Search results for ""school of life""

In this rigorous and supremely honest book Alain de Botton helps us navigate the intimate and exciting – yet often confusing and difficult – experience that is sex.Few of us tend to feel we’re entirely normal when it comes to sex, and what we think we’re supposed to be feeling rarely matches up with the reality. How to Think More About Sex argues that 21st-century sex is ultimately fated to be a balancing act between love and desire, adventure and commitment.Covering topics that include lust, fetishism, adultery and pornography, Alain de Botton frankly articulates the dilemmas of modern sexuality, offering insights and consolation to help us think more deeply and wisely about the sex we are, or aren’t, having.The School of Life looks at new ways of thinking about life’s biggest questions. Discover more fascinating books from the series with How to Stay Sane and How to Be Alone.

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Lethargic inactivity can be debilitating and depressing; but for those living in the modern world, the pendulum has swung far in the other direction. We live in a hectic, hyperactive, over-stimulated age. Excessive busyness and overfilled schedules are the norm, as are their effects on our mental and emotional lives. How might we address and counter such problems, for the sake of experiencing our lives more fully?In How to Be Bored, Eva Hoffman explores the importance we place on success, high level function, effectiveness and alertness in today's competitive society. In a world where it is almost impossible to be idle, she draws upon lessons from history, literature and psychotherapy to help us embrace boredom and find meaning in doing nothing - to appreciate real reflection and enjoy the richness of our inner and external lives.

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Choosing a romantic partner is one of contemporary life's biggest adventures. But other aspects of modern living – being globally more mobile, a fall in religious belief, social liberalization and more job opportunities (but longer working hours) – mean meeting a mate has rarely been so challenging, and rarely so important.In How to Choose a Partner, Susan Quilliam guides us through the process of finding the right partner for us as individuals. The real challenge is that we grow. Drawing upon rich cultural material, psychology and her background in relationship therapy, Susan presents partner choice as a self-development journey, driving us to learn more about ourselves, about other people, about life and the way we want to live.

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No one is born to lead. This is the idea at the heart of this thoughtful book on leadership. Popular culture feeds us images of the square-jawed, strong-armed leader - charismatic, powerful, decisive - but the truth is, with the right amount of self-knowledge and authenticity, anyone can be a good leader, even those who don't fit the stereotype.There are countless courses and books available on leadership technique, decision-making and public speaking, but How to Be a Leader aims to give you the tools to understand and bring out your own leadership style. With an in-depth look at what it really means to lead, and the difference between being a manager and being a leader, How to Be a Leader invites you to explore - and accept - the unique leader in you.

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AS HEARD ON THE DIARY OF A CEO PODCAST WITH STEVEN BARTLETTFrom the Sunday Times bestselling author of The School of LifeThis is a book about how to optimise your mental health. Written with kindness and sympathy, it is a practical guide to emotional well-being, calm and psychological maturity. Alain de Botton explores how we can cope with a variety of mental challenges, from the mild to the severe. It considers how and why we can get overly anxious or low; how we can best understand our pasts and how they shape us; and how we can build resilience, so as to live wisely alongside certain difficulties.At heart this is a book about psychological happiness about discovering equilibrium and meaning, and finding our way to connection and joy.This book does a wonderful job of making you realise that the thing you're going through, and the way that you are, isn't evidence of your inadequacy. It's actually evidence that you are

