This was a fantastic, fantabulous book that closely aligns with many different things that I have been thinking through the years about the role of religion and spirituality and how cold, hard science could learn a few lessons from religious ritual.

Still, though, I found myself thinking, more than once "does Alain de Botton spend any time on the internet? With the kids?" Several of his insights here are exactly why certain things are so popular both online and off: raves, for one. Post rock like Mogwai. 4 Chan. Livejournal. Post Secret. Especially Post Secret. His structures for replicating certain needs that religion provides are strangely literal and physical. There should be an internet compendium to this piece.

But, man. I sure wish "Days of Madness" still existed.