Controversial Philosopher to Deliver Ogilvy & Mather Lecture

LONDON, June 13, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

Renowned philosopher and author, Alain de Botton will give the second Ogilvy & Inspire lecture at the Cannes International Festival of Creativity 2012 on Thursday 21 June.

Launched last year on the centenary of David Ogilvy's birth, the annual lecture invites contemporary visionaries to examine inspiration and creativity.  De Botton's speech will unpick the idea of creativity and discuss why it is one of the most elusive and essential aspects of our lives.

De Botton, whose work is built on a 'philosophy of everyday life', will pinpoint the source of our creative fire by sharing the deeper truths he has discovered through close examination of a host of subjects.  

Alain de Botton said: "It is in books, poems, and painting that we find the confidence to take seriously the feelings in ourselves that we might otherwise never have thought to acknowledge."

Swiss-born de Botton is a prolific writer and distinguished thinker.  He has published books and papers on every aspect of the human condition including sex, work, religion, status, love and art, with bestsellers in 30 countries.  He founded, and helps run, the ground-breaking School of Life in London, an institution dedicated to a new vision of education.

Miles Young, Worldwide CEO, Ogilvy & Mather, said:  "Now in their second year, our seminars continue the legacy of inspiration fostered by David Ogilvy.  Alain de Botton reflects this legacy as one of the world's most inspirational, unique thinkers.  Like all great originals, he divides opinion, provokes debate and illuminates what it is to be human.  We are thrilled to have him guest at our second Ogilvy & Inspire seminar."

Last year's inaugural speaker was Sir Ken Robinson, author, education reformer and internationally-acclaimed speaker on education, creativity and innovation.  His challenging lecture was met with thunderous applause and a standing ovation.

The second Ogilvy & Inspire lecture, on Thursday 21 June at 10:30am in the Theatre Debussy, will form the centerpiece of a range of activities by the agency to celebrate this year's Cannes Lions.

The lecture will be followed by The Speakers' Corner - a Q&A session at 11:30am with Alain de Botton in the Cannes Lions Press Centre: Palais de Festivals.