Summary of Alain de Botton's The Architecture of Happiness

Please note: This is a companion version & not the original book. Sample Book Insights: #1 The house on the street is a prime example of how architecture can contribute to our happiness. It has endured a lot over the years, but it still stands strong and dignified. It has provided not only physical but also psychological sanctuary. #2 The world’s most intelligent people have disdained any interest in decoration and design, equating contentment with discarnate and invisible matters. A concern for architecture has never been free from suspicion. #3 We seem to have an urge to numb ourselves to our surroundings, but we also have an urge to acknowledge the significance of our locations. We believe that architecture can help us realize who we might ideally be. #4 We are sometimes eager to celebrate the influence of our surroundings. But sensitivity to architecture also has its problematic aspects. We can’t remain sensitive indefinitely to environments that we don’t have the means to alter for the good.