Purpose in Life
On having a purpose or goal in life Cheshire Puss,’ she began, rather timidly, as she did not at all know whether it would like the name: however, it only grinned a little wider. ‘Come, it’s pleased so far,’ thought Alice, and she went on. ‘Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to […]
Introduction to Essays
Introduction to Essays on How to Live These essays have a theme – how to live. They address the timeless questions of our purpose in life, the values to live by, acquiring knowledge, becoming wiser, and making good decisions. These essays are my perspective on a few selected subjects I found particularly helpful and powerful. […]
How To Be Good
Being a “good” Person I believe most people have a basic desire to be good. It may not be their primary focus in life or a part of their daily thoughts. But few people pursue the opposite and most would say they try to be good. We are encouraged to be good even if there […]
Is controlling desires a key to happiness?
Is Controlling Our desires a Key to Happiness? John Stuart Mill and Desire John Stuart Mill said “I have learned to seek my happiness by limiting my desires, rather than seeking to satisfy them.” This seemed odd for Mill to say this. Mill was perhaps the most influential 19th century philosopher. His best known works are […]
My Search for a Moral Foundation
My Search for a Moral Foundation The Need for a Moral Foundation A fundamental task for anyone seeking to live a good life is establishing the basis for the moral code they choose to live by. There is no certain answer. There are many theories, but all have weaknesses that introduce uncertainty. However, I believe […]
The Moral Animal – A Brief Review
The Moral Animal – a Book on Evolutionary Psychology by Robert Wright What is Evolutionary psychology Reading Robert Wright’s book on evolutionary psychology is sobering. It is a readable, interesting, and provocative explanation of this new field of science and its implications. More than once I put the book down mid-page to let the significance […]
Montaigne
Michel de Montaigne Brief summary from Wikipedia: Michel Eyquem de Montaigne, Lord of Montaigne (/mɒnˈteɪn/ mon-TAYN,[4] French: [miʃɛl ekɛm də mɔ̃tɛɲ]; 28 February 1533 – 13 September 1592)[5] was one of the most significant philosophers of the French Renaissance, known for popularizing the essay as a literary genre. His work is noted for its merging of casual […]
Greek Philosophy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
This is an excellent TED talk by Jules Evans titled “How philosophy can save your life.” He discusses the Greek philosophy roots of CBT or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. He explains why learning Greek philosophy helps in living a good and happy life. Playlist 1 Videos TED Talk video on philosophy 0:16
Virtue and Character
Virtue and Character A world with eroding standards of conduct Are virtue and character antidotes to the chaos and discord we see every day? Events in the newspapers, social media, and on television leave me feeling the world simply doesn’t make sense. Highly polarized groups can’t have rational discussions. Actions such as the Brexit vote […]
Arrogance, Youth, and Change
Arrogance, Youth, and Change The times they are a-changin Bob Dylan’s song, “The Times They are a-Changin’ ” was the anthem for many of my generation. It captured my feelings at the time and the desire many felt to make the world a better place and to do it now. Civil rights, the Vietnam War, […]