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From the distinctive delight of holding a child’s hand to the paradoxical fun of a friendly argument to the peaceful joy of watching a sunset, this is a guide to the wealth of small pleasures that comprise our daily lives.
In a culture that encourages the pursuit of large, self-aggrandizing gratification, this book is a refreshing reminder that small pleasures are in fact points of access to the great themes of our lives. By focusing our attention on the small moments that move us, we heighten our senses and return to the world with newfound excitement and enthusiasm.
Part of a new essential paperback series from The School of Life, covering a range of emotional lessons needed in order to lead fulfilled and happy lives.
- 52 SHORT AND DIGESTIBLE meditations on life’s small pleasure, designed for five minute snatches of time in between real life demands.
- REFOCUS YOUR GAZE ON THE SMALL THINGS — and gain a fresh perspective and look at life with new found enthusiasm and energy.
- CLASSIC BLACK & WHITE IMAGES throughout.
- PART OF THE NEW PAPERBACK SERIES 'LESSONS FOR LIFE'
"A book reminding us of all the small moments we overlook when they happen." – Emma Gannon, Ctr Alt Delete podcast
"Helps cultivate appreciation and a generally happier life in noticing the little things. I would recommend it to all."
The School of Life is a global organization helping people lead more fulfilled lives. Through our range of books, gifts and stationery we aim to prompt more thoughtful natures and help everyone to find fulfillment.
The School of Life is a resource for exploring self-knowledge, relationships, work, socializing, finding calm, and enjoying culture through content, community, and conversation. You can find us online, in stores and in welcoming spaces around the world offering classes, events, and one-to-one therapy sessions.
The School of Life is a rapidly growing global brand, with over 7 million YouTube subscribers, 389,000 Facebook followers, 174,000 Instagram followers and 166,000 Twitter followers.
The School of Life Press brings together the thinking and ideas of the School of Life creative team under the direction of series editor, Alain de Botton. Their books share a coherent, curated message that speaks with one voice: calm, reassuring, and sane.
1. The Fish Shop
2. Small Islands
3. Stars
4. Grandmothers
5. The Friend who Listens
6. Take-off
7. A Night Alone in a Hotel
8. Sunbathing
9. The Desert
10. Finding Your Feet Abroad
11. Being Up Late at Night
12. The Charm of Cows
13. Up at Dawn
14. Staring out of the Window
15. A Hot Bath
16. Indulgent Pessimism
17. Self-pity
18. Crushes
19. Keeping Your Clothes On
20. Kissing
21. Children’s Drawings
22. Crimes in the Newspaper
23. Driving on the Motorway at Night
24. Sunday Mornings
25. A Beloved’s Wrist
26. A Favourite Old Jumper
27. Holding Hands with a Small Child
28. Old Stone Walls
29. Realising You Both Dislike the Same Popular Person
30. Feeling at Home in the Sea
31. ‘Bad’ Magazines
32. The Song You Want to Listen to Again and Again
33. A Book That Understands You
34. Crying Cathartically Over the Death of a Fictional Character
35. Pleasant Exhaustion After a Productive Day
36. Old Photos of One’s Parents
37. Whispering in Bed in the Dark
38. Cypress Trees
39. News of a Scientific Discovery
40. Feeling Someone Else Is So Wrong
41. The Teasing of Old Friends
42. Getting Over a Row
43. Planning the Ideal Routine
44. Finally Gaining the Respect of a Previously Suspicious Colleague
45. ‘Getting’ a Great Work of Art for Yourself
46. Very Dark Jokes
47. Midnight Walks
48. Flirtation
49. The First Day of Feeling Well Again
50. Daisies
51. Figs
52. A List of Very Small Pleasures
Epilogue: The Ideology of Small Pleasures