Let's make this birthday one to remember.

55 years old (Born on December 20, 1969)

Happy Birthday, Alain de Botton! May your day be filled with happiness as thoughtfully designed as the architecture you so eloquently praise. Your wisdom has taught us that Proust can change our lives—though admittedly some of us are still stuck on page 12.

From guiding readers through existential crises to making philosophy accessible (and even funny!), you've shown how deep thoughts pair perfectly with a good laugh. Here's hoping this year brings more bestsellers and fewer philosophical dilemmas—or at least ones easily solved over cake.

Cheers to another timeless chapter in your life story; may it rival Marcel's longest sentences!