Philosophy for Life

What is the good life, and how do we achieve it? Ancient Greek and Roman philosophers may have the answers to living better today.

1. Philosophy Meets Psychology: Ancient Wisdom Lives On

The book draws an unexpected link between ancient philosophy and modern psychology, particularly Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Greek and Roman Stoics laid the foundation for doctrines that CBT later formalized. Their shared belief is that emotions stem not from events themselves but from our interpretations of them.

The essence of this teaching is best encapsulated by Epictetus, who noted, “Men are not disturbed by things, but by their opinions about them.” CBT practitioners like Albert Ellis took this wisdom to heart, formulating the ABC model: an Activating event leads to Beliefs that create Consequences. Change the beliefs, and you’ll change the emotional outcome.

For instance, reframing a failed exam not as a personal failure but as a lesson in resilience transforms despair into determination. This philosophy reminds us that while external events are often beyond our control, how we interpret and respond to them shapes our emotional world.

Examples

• Epictetus’ teaching that suffering stems from opinions, not events.
• Albert Ellis’ development of CBT's ABC model based on Stoic principles.
• Applying CBT to failures, like viewing a failed exam as an opportunity to improve.

2. Ancient Philosophy Demands Lifelong Commitment

Unlike CBT, which is often short-term, ancient philosophy is a long-term endeavor. Philosophers like Plato emphasized cultivating the mind and soul daily, dedicating years to personal growth and societal questions.

CBT often ends in 16 weeks, as it focuses on immediate challenges like trauma or anxiety. On the other hand, ancient philosophy, such as the teachings of Aristotle or the Stoics, encourages a lifetime of reflection, discipline, and transformation. Their aim was not just personal happiness but contributing to a harmonious society.

Moreover, these thinkers philosophized on grander ideas: divinity, the universe, and the meaning of life. For instance, the Stoic belief in a rational universe dictated their commitment to logical and moral living. These philosophies required sustained discipline, offering enduring guidance for life’s complexities.

Examples

• Plato advocating for philosopher-kings to guide society.
• The Stoics practicing rationality for universal harmony.
• The Epicureans focusing on short, meaningful lives without an afterlife.

3. Mastering the Art of Self-Control

Stoicism is essentially about mastering what you can and accepting what you cannot. This hopeful philosophy resonated deeply with figures who faced overwhelming adversities, from slaves like Epictetus to Roman emperors like Marcus Aurelius.

The Stoics contended that our only true control lies in how we choose to react. If something tragic occurs, such as losing your job, you have the power to decide whether to let it devastate you or motivate you to move on. Unchecked expectations are just as dangerous. Marcus Aurelius often reminded himself of life’s unpredictability to avoid emotional attachment to fleeting occurrences.

Daily mental training was a cornerstone for Stoics. Seneca advised contemplating hardships regularly to stay mentally prepared. Using journals to track progress, the Stoics treated growth like preparing for the Olympics—a habit that builds inner strength over time.

Examples

• Epictetus, a slave, emphasizing inner control even amidst external hardships.
• Seneca recommending daily mental training to cope with suffering.
• Regular journaling to monitor progress and refine behavior.

4. Savoring Pleasure with the Epicureans

While the Epicureans are often wrongly associated with hedonistic excess, their philosophy revolves around simple, rational pleasures. They saw happiness as appreciating the absence of pain, enjoying the present, and forming deep friendships.

Epicurus encouraged living in the moment. By focusing on the here and now, we avoid being trapped by regrets of the past or worries about the future. For example, fretting about the “perfect life” wastes precious moments of joy already happening.

This philosophy also opposes irrational pleasures that come at high costs later. Smoking may bring short-term comfort but sacrifices long-term health. Rational pleasures, like sharing meals with friends or appreciating a sunrise, create enduring happiness without regret.

Examples

• Avoiding future stress by enjoying present pleasures.
• Epicurus’ view of appreciating life’s impermanence.
• Choosing healthier pleasures over destructive habits like smoking.

