Philosophy Archives

External Things Don’t Matter: Epictetus Explains a Key Stoic Idea

When someone insults you, how should you respond? Should you be proud of your family? Epictetus and other Stoic philosophers had an opinion about things outside of yourself. They believed that those things aren’t important. So, external things shouldn’t cause you pain, pride, or any number of reactions you might be tempted to have. Keep reading to understand Epictetus’ view of external things and see how it might give you peace of mind.

Epictetus: Control What You Can—Especially Yourself

What’s in your control? What isn’t? How can understanding this help you make decisions and find peace in life? Stoicism teaches how to live a happy and fulfilling life through thoughtful, rational action. According to the Stoic philosopher Epictetus, control is a major aspect of this. Specifically, you must control what you can and stop worrying about the rest. Continue reading to understand what this means and how it’s done.

Are We Made From Stardust? Neil deGrasse Tyson Explains

Are we made from stardust? What do people mean when they say that? In his book Astrophysics for People in a Hurry, Neil deGrasse Tyson discusses the process of the Big Bang and what followed. Our bodies contain water, made up of hydrogen atoms that were created by the Big Bang. The Big Bang, however, didn’t create the other elements. That’s where stars come in. Keep reading to learn about the link between human beings and stars, according to Tyson.

A Guide to the Good Life: The Ancient Art of Stoic Joy (Overview)

What’s a good life? How can you live one? According to William B. Irvine, those are the basic questions at the heart of Stoic philosophy, an ancient Greek and Roman school of thought whose answers, he says, are just as relevant today as they were almost 2,000 years ago. In his book A Guide to the Good Life: The Ancient Art of Stoic Joy, he shares those answers. Keep reading for an overview of the book, including a brief history of Stoicism, a description of its philosophical tenets, and a step-by-step guide to Stoic techniques designed to help you live

Neil deGrasse Tyson on the Big Bang Theory: Making It Simple

What does the Big Bang theory suggest? How could understanding it better help us unlock one of science’s greatest mysteries? In his book Astrophysics for People in a Hurry, Neil deGrasse Tyson explains the Big Bang theory in terms that anyone can understand. He discusses what the theory tells us and what it might help us understand in the future. Read more for the thoughts of Neil deGrasse Tyson on the Big Bang theory.

What Is Stoic Philosophy—and What Isn’t It? Realities & Myths

What is Stoic philosophy? What’s the difference between Greek and Roman Stoicism? What are some common misconceptions about Stoicism today? In A Guide to the Good Life, philosophy professor William B. Irvine offers a brief history of Stoicism and an overview of its basic tenets. He compares Greek and Roman views of Stoicism, and he explains why the philosophy isn’t always well understood today. Continue reading for Irvine’s explanation of Stoic philosophy that sheds light on the good life and its pursuit.

How to Practice Stoicism: 6 Techniques for a Good Life

Would you like to be happier, calmer, and more fulfilled? What if you lived life as a Stoic? A good life could be yours. In A Guide to the Good Life, philosophy professor William B. Irvine walks you through a set of Stoic techniques that promise happiness through counterintuitive methods such as imagining losing everything you love or deliberately exposing yourself to discomfort. Read more to learn how to practice Stoicism by following six basic techniques Irvine derives from ancient philosophy. We’ve also included an exercise to help you design your own Stoic practice.

The Benefits of Stoicism: Knowing What to Pursue & How to Get It

What do you want out of life? What should you pursue—and how should you pursue it? These days, many people chase after fame or fortune in an effort to find joy and peace. Philosophy professor William B. Irvine issues a warning for this way of thinking and recommends that Stoicism is a better path to true happiness. Read more to learn about the benefits of Stoicism and see how this ancient philosophy can help you successfully navigate life.

Stoic Negative Visualization: Learning to Want What You Have

What’s Stoic negative visualization? How can it actually make you happier? You can develop a Stoic practice by following six basic techniques derived from ancient philosophy. The first technique is negative visualization. Considering that Stoicism aims to offer a path toward joy, this practice is counterintuitive. But, it works. Continue reading to learn what Stoic negative visualization is and see how you can use this technique to appreciate more, handle disappointments better, and even grieve with less pain.

Stoicism: Control What You Can, & Don’t Sweat Everything Else

Do you worry more than you need to? Do you set yourself up for disappointment? In his book A Guide to the Good Life, philosophy professor William B. Irvine discusses a major tenet of Stoicism: Control what you can, and don’t worry about anything else. By doing this, you also control your happiness. Don’t give up that joy by stressing about what’s beyond your control. Learn how this Stoic practice works, and discover how you can put it to work for you.