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Article: A Londoner's Diary; Alain de Botton on the philosophical lessons of London Zoo, and how to shame yourself into keeping resolutions.
- Article from:
- The Evening Standard (London, England)
- Article date:
- January 14, 2005
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2005 Solo Syndication Limited. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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Byline: ALAIN DE BOTTON
Cynics always warn us against making resolutions. When we break them, we'll only become more vividly aware of our shortcomings. But I'm a great fan of making them: this year I'm trying to sleep more, argue less, exercise harder and think better.
Trying to lead a moral life should involve regularly daring ourselves to be good. Resolutions are minor laws that we pass against our baser selves. In making them, we tacitly admit that we are harmed by being free to do anything - and through our vows, signal a desire to take up the higher freedom that comes from being correctly shackled.
We might be tempted to mock the public ...