The Pleasures and Sorrows of Work

The author achieves a great description of work by describing several professions in a wide array of fields, from Accounting to Artistic painting. Similar to how a costumary painter renders a particular situation, the author goes by describing in detail the activities engaged and the feelings in play by particular individuals in their respective field. From time to time, De Boton pauses to drill into the inner motivations and feelings of the individuals whose work is being described, with mastery depth and reflection. What is the main driver that makes us wake up everyday of our lives and perform a series of rutinary minor tasks chained along the day? The author hints to work being a ticket that rides us along our adult lives.

This is an excellent, meditative book on the meaning of work by Alain de Botton, author of _The Architecture of Happiness_ and _Consolations of Philosophy_. In each chapter of the book, de Botton turns his thoughts to a particular profession or job (artist, rocket scientist, entrepreneur) . He usually attaches himself to a member of the occupation in question or makes a visit to a place of work. Botton's writing style is graceful and philosophical, but he is also hilariously funny every now and then, which surprised me. His turns of wry wit arrive suddenly and quietly, and are even more effective for their suddenness. The section on accountancy (p. 241-242, "They are like renal surgeons for whom one is first and foremost a always a kidney") and the paragraphs on de Botton's attempt to get a closer look at an airplane junkyard (p. 315-316) are especially funny. Read it; you won't regret it.

Very provocative and insightful. With the use of such an expansive vocabulary do not expect a quick read; the book is Englsh and not American. This work is really a series of stand alone essays and lacks a siitable conclusion. You will reread many passages and will be left with a great deal to think and talk about with your friends.

Most of what we humans do in the name of "work" will never be recognized, possibly never even be noticed, and will quickly crumble into dust in little less time than it takes us to crumble and die ourselves. One of humanity's greatest achievements is our ability to ignore all this and attempt to achieve things anyway. That sober, even dark message lies at the heart of "The Pleasures and Sorrows of Work," a meditation that suggests there are in our vast warehouses or soulless steel and glass office towers a lot fewer pleasures than sorrows. Even the monochrome photos that accompany the text are often depressing. But it would be too simple to categorize this as merely a downer with no redeeming virtues. On the contrary, I found this a very interesting and thought-provoking work, and quite enjoyed not only Alain de Botton's narrative skill, but particularly his ability to draw thoughtful and even philosophical conclusions from simple observations. Ultimately, de Botton dares to see the heroic in the facelessness of accounting, in the architecture of electrical pylons, even in the violence and discomfort of commercial fishing. I've heard or read Mr. de. Botton's work in several different media now and have always found it worth savoring. "The Pleasures and Sorrows of Work" can be read quickly, but I think it would especially repay lingering over. Beyond the somewhat bleak first appearances, there is a lot the thoughtful reader can take away from these impressions of "work" and life.

So, do you live to work or work to live? The idea of finding fulfillment in work is a relatively new concept that emerged in the age of enlightenment. Alain De Botton is one of my very favorite authors. He brings the mind of a philosopher and the compassion of a loving friend to all his writing. In his latest book he explores our relationship with work. From the book jacket, "The Pleasures and Sorrows of Work is an exploration of the joys and perils of the modern workplace, beautifully evoking what other people wake up to do each day--and night--to make the frenzied contemporary world function. With a philosophical eye and his signature combination of wit and wisdom, Alain de Botton leads us on a journey around a deliberately eclectic range of occupations, from rocket science to biscuit manufacture, accountancy to art--in search of what make jobs either fulfilling or soul-destroying." When I work with clients I often ask them, "What would you do if you won the lottery?" It's amazing how many very successful, wealthy people hate their work. For many it has become a set of golden handcuffs that keeps them obliged to continue due to supporting children and spouses in a high end lifestyle. They may indulge in material pleasures, but this only leads to momentary relief since the debt only keeps them even more attached to a life that no longer engages or fulfills them with any sense of meaning or purpose. Theodore Millon, the father of the DSM-IV (American Psychiatric Diagnostic manual) view of personality theory, said that people can be divided along two lines. Those who actively seek out pleasure or those who passively seek to avoid pain. While reading this book it was amazing to see how many people are not even aware of the choices they make with their own lives. Botton concludes that your view of work depends upon your ability to create a meaningful life, add value to something you believe in, and to receive appreciation for your efforts. If you are in a job of sorrow, your life will require a combination of distraction, recuperation, coffee and alcohol. For those poor souls, self-awareness only adds to their misery and Botton describes these people as deserving pity, but being unaware of the need for it. If you want to look at work and life through a wider lens, I strongly recommend this book.