The School of Life

We don’t think we hate cheap things – but we frequently behave as if we rather do. Consider the clean cotton t-shirt. We wouldn't regard this as a particularly stylish fashion choice, and certainly not as a glamorous one. We are unlikely to stare wistfully at a cotton t-shirt in a shop window, or buy one in anticipation of a special event. We don't luxuriate in the feel of the fabric when we pull the freshly laundered garment over our head – yet Louis XVI would have been deeply...

• A guide to the purpose and meaning of psychotherapy that normalises and demystifies a useful but misunderstood practice. • Challenges the misconception of ‘innate’ qualities and explores the role of psychotherapy in correcting our learnt behaviour. • Identifies four key areas of ourselves in greatest need of repair and work: – Self-Love – Candour – Communication – Trust • Debunks myths and addresses traditional causes of suspicion surrounding therapy,...

Our societies frequently proclaim their enormous esteem for culture. Music, film, literature and the visual arts enjoy high prestige and are viewed by many as getting close to the meaning of life. But what is culture really for? This book proposes that works of culture were all made, in one way or another, with the idea of improving the way we live. The book connects a range of cultural masterpieces with our own pains and dilemmas around love, work and society, and invites us to see...

Modern life is full of minor but acute dilemmas: we get stuck at a gathering with someone unusually boring and wonder how to move on without causing offence; in the course of introducing one friend to another, we realize that we have forgotten one of the party’s names; we run into an ex while on an early date with a new partner; we spill red wine across a host’s sofa … Such dilemmas might—at one level—seem desperately insignificant. But they actually belong to some of the largest and most...

Addresses with insight and compassion a question which, throughout history, has been a cause for much speculation and debate. Turns the pursuit of a meaningful life from a comedically-complex impossibility to something we can all comprehend, aim for and succeed at. A philosophical approach to finding meaning in life, exploring the varied potential sources of meaning, from love and family, to work, culture and nature. Beautifully produced, high end gift format. Illustrated with full colour...

Going traveling is one of the few things we undertake in a direct attempt to make ourselves happy—and frequently, in fascinating ways, we fail. We get bored, cross, anxious, or lonely. It isn’t surprising: our societies act as if going traveling were simple, just a case of handing over the right sum of money. But a satisfying journey isn’t something we can simply buy, and sadly something that should fill us with excitement can often end up being a source of angst and stress. This is the guide:...

It is quite normal to feel frustrated and sorrowful about aspects of modern capitalism, but realistic hope of change can seem either utopian or demented. In fact, the way that capitalism works is inherently open to alteration and improvement. This is because the problems of capitalism are, in their essence, not about money, law or politics, but about human psychology – the field of expertise of The School of Life. As this hugely original essay argues, the path to a better sort of...

• An outline for a new kind of wedding ceremony based on psychological theory rather than religious traditions. • Includes practical instruction for marriage preparation, as well as advice for married life. • Inner pocket containing Order of Service booklet (including suggested vows and readings) and emotional prenuptial contract. • Gender neutral and non-heteronormative. • Beautifully produced, high end gift format. Royal-blue cover and page trim, gold foil embossed title, blue...

Almost no one gets through life without, at some point, having their heart broken. Advice at such a dark moment tends to focus on letting time do the healing. But there is also a vital role for understanding and perspective. We sometimes make our situation far worse than it needs to be through certain ideas we develop about why we’ve been left. We start to tell ourselves that we are not good enough, that we fail at everything, that this one rejection means we will always be maltreated… Our...

A guide to some of the common problems that children may face; chapters introduce subjects including Bullying, Anxiety and Feeling Misunderstood. Presents complicated topics in a way that is accessible to a younger audience. Opens up conversations between adults and children about emotional wellbeing. Charming illustrations throughout by Lizzy Stewart, winner of the Waterstones Children’s Book Award and the AOI World Illustration Award, for her amazing book[i] There's a Tiger in The...

Dating might seem a trivial and relatively inconsequential part of love, but it is in fact key to getting into the kind of relationship that can last and help us flourish. The process we call dating sits on top of some of the largest themes of love: how to know whether or not someone is right for us; how soon to settle and how long to search; how to be at once honest and seductive; how to politely extricate oneself without causing offence. This little book is an indispensable guide to the...

An average couple will have between thirty and fifty significant arguments a year—and yet we’re seldom taught very much about why they happen and how they could grow a little less intense. This is a guide to arguments in love: it teaches us why they might occur, what their symptoms are, how we could learn some wiser ways of communicating, and how we would ideally patch up after a fight. The book looks at twenty of the most common arguments—including ones about sex, money, in-laws, who is «cold»...

A book that provides us with a greater understanding of why affairs happen and offers advice on dealing with the aftermath of an affair. A practical guide with useful takeaways for everyday life. Part of a thoughtful and inclusive new Love series from The School of Life, focusing on the sorrows and joys of relationships. Beautifully produced, premium gift format.

An in-depth exploration of how secular aspects of religious belief can interact with philosophy, psychotherapy, art, and architecture to enrich our modern lifestyle. Acknowledges the growth of atheism juxtaposed with people’s need for a spiritual dimension to their lives. Offers suggestions and guidance on incorporating simple religious rituals into our everyday lives to offer comfort and solace. Part of a series of giftable essays from The School of Life. Titles include: What is...