Why following your heart might be an emotional autopilot

Love is a skill, not a feeling | Alain de Botton: Full Interview · 58:13 · Video: Big Think · Watch at the source

In short: Alain de Botton challenges the myth of romantic destiny, arguing that our love lives are dictated by childhood patterns rather than instinct. This interview explores why viewing love as a practiced skill is more effective than waiting for a soulmate.

De Botton suggests that while we prefer to believe in guided instincts and 'soulmates,' our romantic choices are actually shaped by emotional blueprints established during our youth. By reframing love from a fleeting feeling into a deliberate skill, we can move away from the idea of destiny toward a more conscious way of relating to others.

The philosopher, known for his 'philosophy of everyday life,' began exploring these themes in his first book at age twenty-three. His work seeks to provide a new vision of education and emotional literacy through his school, The School of Life.

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