Alain De Botton argues mental illness is normal for humans in our era. We’re evolved and equipped for conditions 200,000 years ago, so we’re to be commended for coping as best we can with the same equipment now. In other words, it’s an appropriate set of responses to be anxious, depressed, uncertain and even 'fucked up'.
As Philip Larkin says:
They may not mean to, but they do.
They fill you with the faults they had
And add some extra, just for you.
But they were fucked up in their turn
By fools in old-style hats and coats
Who half the time were soppy-stern
And half at one another’s throats.
Man hands on misery to man.
It deepens like a coastal shelf.
Get out as early as you can,
And don’t have any kids yourself. [From Collected Poems, Copyright Estate of Philip Larkin, Faber and Faber Ltd]
I haven't yet bought Alain's new book. Maybe it'll be available at Vinnies soon. Judging from this preview, it's a terrible title but a terrific book.
