The Stream

The reality of marriage with author Alain de Botton

Does the majority of the world have the wrong idea about love and marriage?

Alain de Botton’s view on love and marriage is making many romantics question their idea of living happily ever after. The writer and philosopher just released a new novel, “The Course of Love”, which explores the reality of long term relationships and what is required to keep them going. De Botton believes the idea of romantic, passionate love is problematic and asserts romanticism actually threatens love. He believes the notion of romance somehow separates love from the everyday.

 

His opinion piece in The New York Times, “Why You Will Marry the Wrong Person”, might as well be a dagger through Cupid’s heart if not the heart of all those hopeless romantics who believe in “the one”. De Botton maintains society in general has a misguided obsession with finding “the right” person. He says “love is a skill that has to be learned”.

 

Does the majority of the world have the wrong idea about love and marriage? De Botton shares his view with The Stream on Wednesday. 
 

In this episode of The Stream, we speak with: 

Alain de Botton @alaindebotton

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Philosopher and author, “The Course of Love”

 

Surabhi Surendra @womanatics

Relationship blogger 
Womanatics.com

 

Robin Rinaldi @Robin_Rinaldi

Journalist and author, “The Wild Oats Project”

 

Chris Bull @Queerty

Co-founder and editorial director, Queerty.

 

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