First&Last The author of Religion for Atheists is also a respected philosopher and documentarian. Here he discusses the finer things in life, including Tarkovsky, Bach and Phil Collins
First three words your friends would use to describe you Crazy, anxious, funny.
Last time you made an impulse buy and regretted it Bought a horrible carpet in Istanbul.
First concert you ever attended Bach’s cello suites.
Last thing you think of before you go to sleep What to write next. ■ Alain de Botton appears as part of the School of Life: Live Tour, The Hub, Edinburgh, Thu 24 May. See Around Town listings for info.
First record you ever bought Genesis by Genesis.
Last extravagant purchase you made An Easter holiday to Istanbul. First film you saw that really moved you The Jungle Book.
Last lie you told That I had read a book I hadn’t. First movie you ever went on a date to Tarkovsky’s Solaris.
Last time you cried When my five-year-old son read a poem out in assembly about his family. First thing you do when you when you’ve got time off work Hang out with my kids.
A L A I N D E B O T T O N
Last time you bought someone flowers Valentine’s, for my wife. First object you’d save from your
burning home A painting by Michael Andrews.
Last funny thing you saw online Larry David on YouTube, love to watch clips of him.
Last great meal you cooked I never cook well, but recently did some passable salmon. First crush With the actress Charlotte Gainsbourg.
First job Time Out London, researching a guide to household services. Last person you fantasised about I imagined a discussion about literature with Keira Knightley.
Last book you read John Armstrong’s The Secret Power of Beauty. First word you spoke Duck.
First great piece of advice you were given Finding something difficult is no indication you should give up on it. Last crime you committed Parked in wrong bay.
Last time you were star struck When Lou Reed came to a talk of mine in NY.
First thing you’d do if you ran the country Insist all new housing developments were put in the hands of talented architects. Last meal on earth – what would it be I’d be too sad to eat, but hope my children would be there.
First song you’ll sing at karaoke Phil Collins, ‘Against All Odds’.
Last time you exploited your position to get something Got free parking at the Oxford Literary festival.
First time you realised you were famous When recognised at Boots the day after my first documentary was broadcast on Channel 4.
Last time someone criticised your work About two minutes ago. 6 THE LIST 26 Apr–24 May 2012
First song at your (potential) wedding We had no music. Last song at your funeral Bach’s Mass in B Minor, final movement.
First person you’d thank in an award acceptance speech My wife.
Last thing you recommended to someone Psychotherapy. First thing you think of when you wake up in the morning What am I fighting today.