Feeling lost, crazy and desperate belongs to a good life as much as optimism, certainty and reason.
Alain de Botton
About the author
Alain de Botton is a well-known Swiss-born British philosopher, author, and public speaker. He was born on December 20, 1969, in Zurich, Switzerland, and now lives in London. His writing covers a wide range of topics connected to how philosophy relates to everyday life. His clear writing style has made him a bestselling author in more than 30 countries.
In addition to writing, he co-founded The School of Life in 2008 and Living Architecture in 2009, which aim to improve people’s lives through wisdom and creativity.
The meaning behind the quote
The quote offers a deep insight: feeling lost, crazy and desperate is just as much a part of a good life as feeling optimistic, certain and reasonable. These words connect with our human experience. We often want stability and confidence, but de Botton reminds us that chaos and vulnerability are important parts of life.
Life is like a big painting where light and dark play a role. Optimism and reason give us direction, but in the dark times—when we feel lost or desperate—we find our strength. These tough emotions aren’t failures; they add depth to our lives.
In the big picture of life, the hard parts—the uncertainty, the wildness, the longing—create a beautiful melody. They remind us that a “good” life doesn’t avoid struggle but includes the full range of human experiences.