How to Survive the Modern World - by The School of Life Hardcover

Book Synopsis

A hopeful guide to living well in the 21st century.

The modern world has brought us a range of extraordinary benefits and joys, including technology, medicine, and transportation. But with these advances, it seems, we've also seen an increase in greed, despair, and agitation.

How to Survive the Modern World is the ultimate guide to navigating our unusual times. The book tackles our relationship to the news, our identities, our careers, our relationship to the natural world, our admiration for science and technology, our belief in individualism and secularism - and our suspicion of quiet and solitude.

This book helps us form a calmer, more authentic, more resilient, and more light-hearted relationship to the complexities of our age. If modern times can feel like a disease, this book is both the diagnosis and the soothing, hope-filled cure.

• IDENTIFIES THE SOURCE OF SHARED ANXIETY helps us identify the sources of our sorrows in the modern world.
• PRACTICAL ADVICE on dealing with the challenges presented by capitalism, advertising and the media.
• CHAPTERS INCLUDE Media, Materialism, Family, Love, Work, Sex, Science & Religion, Democracy and Nature.
• BEAUTIFULLY PRODUCED premium gift format.

Review Quotes

"It sounds like we all need [this book]. A survival guide indeed." - Salma El-Wardany, BBC Radio London

"The book helps us to form a calmer, more authentic, more resilient, and sometimes more light-hearted relationship to the follies and obsessions of our age." - NetGalley review

"I found [this book] to be very insightful, practical, and helpful. It's a book that would make a fine addition to your library as it's one you'll want to refer to again and again as new situations arise in your life." - NetGalley review

"Lots of food for thought and philosophical concepts to mull over. A delight to read and will stay with you long after finishing." - NetGalley review

"This book definitely is one that puts your brain to work and makes you think about life! I feel like this is a wonderful guide for how to live in the modern world despite all of the various challenges and obstacles. Great read, would recommend!" - NetGalley review

"I'm a fan of The School of Life books. ... This particular one was fantastic. I really enjoyed a lot of the historical titbits that explain the comparison of history to the current modern world. Definitely worth a read." - NetGalley review

"A fantastic, thought-provoking look at the modern world. It covers areas I didn't expect such as sex and democracy and offers a calm, balanced viewpoint coupled with wonderful art images. It helped me to articulate my concerns about living in this time. By providing perspective, my thoughts were soothed, less emotional and I was able to reassess my views. I would read this again as it raises some interesting points and gave me a lot of comfort." - NetGalley review

"The books by The School of Life, as always, shift us to the right direction, to live more conscious, deliberate and meaningful lives. To think, rethink, stop and calm ourselves. ... Very helpful and insightful book." - NetGalley review

"Another fabulous read from The School of Life. I don't class these books as self-help, more an opportunity to ponder philosophically and not feel too overwhelmed by it all. The simplicity of the messages, and the calmest provided, made this the perfect Sunday afternoon read." - NetGalley review

"The chapters are well written, with plenty of both history and advice on how to make your life a little more adaptable." - NetGalley review

"Bite-sized but packed with valuable and thought-provoking ideas." - NetGalley review

"If you are looking for a thought-provoking book, this is it. It is of great service for any reader that might find it. - Goodreads review

About the Author

The School of Life is a global organization helping people lead more fulfilled lives. Through our range of books, gifts and stationery we aim to prompt more thoughtful natures and help everyone to find fulfillment.

The School of Life is a resource for exploring self-knowledge, relationships, work, socializing, finding calm, and enjoying culture through content, community, and conversation. You can find us online, in stores and in welcoming spaces around the world offering classes, events, and one-to-one therapy sessions.

The School of Life is a rapidly growing global brand, with over 7 million YouTube subscribers, 389,000 Facebook followers, 174,000 Instagram followers and 166,000 Twitter followers.

The School of Life Press brings together the thinking and ideas of the School of Life creative team under the direction of series editor, Alain de Botton. Their books share a coherent, curated message that speaks with one voice: calm, reassuring, and sane.