In a world filled with self-help books promising the secrets to happiness and success, Jules Evans takes us on a journey back in time to explore the enduring wisdom of ancient Greek and Roman philosophers. In his book "Philosophy for Life," Evans demonstrates how these age-old teachings can be applied to our modern lives, offering practical insights that are as relevant today as they were thousands of years ago.
Introduction
The pursuit of happiness and a fulfilling life is not a new concept. For centuries, philosophers have grappled with questions about the nature of happiness, virtue, and the good life. Evans argues that by revisiting these ancient teachings and combining them with modern psychological insights, we can gain valuable tools for navigating the complexities of contemporary life.
The Connection Between Ancient Philosophy and Modern Psychology
One of the most intriguing aspects of Evans' book is the parallel he draws between ancient philosophical teachings and modern cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This connection highlights the timeless nature of human struggles and the enduring relevance of philosophical inquiry.
The Stoic Influence on CBT
Evans explores how the principles of Stoicism, a school of Hellenistic philosophy founded in Athens by Zeno of Citium, have significantly influenced the development of CBT. Both approaches emphasize the role of our thoughts and beliefs in shaping our emotional responses to events.
The Roman Stoic philosopher Epictetus famously stated, "Men are not disturbed by things, but by their opinions about them." This idea forms the foundation of Albert Ellis' ABC model in CBT:
- A: Activating event
- B: Beliefs about the event
- C: Emotional consequences
For example, failing a driving test (A) might lead someone to believe they are a failure (B), resulting in feelings of worthlessness (C). However, by changing our beliefs about the event, we can alter our emotional response. This principle is at the core of both Stoic philosophy and CBT.
Positive Psychology and Aristotle's Concept of Flourishing
Evans also draws connections between modern positive psychology, particularly the work of Martin Seligman, and Aristotle's ancient philosophy of flourishing (eudaimonia). Both approaches focus on cultivating excellence of character and engaging our highest drives to develop ourselves to the fullest potential.
This emphasis on character strengths and virtues provides a framework for personal growth and self-improvement that goes beyond mere happiness to encompass a sense of purpose and meaning in life.
The Depth and Breadth of Ancient Philosophy
While Evans acknowledges the similarities between ancient philosophy and modern psychological approaches, he also highlights some key differences that set ancient wisdom apart.
A Lifelong Practice
Unlike the short-term focus of many modern therapeutic approaches, ancient philosophy was viewed as a lifelong discipline to be practiced daily. This commitment to ongoing self-reflection and improvement allowed ancient philosophers to move beyond simple self-help techniques to explore deeper questions about the nature of reality, society, and the human condition.
Societal and Political Engagement
Ancient philosophers didn't limit their inquiries to personal well-being; they also engaged with broader societal and political questions. Plato, for example, proposed the idea of philosopher-kings as ideal rulers, while Aristotle encouraged citizens to contemplate the nature of a good society.
This broader perspective challenges us to think beyond our individual concerns and consider our role in shaping the world around us.
Exploring the Big Questions
Ancient philosophy also delved into metaphysical questions about the nature of the universe and our place within it. The Stoics, for instance, believed in a rational, interconnected universe, while the Epicureans embraced a materialistic worldview without an afterlife.
These differing perspectives on the nature of reality influenced how philosophers approached the question of how to live a good life, demonstrating the interconnectedness of metaphysical beliefs and practical ethics.
Wisdom from Different Philosophical Schools
Evans explores various schools of ancient philosophy, each offering unique insights and practical advice for modern living.
Stoicism: The Art of Self-Control
The Stoic philosophy, practiced by both slaves and emperors, offers powerful tools for dealing with life's hardships and maintaining emotional equilibrium.
Key Stoic Principles:
Focus on what you can control: Stoics emphasize the importance of distinguishing between what is within our power to change and what isn't. By concentrating our efforts on the things we can influence, we avoid unnecessary frustration and increase our effectiveness.
Accept reality as it is: Rather than fighting against circumstances beyond our control, Stoics advocate for accepting reality and working within its constraints.
Train your mind: Stoics viewed philosophy as a form of mental training, similar to physical exercise. They practiced daily reflection and self-examination to strengthen their character and resilience.
Prepare for adversity: By regularly contemplating potential hardships, Stoics aimed to be mentally prepared for whatever life might throw at them.
These principles can help us navigate the challenges of modern life with greater equanimity and resilience.
Epicureanism: The Art of Pleasure
Contrary to popular misconceptions, Epicurean philosophy wasn't about indulgence in excess, but rather about cultivating a rational approach to pleasure and happiness.
Key Epicurean Ideas:
Rational hedonism: Epicurus advocated for balancing short-term and long-term pleasures, focusing on simple joys and the absence of pain.
Living in the present: Epicureans emphasized the importance of savoring the present moment rather than constantly worrying about the future or dwelling on the past.
Cultivating friendships: Epicurus believed that strong social bonds were essential for a happy life.
Overcoming fear: By rejecting belief in an afterlife or judging gods, Epicureans sought to free themselves from unnecessary anxieties and focus on making the most of their limited time on earth.