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“Using their extensive experience of university teaching as well as pedagogic theory, the authors have created an essential compendium to support students throughout their learning journey; from day one of their degree up to their first steps into a career in nutrition and dietetics.”Professor Kevin Whelan, Professor of Dietetics, Head of Department of Nutritional Sciences, King’s College London, UK“It is an outstanding handbook and written to the highest of standards. I recommend it most highly.”Professor Susan Lanham-New, Head of the Nutritional Sciences Department & Professor of Human Nutrition, University of Surrey, UK “This textbook not only contains everything that students need to become successful nutritionists and dietitians, but it can also serve as a tool for Nutrition and Dietetics curriculum design.”Dr Katerina Vafeiadou RNutr, Senior Lecturer in Nutrition & Dietetics, University of Hertfordshire, UKWritten by experienced Nutrition and Dietetics university lecturers with a passion for enhancing the learning experience, The Study Skills Handbook for Nutritionists and Dietitians is essential reading for all students who want to improve their academic skills and take control of their learning. Designed as a companion for students who are studying at university to be Registered Nutritionists and/or Dietitians; this book will provide you with the knowledge and skills required to identify and develop the expertise essential for academic and professional success.Key features of this book:• Practical examples allow students to see how skills relate to both study and practice• Encourages reflective ways of thinking and ethical practice• Provides all the study skills needed for university and beyond• Specifically tailored for students with career aspirations in this fieldRecognising that the transition to higher education is different for everyone; the supportive writing style will encourage you to be an active learner who can reflect on their academic and professional development.Dr Sue Reeves, Registered Nutritionist is the Head of Undergraduate Provision and Student Experience in the School of Life and Health Sciences at the University of Roehampton, UK.Dr Yvonne Jeanes, Registered Dietitian is a Principal Lecturer in Clinical Nutrition and Head of Postgraduate taught provision within the School of Life and Health Sciences at the University of Roehampton, UK.

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Foundation Mathematics for Biosciences provides an accessible and clear introduction to mathematical skills for students of the biosciences. The book chapters cover key topic areas and their associated techniques, thereby presenting the maths in context. A student focused pedagogical approach will help students build their confidence, develop their understanding and learn how to apply mathematical techniques within their studies. Students will be able to use the book as a resource to complement their theory-based textbooks and to prepare themselves for practical classes, tutorials and research projects. Key features The book progresses in a logical manner, opening with fundamental problems and then building to more complex calculations aligned to different disciplines in the biosciences. • Worked examples with detailed solutions provide step-by-step guidance through each calculation to help students build their practical skills. • Important rules and key points are highlighted in text boxes to help students consolidate their understanding of techniques and theory. • Illustrations provide insight into what students are likely to encounter in the laboratory. • Self-assessment questions are provided throughout to enable students to manage their learning and track their progress. • Learning objectives and key terms also help students to monitor their study. Suitable for students on courses from the pure end of the spectrum to more applied courses such as biomedical sciences, microbiology, molecular biology, physiology, and forensics. Dr Ela Bryson is Senior Lecturer in Molecular Biology at the School of Life and Medical Sciences at the University of Hertfordshire Dr Jackie Willis is Associate Dean of the School of Life and Medical Sciences at the University if Hertfordshire This book can be supported by MyMathLabGlobal, an online teaching and learning platform designed to build and test your understanding. The book and the MyMathLabGlobal system provide a range of benefits including: • A tool for the diagnosis of existing strengths and weaknesses in maths • A comprehensive set of algorithmically generated questions that can be used by students to practise and develop their skills in an independent and flexible manner and by the tutor to evaluate progress Need extra support? Were you looking for the book with access to MyXLab? This product is the book alone, and does NOT come with access to MyMathLabGlobal. Buy Title with MyMathLabGlobal access card (9780273774655) if you need access to MyMathLabGlobal as well, and save money on this resource. Ask your instructor about using MyLab.

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THE SUNDAY TIMES TOP TEN BESTSELLERFrom one of our greatest voices in modern philosophy, author of The Course of Love, The Consolations of Philosophy, Religion for Atheists and The School of Life - Alain de Botton sets out to understand our universal fear of failure - and how we might change it'De Botton's gift is to prompt us to think about how we live and how we might change things' The Times We all worry about what others think of us. We all long to succeed and fear failure. We all suffer - to a greater or lesser degree, usually privately and with embarrassment - from status anxiety. Alain de Botton gives a name to this universal condition and sets out to investigate both its origins and possible solutions. He looks at history, philosophy, economics, art and politics - and reveals the many ingenious ways that great minds have overcome their worries. The result is a book that is not only entertaining and thought-provoking - but genuinely wise and helpful as well.'He analyses modern society with great charm, learning and humour. His remedies come as a welcome relief when most books offering solutions to the stresses of life recommend the lotus position' Daily Mail

