Matthieu Ricard’s subtitle reveals his premise – that ‘achieving durable happiness as a way of being is a skill’ (page 7). Although some people are happier than others, he notes, such happiness is not durable and complete. How then is the skill of durable happiness achieved? Ricard – a Buddhist monk and both monk and… Continue reading Happiness: A guide to developing life’s most important skill [Book review]
Results for "happiness philosophy"
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On Happiness – Nietzsche
Nietzsche* wasn’t exactly a model of lightheartedness. He eventually succumbed to incapacitating mental illness, which some believe to have been part-inspired by his radical philosophies and relentless questioning of ‘truth’. Even so, he had some profound things to say about being happy. – He famously proclaimed ‘the death of God’. But rather than face a… Continue reading On Happiness – Nietzsche
On Happiness – Epicurus
In stark contrast to the contemporaneous Stoics – for whom a virtuous soul was the key to happiness – Epicurus* believed ‘pleasure is the beginning and the goal of a happy life’. Now before you get carried away picturing hedonistic orgies, I should clarify what he meant by pleasure. Although Epicurus and his followers were… Continue reading On Happiness – Epicurus
On Happiness – Aristotle
Aristotle* believed the aim of life is to be happy. But there’s a catch – to be happy, you have to be good. Fortunately, Aristotle wasn’t asking for perfect virtue. Instead he recommended a happy medium between opposites, believing neither extreme to be ideal. So for instance, we should aim for: -Neither shame nor hubris, but… Continue reading On Happiness – Aristotle
On Happiness – Schopenhauer
Schopenhauer* believed that life does not hold intrinsic meaning. Nor should we look to the world to make us happy. Rather, as in the animal kingdom, much of human life consists of repetitive efforts to meet our needs, interspersed with brief moments of satisfaction. Although this may seem a gloomy perspective, it’s actually rather liberating. Once… Continue reading On Happiness – Schopenhauer
On Happiness – Socrates
Socrates* believed that only people with self-knowledge could find true happiness. According to Socrates: – Happiness flows not from physical or external conditions, such as bodily pleasures or wealth and power, but from living a life that’s right for your soul, your deepest good. – If you don’t know what’s good for your soul, then… Continue reading On Happiness – Socrates
NEW eBook – How to be Wise and Happy
I’ve just released a little eBook called How to be Wise & Happy Happiness strategies inspired by history’s wisest philosophers How to be Wise & Happy looks at the happiness philosophies of 5 great philosophers and uses that wisdom to suggest modern-day strategies for happiness. Plus there’s a bonus section containing happiness insights from… Continue reading NEW eBook – How to be Wise and Happy