How To Think More About Sex

Alain de Botton, The School of Life — 2012

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’re supposed to be feeling rarely matches up with the reality. This book argues that 21st-century sex is ultimately fated to be a balancing act between love and desire, and 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. One in the new series of books from The School of Life, launched May 2012: How to Stay Sane by Philippa Perry How to Find Fulfilling Work by Roman Krznaric How to Worry Less About Money by John Armstrong How to Change the World by John-Paul Flintoff How to Thrive in the Digital Age by Tom Chatfield How to Think More About Sex by Alain de Botton

Reviews

Kehinde Adeleke@adeleke5140

Jun 27, 2023

Well, this was entertaining. I don't necessarily agree with a lot of what Alain had to say but well, that's probably because I have a religious bias to the role of sex. The conclusion though was quite interesting and it's not exactly a rule book. It is an okay read. I read it a second time: I believe good books should be read more than once and Alain de botton’s falls into that category as well. His ideas and analysis of our awkwardness around sex and it’s supposed “nastiness” are still refreshing to read. I’m much more open-minded this time as a result of my introspective investigation of my beliefs. I’d say the chapter on Adultery still raises eyebrows from me but his accompanying section on how Adultery isn’t the solution to love grown cold was a nice addition. This is a book I’d be reading multiple times in the future and a must read for young adults.

heleen de boever@hlndb

Apr 14, 2023

Somewhat confusing and, safe from a few fragments of sheer brilliance, mostly disappointing.

Fabio Bracht@bracht

Jan 18, 2023

Em capítulos sobre fetiches, desconfortos, prazeres, neutras, pornografia, definição do que é sexy, traição e rotina, entre outros, o filósofo Alain de Botton descortina e oferece vários insights ótimos sobre um assunto sobre o qual pensamos muito – mas frequentemente errado.