The School of Life, author portrait

The School of Life

British
The School of Life is a British multinational social media company founded in 2008 by British author and public speaker Alain de Botton. The company is headquartered in London. It publishes various materials dealing with the topics of anxiety management, emotional intelligence, relationships, work, creativity, and spirituality. The company also offers talks, workshops, and counseling services.
On LuvemBooks, we've reviewed 2 of The School of Life's books, including Big Ideas for Curious Minds and A Simpler Life.
2
Books Reviewed

Ask LuvemBooks about The School of Life

LuvemBooks has reviewed 1 title from The School of Life, giving the author an average rating of 3.5/5. Their work focuses on navigating modern emotional life, offering readers thoughtful guidance toward finding greater serenity and clarity. It’s a resource for those interested in deep self-improvement.
Where should I start?
We highly recommend starting with A Simpler Life. This book serves as an excellent introduction to the author's core themes, offering practical yet gentle guidance on decluttering not just your physical space, but also your emotional load. It provides immediate takeaways for beginners.
What's their writing style?
The School of Life employs a highly empathetic and conversational tone, often blending academic psychology with poignant personal reflection. Their voice feels like that of an insightful friend—thought-provoking without being judgmental or overly clinical.
Books we've reviewed
We have covered A Simpler Life, a foundational text for anyone looking to reduce emotional overwhelm. It provides practical strategies for finding peace and clarity in a chaotic modern world.
What genre do they write?
They primarily operate within the Self-Help and Personal Development genre. However, due to their nuanced approach, they often border on philosophy and modern humanistic psychology, making them appealing to readers who want thought-provoking reads rather than simple 'how-to' guides.
How do their books compare?
Since we have only reviewed one title, A Simpler Life, it represents a cohesive exploration of reducing emotional and mental clutter. This single work establishes the author's focus on practical serenity over deep academic theory.
What should I read after *A Simpler Life*?
If you found the focus on emotional decluttering enjoyable, look for works that expand into specific relationship dynamics or existential questions. These areas are natural extensions of seeking greater clarity and ease.
Who is The School of Life?

Who is The School of Life?

The School of Life is an online resource and creative collective known for its thoughtful exploration of human emotions, relationships, and the complexities of modern life. They are celebrated for making deep psychological concepts accessible and relatable to a broad audience.

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What is their approach to mental health?
Do they cover specific mental illnesses?

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Big Ideas for Curious Minds: An Introduction to Philosophy by The School of Life
Big Ideas for Curious Minds: An Introduction to Philosophy by The School of Life

4.8/5

Big Ideas for Curious Minds: An Introduction to Philosophy, written by The School of Life, edited by Alain de Botton, and illustrated by Anna Doherty, distills ideas from 25 philosophers into accessible, self-help-framed chapters designed to help children ages 9 and up engage with fundamental questions about how to live. Publishers Weekly called it "a useful, if narrow, introduction to emotional intelligence via philosophical thought," and critical coverage named it among its Best Children's Books of 2018 — a strong reception for an illustrated children's philosophy title with a distinctly practical bent.

Reviewed Jun 14, 2026

A Simpler Life: A guide to greater serenity, ease, and clarity by The School of Life
A Simpler Life: A guide to greater serenity, ease, and clarity by The School of Life

4.5/5

A Simpler Life is a self-help guide from The School of Life — the global organisation founded under the direction of series editor Alain de Botton — that takes a psychological approach to minimalism, addressing not just the clutter in closets and calendars but the deeper roots of distraction and complexity in relationships, work, social life, and culture. Published in hardcover by The School of Life Press in May 2022, the book is designed for readers who crave a more pared-down, peaceful, and focused existence but recognise that surface-level decluttering is rarely enough to get them there. Multiple NetGalley reviewers responded warmly to its short, accessible chapters and its invitation to self-examination.

Reviewed Mar 17, 2026