There is more to being human than the absence of disorder.
For as long as I can remember, I’ve been fascinated by the human condition: by suffering and flourishing, reason and emotion, love and friendship, and the timeless question of how to live. Those questions feel especially urgent today, as rapid change and growing uncertainty leave many of us searching for meaning, perspective, and a way to navigate an increasingly complex world.
My writing brings together psychology, philosophy, literature, history, and the wisdom of the ancient world, because the deepest truths often emerge where disciplines meet—for example, that depression may be trying to tell us something important, that modern critical thinking is fatally flawed, and that Plato and Aristotle could hold the key to our future happiness.
I was born in Mauritius and mostly grew up in Geneva, Switzerland. Growing up between different places and cultures taught me that there is a lot more than one way of seeing the world.
After studying medicine and neuroscience in London, I moved to Paris, where I worked first as a strategy consultant and later as an English teacher. I then moved to Oxford to specialise in psychiatry, while also reading for a Master’s degree in philosophy.
I now live in Oxford, where I am a Fellow of Green Templeton College.
I write books on psychology, philosophy, the art of living, and wine. Together, these subjects illuminate one another—and, I hope, help us live better. My books have won awards and been translated into several languages. Alongside my books, I regularly write for Aeon and Psychology Today.
When I’m not reading or writing, you’ll usually find me cooking, gardening, skiing, learning languages, visiting museums and gardens, or travelling—especially in search of good food, good wine, and good conversation.
Thank you for visiting. I hope you’ll stay awhile, explore, and find something worth returning to.
What Readers are Saying
Burton has a clear talent for narration and is able to distil complex topics into understandable gems. —BookLife
Neel is an incredibly insightful and elegant writer, with a deep knowledge of all he surveys. —Dr James Davies, psychotherapist, author of Cracked
Burton’s writing blends deep knowledge of his subject with lively anecdote and a genuine concern for how we might draw on the insights of psychology and philosophy to live a better life. Highly recommended! —Dr Gareth Southwell, philosopher, author of Words of Wisdom
Burton is never short of an interesting and sharp judgment. —Prof Peter Toohey, Psychology Today
As mental health and humanity face deepening crises, Neel is increasingly turning to the wisdom of the ancients for answers. Through his work, he seeks to bridge the gap between ancient philosophy and modern challenges, offering insights that resonate deeply in today’s troubled world. —Plato’s Academy Centre, Athens
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