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THE NUMBER ONE INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLERFrom one of our greatest voices in modern philosophy, author of The Course of Love, The Consolations of Philosophy and The School of Life, The Architecture of Happiness explores the fascinating hidden links between the buildings we live in and our long-term wellbeing.'Engaging and intelligent . . . Full of splendid ideas, happily and beautifully expressed' IndependentWhat makes a house truly beautiful? Why are many new houses so ugly? Why do we argue so bitterly about sofas and pictures - and can differences of taste ever be satisfactorily resolved?To answer these questions and many more, de Botton looks at buildings across the world, from medieval wooden huts to modern skyscrapers; he examines sofas and cathedrals, tea sets and office complexes, and teases out a host of often surprising philosophical insights. The Architecture of Happiness will take you on a beguiling tour through the history and psychology of architecture and interior design, and will change the way you look at your home.'Alain de Botton takes big, complex subjects and writes about them with thoughtful and deceptive innocence' Observer'Clever, provocative and fresh as a daisy' Literary Review

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Reptiles are intrinsic to the mystique of the Galápagos Islands, and A Paradise for Reptiles: Lizards, Snakes, and Giant Tortoises of the Galápagos Islands tells the story of these iconic animals and details the early encounters with each species, including the route by which they were recognized and named. Robert H. Rothman draws from a wide range of scientific literature to present an accessible, comprehensive account of the research on the natural history, behavioral ecology, physiology, genetics, and conservation of each major group. It is richly supplemented with thirty years of photographs taken by the author during annual trips to the Galápagos. Volume 1: Tortoises, Geckos, and Snakes covers the legendary giant tortoises and the lesser-known geckos and snakes. It also presents an overview of the complex geological history of the Galápagos, which is essential to understanding the course of colonization and the evolution of reptiles in the archipelago. Robert H. Rothman, PhD, is Professor Emeritus, Thomas H. Gosnell School of Life Sciences, at Rochester Institute of Technology in Rochester, New York. He initiated, taught, and led thirty-two annual trips to the Galápagos Islands for science and nonscience RIT students.

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THE SUNDAY TIMES TOP TEN BESTSELLERFrom one of our greatest voices in modern philosophy, author of The Course of Love, The Consolations of Philosophy, Religion for Atheists and The School of Life - an accessible and eye-opening exploration of our relationship with 'the news''His gift is to prompt us to think about how we live and how we might change things' The Times'De Botton analyses modern society with great charm, learning and humour. His remedies come as a welcome relief' Daily Mail'Like all classic de Botton, there are plenty of insightful observations here, peppered with some psychology, a dash of philosophy, a big dollop of commonsense' Scotsman 'The news' occupies a range of manic and peculiar positions in our lives. We invest it with an authority and importance which used to be the preserve of religion - but what does it do for us?Mixing current affairs with philosophical reflections, de Botton offers a brilliant illustrated guide to the precautions we should take before venturing anywhere near the news and the 'noise' it generates. Witty and global in reach, The News will ensure you'll never look at reports of a celebrity story or political scandal in quite the same way again.

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THE SUNDAY TIMES NUMBER ONE BESTSELLEROne of the most influential voices in modern philosophy - the author of The Course of Love, Religion for Atheists, The Art of Travel and The School of LifeAlain de Botton presents a one-stop shop for solving the problems of everyday life through the wisdom of history's great philosophers'Singlehandedly, de Botton has taken philosophy back to its simplest and most important purpose: helping us live our lives' Independent'Few discussions on the great philosophers can have been so entertaining... An ingenious, imaginative book' The Sunday Times'Witty, thoughtful, entertaining... It manages to make philosophy both enjoyable and relevant' Anthony Clare, Literary Review'No doubt about it, philosophy is the new rock and roll and Alain de Botton is its Colonel Tom Parker... A pleasure to read. And good writing, like good philosophy, is always a consolation' John Banville, Irish Times Alain de Botton has set six of the finest minds in the history of philosophy to work on the problems of everyday life. Find out what Socrates, Epicurus, Seneca, Montaigne, Schopenhauer and Nietzsche would say about the things that bother us all the most: lack of money, the pain of love, inadequacy, anxiety, the fear of failure and the pressure to conform.

