The Consolations of Philosophy

by Alain de Botton

1. Identify a project for happiness. In order to be happy on holiday, I must live in a villa. 2. Imagine that the project may be false. Look for exceptions to the supposed link between the desired object and happiness. Could one possess the desired object but not be happy? Could one be happy but not have the desired object? Could I spend money on a villa and still not be happy? Could I be happy on holiday and not spend as much money as on a villa? 3. If an exception is found, the desired object cannot be a necessary and sufficient cause of happiness. It is possible to have a miserable time in a villa if, for example, I feel friendless and isolated. It is possible for me to be happy in a tent if, for example, I am with someone I love and feel appreciated by. 4. In order to be accurate about producing happiness, the initial project must be nuanced to take the exception into account. In so far as I can be happy in an expensive villa, this depends on being with someone I love and feel appreciated by. I can be happy without spending money on a villa, as long as I am with someone I love and feel appreciated by. 5. True needs may now seem very different from the confused initial desire. Happiness depends more on the possession of a congenial companion than a well-decorated villa. The possession of the greatest riches does not resolve the agitation of the soul nor give birth to remarkable joy. (Ill. 9.4)