5. Broaden Perspective with the Pythagorean “View from Above”

The Pythagoreans urged detaching from everyday worries by seeing life from a broader perspective. Imagining Earth from space is their metaphorical “View from Above,” which helps diminish personal problems’ significance.

This perspective helps in reducing stress. A missed deadline or a traffic jam feels less important when you realize it's minor in the greater flow of life. It’s a technique similar to CBT’s distancing method, where stepping back offers clarity and stops catastrophizing.

The Pythagoreans also employed mantras to embed rational lessons in their minds. For instance, phrases like “suffering is inevitable” helped them prepare for challenges and face them with calm.

Examples

• Pythagoreans using visualizations to dwarf personal problems.
• CBT’s distancing to stop overreacting to small setbacks.
• Repeating rational mantras to accept suffering.

6. Role Models Are Key to Personal Growth

Plutarch discovered the importance of great role models long before modern psychology. He believed studying the lives of historical figures inspired emulation of their virtues, helping us improve character.

This concept aligns with Albert Bandura’s experiments, such as observing children mimicking adults’ behavior with toys. We unconsciously adopt habits from our social circles, making it crucial to surround ourselves with uplifting people.

Take Nelson Mandela’s life, for instance. His resilience can inspire us to face adversity calmly. Similarly, reading Plutarch’s Parallel Lives can spur moral imitation. The key lesson is that surrounding yourself with admirable individuals fosters your own growth.

Examples

• Plutarch’s Parallel Lives focusing on exemplary leaders like Caesar.
• Albert Bandura’s Bobo doll experiment proving behavioral imitation.
• Nelson Mandela’s biography illustrating resilience.

7. Aristotle’s Path to Flourishing Together

For Aristotle, the ultimate purpose of life was happiness through rationality and community. Individuals flourish by developing virtues, which strike a balance between extremes. For example, courage exists between cowardice and recklessness.

But Aristotle didn’t stop at individual happiness. He emphasized the value of society working together. Happiness flourishes when communities educate citizens and foster fairness, creating collective harmony. Aristotle’s eudaimonia (“the good life”) blends personal virtue with societal well-being, making happiness a communal responsibility.

This philosophy inspires modern governments to focus on public happiness, emphasizing education as a key enabler.

Examples

• Aristotle defining courage as a balance between cowardice and rashness.
• Communities fostering collective happiness through cooperation.
• Modern policies promoting well-being inspired by Aristotle’s teachings.

8. Governments Can Help, But Happiness is Personal

Governments are increasingly applying happiness psychology, funding CBT therapists or teaching emotional intelligence in schools. For example, the UK invested millions to combat mental health issues through CBT programs.

However, there’s an inherent risk. Defining happiness too rigidly or relying solely on data-driven metrics oversimplifies human experience. True happiness is subjective and must accommodate personal freedom.

Ultimately, the book reminds us that the government can advocate well-being, but individuals must actively choose their paths.

Examples

• UK funding emotional education programs to improve resilience.
• The US Army adopting CBT-inspired mental health programs.
• Government risks in over-analyzing individual happiness.

9. Responsibility for the Good Life Lies With You

The book closes by emphasizing personal responsibility for improving your life. Ancient philosophers believed in actively shaping their destinies through self-reflection, discipline, and growth.

Regular journaling, for instance, holds a mirror to your daily habits, revealing areas for improvement. Likewise, choosing meaningful friendships and cultivating virtues keeps you aligned with your best self.

The key takeaway is balance. Governments, philosophy, or psychology can provide tools—but only you can apply them to craft your journey toward the good life.

Examples

• Journaling each evening to track personal progress.
• Building a supportive friend group to influence personal growth positively.
• Understanding that shaping your happiness is your responsibility.

Takeaways

1. Write in a journal nightly to track and improve your daily behavior and decisions.
2. Choose role models wisely – their influence can guide your virtues and aspirations.
3. Actively savor the present and remind yourself that life’s fleeting moments are its most meaningful.