Skip to main content
Currently being edited in London

Daily inbox intelligence from Monocle

Alain de Botton

Latest

Culture

Taming the beast

When faced with unexpected and unfamiliar situations, our instinct might force us to panic. But as the Stoic philosophers of Rome explained, there is another option: keep calm and carry on.

  • Issue #134
  • 6 min read
Taming the beast
Design

Thinking out loud

Philosopher Alain de Botton has persuaded celebrated architect Peter Zumthor to make a home for contemplation.

  • Issue #120
  • 8 min read
Thinking out loud
Industry

Alain de Botton

The author holds forth on his memories of dire boarding-school dinners, sentimental reveries of his native Switzerland and the citrus fruit that he considers to be worthy of devotion.

  • Issue #108
  • 5 min read
Alain de Botton
Food & Drink

Inventory no.87

From Finnish gin to charming cookware and notable stationery, this October select showcases our favourite autumn finds.

  • Issue #87
  • 8 min read
Inventory no.87
Retail

Inventory no.82

In this spring special we match substance with style, from a versatile pendant lamp and understated tote bag to some enchanting glassware and a stunning mezcal.

  • Issue #82
  • 7 min read
Inventory no.82
Media

Culture

Books, films and music to enrich your life this month.

  • Issue #70
  • 9 min read
Culture
Business

Media

A new venture by Swiss daily NZZ and a Q&A with the co-founder of the School of Life, Alain de Botton.

  • Issue #66
  • 4 min read
NZZ Café at Zürich airport with counter service, staff, and branded signage in modern terminal setting.
Culture

Culture

Film, music and book reviews plus our culture editor Robert Bound looks at the value of good criticism

  • Issue #51
  • 10 min read
Five books arranged on a wooden surface: Jonathan Lethem's The Ecstasy of Influence, Religion for Atheists, The Train in the Night, Suddenly a Knock on the Door by Etgar Keret, and What are Universities for? by Stefan Collini.

Monocle Cart

You currently have no items in your cart.
  • Subtotal:
  • Discount:
  • Shipping:
  • Total:
Checkout

Shipping will be calculated at checkout.

Please note: Orders to the United States may experience delays beyond the estimated-delivery window due to customs processing. Please refer to our FAQs for information on import duties and regulations.

All orders placed outside of the EU that exceed €1,000 in value require customs documentation. Please allow up to two additional business days for these orders to be dispatched.

Not ready to checkout? Continue Shopping