыл бұрын

Gertrude Stein: We all fear death and question our place in the universe. The artist's job is not to succumb to despair, but to find an antidote for the emptiness of existence.

@Bursadesain 6 жыл бұрын

good content, thank you

@Bursadesain 6 жыл бұрын

nice content, Thanks!