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A TED Talk presentation by Alain de Botton. Atheism 2.0 "What Aspect of Religion Should Atheists (Respectfully) Adopt." Alain de Botton suggests a "religion for atheists" -- call it Atheism 2.0 -- that incorporates religious forms and traditions to satisfy our human need for connection, ritual and transcendence. This will be followed by a lively discussion of the attendants view of this concept.
Who is Alain de Botton? In 1997, Alain de Botton turned away from writing novels and instead wrote a touching extended essay titled 'How Proust Can Change Your Life', which became an unlikely blockbuster in the "self-help"category. His subsequent books take on some of the fundamental worries of modern life (am I happy? where exactly do I stand?), informed by his deep reading in philosophy and by a novelist's eye for small, perfect moments. His newest book is "Religion for Atheist: A Nonbeliever's Guide to the uses of Religion." In 2008, de Botton helped start the School of Life in London, a social enterprise determined to make learning and therapy relevant in today's uptight culture. His goal is (through any of his mediums) to help clients learn "how to live wisely and well."