Is a simple life the key to happiness? — In her book “Epicurean Simplicity,” author and activist Stephanie Mills analyses what is wrong with our modern way of life — and she goes back to the philosophy of Epicurus to find a cure. …

Heraclitus and Epicurus on accepting change — The ancient Greek philosopher Heraclitus famously said that one cannot step into the same river twice. But what does this really mean? And what can we learn from this for our own lives? It is the same Sun? You may have heard the old adage that one cannot step into the same river twice. It’s…

Epicurus on trouble in the soul — The ancient Greek philosopher Epicurus emphasises that, in a world that works according to physical laws, nobody ought to be afraid of either the gods or one’s own death — for when death arrives, we will be gone. But is this a convincing argument? “Everything in life has an end…

Is it so hard to satisfy our senses? — Ancient Greek philosopher Epicurus (341–270 BC) believes that the way to ensure happiness throughout life is to reduce one’s desires so that they can be easily fulfilled. What is happiness? We begin our exploration of the ancient Greek philosopher Epicurus (341–270 BC) with a very high-level look at what he wants to do…

An even braver new world? — The last book of visionary writer Aldous Huxley (1894–1963), Island, is a bold attempt to envision a utopian society that provides its members with everything they need to achieve happiness in life. …

Erich Fromm and Lin Yutang on cultural differences — By Daily Philosophy Is there a difference between the way we perceive happiness and life in the West in comparison with “Eastern” cultures? Erich Fromm argues that the capitalist West is stuck in a “mode of having,” searching for life satisfaction in the possession of things; while the “Eastern” view…

Reluctant emperor of Rome, fighter and Stoic philosopher — Today we celebrate the birthday of Marcus Aurelius (121–180 AD), a man who always had wanted to be a scholar, but who was made emperor against his own wishes. …

April 25, 1953: Watson and Crick publish DNA double helix — The moment of the publication of the DNA double helix structure was, at the same time, the end of a long — and sometimes tragic — race, and the beginning of the age of DNA sequencing and genetic engineering; together with AI, one of the most promising and most dangerous…

The long tradition of finding joy outside of consumerism — From Diogenes and Epicurus to Erich Fromm and modern minimalism activists, from ancient times to the present, there is a long tradition of philosophers suggesting that long-lasting happiness might be easier to achieve if we don’t primarily focus on material gains. Welcome back to our discussion of Erich Fromm and…