These teachings encourage us to appreciate life's simple pleasures and make conscious choices about how we spend our time and energy.
Pythagoreanism: Gaining Perspective
The Pythagoreans, followers of the ancient Greek philosopher and mathematician Pythagoras, developed techniques for gaining a broader perspective on life's challenges.
Pythagorean Practices:
The "View from Above": This mental exercise involves imagining oneself looking down on Earth from space, helping to put personal problems into perspective.
Memorized maxims: Pythagoreans used short, meaningful phrases to remind themselves of important truths and maintain emotional balance in difficult situations.
These techniques, similar to modern CBT practices, can help us avoid catastrophizing and maintain a more balanced outlook on life's ups and downs.
Plutarch: The Power of Role Models
Plutarch, a Greek historian and essayist, emphasized the importance of learning from exemplary individuals throughout history.
Plutarch's Approach:
Studying great lives: By reading biographies of admirable figures, we can gain inspiration and practical wisdom for our own lives.
Comparing and contrasting: Plutarch's "Parallel Lives" series compared Greek and Roman heroes, encouraging readers to reflect on different virtues and character traits.
Recognizing the influence of our social circle: Plutarch understood the power of imitation and encouraged people to surround themselves with positive influences.
This approach reminds us of the importance of choosing our role models and social circles wisely, as they can have a profound impact on our own character and behavior.
Aristotle: The Pursuit of Excellence
Aristotle's philosophy offers a comprehensive framework for understanding human flourishing and the nature of the good life.
Key Aristotelian Concepts:
Eudaimonia: Aristotle's concept of the good life goes beyond mere happiness to encompass a sense of fulfillment and excellence in accordance with human nature.
Virtue ethics: Aristotle believed that cultivating virtues, or excellent character traits, was essential for living a good life.
The golden mean: Virtues are seen as the midpoint between two extremes. For example, courage is the mean between cowardice and recklessness.
The importance of community: Aristotle emphasized that true flourishing can only occur within the context of a well-functioning society.
Aristotle's philosophy challenges us to strive for excellence in all areas of life and to consider our role in contributing to the greater good of society.
Applying Ancient Wisdom in the Modern World
Evans explores how ancient philosophical principles are being integrated into modern institutions and government policies, while also cautioning against potential pitfalls.
Government Initiatives
Some governments are incorporating principles from cognitive behavioral therapy and positive psychology into public policy:
The United Kingdom has invested in training CBT therapists and introducing emotional intelligence programs in schools.
The US Army has developed a program based on positive psychology principles to promote resilience among soldiers.
These initiatives demonstrate the potential for ancient wisdom, filtered through modern psychological research, to have a broad societal impact.
Balancing Science and Individual Freedom
While recognizing the value of evidence-based approaches to well-being, Evans warns against an overly prescriptive or reductionist approach to happiness and the good life. He argues for a balance between:
- Using scientific insights to inform policy and support well-being
- Preserving individual freedom to explore different philosophical approaches and define one's own vision of the good life
This balance ensures that we can benefit from collective knowledge while maintaining the autonomy to shape our own paths.
Final Thoughts: The Ongoing Journey of Self-Discovery
Evans concludes by emphasizing that the pursuit of wisdom and the good life is an ongoing process that requires active engagement and personal reflection. Ancient philosophy offers us a rich tapestry of ideas and practices to draw from, but ultimately, it's up to each individual to:
- Cultivate practical wisdom (phronesis) to navigate life's challenges
- Engage in regular self-reflection and character development
- Consider our role in society and how we can contribute to the greater good
- Remain open to different philosophical perspectives and continue asking the big questions about life, meaning, and purpose
By integrating ancient wisdom with modern insights, we can develop a more nuanced and holistic approach to living well in the 21st century.
Practical Takeaways
- Keep a daily journal: Reflect on your thoughts, actions, and areas for improvement.
- Practice the "View from Above": When faced with challenges, try to gain perspective by imagining how your problems might look from a cosmic viewpoint.
- Develop a personal philosophy: Explore different schools of thought and create a set of principles that resonate with you.
- Cultivate virtues: Identify character traits you admire and work on developing them in your own life.
- Build a supportive community: Surround yourself with people who inspire and challenge you to grow.
- Engage in regular philosophical reflection: Set aside time to contemplate life's big questions and how they relate to your daily experiences.
- Practice mindfulness: Learn to appreciate the present moment and find joy in simple pleasures.
- Seek out inspiring role models: Read biographies of admirable figures and learn from their experiences.
- Contribute to society: Consider how you can use your skills and knowledge to make a positive impact on your community.
- Embrace lifelong learning: Approach philosophy as an ongoing journey of discovery and personal growth.
In conclusion, "Philosophy for Life" reminds us that the wisdom of the ages remains relevant and applicable to our modern lives. By engaging with these timeless ideas and practices, we can develop greater resilience, find deeper meaning, and work towards creating not just better individual lives, but a better society for all. The journey of philosophical inquiry is ongoing, challenging us to continually examine our beliefs, values, and actions as we navigate the complexities of the human experience.