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THE SUNDAY TIMES TOP TEN BESTSELLER'Honest, funny and dripping with witty aphorisms. Extremely entertaining and enlightening [...] all the way to journey's end' Herald One of our greatest voices in modern philosophy, author of The Course of Love, The Consolations of Philosophy, Religion for Atheists and The School of Life, presents a travel guide with a difference - an exploration of why we travel, and what we learn along the way...Few activities seem to promise as much happiness as going travelling: taking off for somewhere else, somewhere far from home, a place with more interesting weather, customs and landscapes. But although we are inundated with advice on where to travel to, we seldom ask why we go and how we might become more fulfilled by doing so.With the help of a selection of writers, artists and thinkers - including Flaubert, Edward Hopper, Wordsworth and Van Gogh - Alain de Botton provides invaluable insights into everything from holiday romance to hotel minibars, airports to sightseeing. The perfect antidote to those guides that tell us what to do when we get there, The Art of Travel tries to explain why we really went in the first place - and helpfully suggest how we might be happier on our journeys.'Delightful, profound, entertaining. I doubt if de Botton has written a dull sentence in his life' Jan Morris'An elegant and subtle work, unlike any other. Beguiling' Colin Thubron, The Times

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"Highly comforting" Alain de Botton, Founder of The School of Life"This book changed how I think" Annie Macmanus, author of The Mess We're In"You will not be able to put this book down" The IndependentOUR OBSESSION WITH ACHIEVEMENT IS A TRAP. THIS IS HOW TO BREAK FREE.Emma Gannon was thriving in her portfolio career, enjoying a happy personal life and to anyone looking in, she was undoubtedly a success... She was also burned out and confused at why she felt unhappy, yet was still striving for more.After taking a deep look at her own journey, and interviewing many other successful people on her podcast Ctrl, Alt, Delete, she realised that our overly celebrated and traditional version of success is making us lonely, unfulfilled and dispirited. Now she has worked out a way to do things differently, and here Emma shares her hard-won lessons, including:• how to set goals that are ambitious but not overwhelming• why the 'tick-box' moments in life often feel anticlimactic• and how to break free from comparison and the endless pursuit of moreA manifesto to craft work (and life) on your own terms, The Success Myth will give you the belief and tools to walk away from 'having it all', uncovering your individual path to fulfilment.

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When the American art world turned toward abstract art and action painting, Francis Cunningham remained focused on figurative art and the human form. His interest never waned. This book chronicles his development over an astonishing seven decades. Presented in a nonlinear order, the arc of his work is there for the discerning eye to see. Landscapes, still life, and human forms are interrelated. Cunningham’s work reveals the connection between abstraction and representation. Their coexististence is the material and subject of this book, disclosing a new understanding of American painting by a living artist. Accompanying over 180 high quality reproductions, the artist's many facets are explored in essays by art historians and art critics, including Christopher Knight, Edward Lifson, John Walsh, and Valentina De Pasca, as well through the reminiscences of one of his life models, Regina Hawkins-Balducci. Cunningham attended the Art Students League of New York, where he studied drawing and anatomy with Robert Beverly Hale and painting with Edwin Dickinson. He became an influential master instructor, cofounding the New Brooklyn School of Life Drawing, Painting and Sculpture (1977-1983) and the New York Academy of Art in 1983. At his current age of 90, he continues to paint in his studio in Manhattan and in the rural western part of Massachusetts, known as the Berkshires. This is the first monograph devoted to his work.

