A few good things emerged from the ashes of the financial crash of 2008.
One of them was The School Of Life.
The brainchild of Sophie Howarth, formerly a curator at Tate Modern, and Alain de Botton (but now run by Morgwn Rimel), arrived with perfect timing.
When one of the bedrocks of modern capitalism was being removed, people were looking for guidance.
So the founders created a place where people could go to learn what the world’s thinkers have to say about how to lead a better life, in the here and now.
The philosophy is about life’s core subjects – love, politics, work, family, play – with practical application.
Based out of a small shop in central London, the School Of Life arranges classes – How To Spend Time Alone, How To Face Death and so on – sermons, meals, psychotherapy, has suggestions for bibliotherapy and, of course, sells extras in the shop.
For a one-off Brighton Festival leg, director Rimel will chair an event with themes including How To Change The World, with writer, film-maker and broadcaster John-Paul Flintoff; How To Find Fulfilling Work, with cultural thinker and philosopher Roman Krznaric; and How To Stay Sane, with psychotherapist and graphic novelist Philippa Perry (pictured).
Pavilion Theatre, New Road, Brighton, Sunday, May 27
3pm, £10. Call 01273 709709
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