I was eighteen years old and had just started film school. Film students can be weird, myself included. We think that because we love films, we automatically know how to make great films. This way of thinking is equivalent to getting hit by Mike Tyson and then concluding you can ..read more

In the vast sea of literature, finding books that resonate with the human experience can be a daunting task. Alain de Botton, a philosopher and author known for his accessible approach to deep philosophical concepts, offers a beacon of guidance. His recommended reading list is not just a collection of titles; it's a journey through the complexities of love, work, self, politics, leisure, travel, and the human condition. This curated list reflects de Botton's keen understanding of the human psyche and his knack for finding profound insights in written words. Alain de Botton: A Philosopher for ..read more

Discover profound insights and practical techniques from ancient philosophies in this edition of "Philosophy Picks." Uncover the wisdom of the Stoics and learn how to apply their teachings to modern life. the today’s Nous: ? Insights on vulnerability, sexuality, and self-acceptance by Ronan Loughney. ? A guided breath meditation by Hans van Veen to re-anchor your senses and achieve inner peace. ? John Sellars' comprehensive lecture on the core principles of Stoicism. ? Utilizing self-deprecating humor as a powerful Stoic tool. ? Reimagining ancient philosophers with ..read more

And the overlap between Buddhism and Stoicism... ? Stoic Wisdom Arrows ? Trust the Cosmic Perspective: In this article, I explain why it’s sometimes important to step outside of our small “Self” and enter into a cosmic perspective. Read here.​ ? Complete Stoic Loving-Kindness Meditation: Develop your love of people, love of humanity, and love of service with this Stoic compassion meditation. Listen here.​​ ?‍?‍? Owning Your Role in Relationships: Why it’s important to focus on yourself more than the other in relationships because we can’t control o ..read more

Hope you're having a virtuous week and finding opportunity in every challenge. This is the first in a new series of newsletters I'll be sending roughly every month. I create a lot of podcasts, videos, premium meditations, etc., and rather than send you an email for each one I'll do a round-up of the best content so you can access it super easily without inbox overwhelm. ? New Stoic Lessons ✌️ Never Lose Peace of Mind: The Stoic thought process to overcome stress and suffering in the moment. Listen here.​ ? Trying to Appear Wise is Unwise: Why caring too much about what ot ..read more

Emperor Nero, born on 15th December AD 37, is a figure synonymous with extravagance, cruelty, and madness in the annals of history. His reign as the Emperor of Rome from 54 to 68 AD was marked by personal decadence and political terror, a stark contrast to his early years when he displayed promise and competence. 1️⃣ Early Life and Rise to Power Nero was born into a lineage of influential and, at times, ruthless leaders. His great-great-grandfather, Augustus, the first Roman Emperor, was a legendary figure in Roman history. His mother, Agrippina the Younger, was known for her ambitious and ma ..read more

Some of the greatest philosophy books ever created were formed from nothing but a numbered list of succinctly written insights — maxims or aphorisms: pithy observations containing a general truth about life. Such classics include Marcus Aurelius’ Meditations, Lao Tzu’s Tao Te Ching, François de La Rochefoucauld’s Maxims, and most of Friedrich Nietzsche’s and Arthur Schopenhauer’s masterpieces. Alain de Botton is a modern-day curator, translator, and torch-carrier of ancient and neglected ideas, and is bringing the aphorism back to life. Following in the foot ..read more

Imagine your mind as a vast, complex labyrinth, where pathways of neurons twist and turn, bathed in a fluid cocktail of chemicals and hormones. This intricate maze not only shapes our thoughts and behaviors but also holds the key to unlocking the potential of our cognitive abilities. But what happens when external factors like alcohol or the natural surge of hormones during significant life events disrupt this delicate balance? This is where the ancient philosophy of Stoicism, adapted for the modern era, offers a guiding light. The Brain's Trio And Stoicism's Role Our brains are an ensembl ..read more

Marcus Aurelius, also known as the 'Philosopher King', was one of the most respected emperors in Roman history, reigning from 161 to 180 AD. Born into a prominent family, he rose to power in a period of great military conflict and political instability. Despite his elite status, Marcus is best remembered for his commitment to the Stoic philosophy, which he practiced not just in theory but in the day-to-day running of an empire. His legacy is most enduringly captured in the series of writings known as "Meditations" - a collection of personal thoughts and exercises in Stoic philosophy. Original ..read more

"The most subtle thing that's changed for me over time is...increasingly realizing how steeped [Marcus Aurelius] is in the preceding philosophical tradition." —  Donald Robertson I recently had the privilege of sitting down with Donald Robertson Aurelius to discuss the life and philosophy of Marcus Aurelius. If you want to do a deep dive into the life of Marcus, you can read Donald's book How to Think About Marcus Aurelius. But for now, I'd like to present my in-depth interview with Donald and a breakdown of the key details from our discussion. The full-length interview ? How to Think ..read more