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SUNDAY TIMES TOP TEN BESTSELLERFrom one of our great thinkers on modern life and the human condition - an unforgettable story of love and marriage from the author of bestselling novel Essays in Love as well as The Consolations of Philosophy, Religion for Atheists and The School of Life'The Course of Love probes the very heart of marriage, its shifts and squalls, its great adventure, with such forensic tenderness. I laughed a lot, too' Deborah MoggachModern love is never easy. Society is obsessed with stories of romance, but what comes after happily ever after?This is a love story with a difference. From dating to marriage, from having kids to having affairs, it follows the progress of a single ordinary relationship: tender, messy, hilarious, painful, and entirely un-Romantic. It is a love story for the modern world, chronicling the daily intimacies, the blazing rows, the endless tiny gestures that make up a life shared between two people. Moving and deeply insightful, The Course of Love offers us a window into essential truths about the nature of love.'Engaging, sympathetic, acutely perceptive... There's a refreshing honesty in what de Botton has to say' Guardian'Anyone who is, has been, or would ever like to be, in a satisfying, successful relationship, would do well to read de Botton' Irish Independent 'He debunks the myth of the happily ever after with a painfully familiar, often hilarious detailing of petty arguments, the occasional extra-marital fling, the moments of loneliness and the declining frequency of sex... It's not only hugely enjoyable but life enhancing too' Daily Mail

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SUNDAY TIMES TOP TEN BESTSELLERNUMBER ONE INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLERFrom one of our greatest voices in modern philosophy, author of The Course of Love, The Consolations of Philosophy, The Art of Travel and The School of Life'A serious and optimistic set of practical ideas that could improve and alter the way we live' Jeanette Winterson, The Times'A beautiful, inspiring book... offering a glimpse of a more enlightened path' Sunday Telegraph'Smart, stimulating, sensitive. A timely and perceptive appreciation of how much wisdom is embodied in religious traditions and how we godless moderns might learn from it' Financial Times'There isn't a page in this book that doesn't contain a striking idea or a stimulating parallel' Mail on SundayAlain de Botton takes us one step further than Dawkins or Hitchens ventured - into a world of ideas beyond the God debate...All of us, whether religious, agnostic or atheist, are searching for meaning. And in this wise and life-affirming book, non-believer Alain de Botton both rejects the supernatural claims of the major religions and points out just how many good ideas they sometimes have about how we should live.And he suggests that non-believers can learn and steal from them.Picking and choosing from the thousands of years of advice assembled by the world's great religions, Alain de Botton presents a range of fascinating ideas and practical insights on art, community, love, friendship, work, life and death. He shows how they can be of use to us all, irrespective of whether we do or don't believe.

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From one of our greatest voices in modern philosophy, author of The Course of Love, The Consolations of Philosophy, Religion for Atheists and The School of Life - a lucid exploration of the state in which most of us spend most of our lives'De Botton's wit and powers of ironic observation are on display throughout what is a stylish and original book. The workplace brings out the best in his writing' Sunday Times'Timely, wonderfully readable. De Botton has pretty much got to the bottom of the subject' Spectator'Terribly funny, touches us all' Daily Mail'Brilliant, enormously engaging' Guardian Why do so many of us love or hate our work? How has it come to dominate our lives? And what should we do about it?Work makes us. Without it we are at a loss; in work we hope to have a measure of control over our lives. Yet for many of us, work is a straitjacket from which we cannot free ourselves.Criss-crossing the world to visit workplaces and workers both ordinary and extraordinary, and drawing on the wit and wisdom of great artists, writers and thinkers, Alain de Botton here explores our love-hate relationship with our jobs. He poses and answers little and big questions: from what should I do with my life? to what will I have achieved when I retire?The Pleasure and Sorrows of Work explains why it is we do what we do all day, and applies sympathy, humour and insight to helping us make the most of it.

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