Meaning and the good life
The self
idea
When Nietzsche said ‘become who you are’, this is what he meant
Behind the philosopher’s cryptic phrase is an invocation to sculpt your ideal self out of the hard stone of your psyche
by Ryan A Bush
Thinkers and theories
idea
Learning to be a loser: a philosopher’s case for doing nothing
For Emil Cioran, a life devoid of action, practical ambitions and busyness is a life in which room has been made for meaning
by Costica Bradatan
Meaning and the good life
guide
How to get your mojo back
You’re not depressed but you’re not happy – you’re languishing. Give yourself a boost with these evidence-backed strategies
by Frank Martela
Dissociation and detachment
film
Using his body as a canvas, Jean-François recalls getting lost in unreality
Directed by Jean-François Boisvenue
Rituals and celebrations
idea
More radical and practical than Stoicism – discover Shugendō
As they train for their own deaths, Japan’s mountain priests develop a form of acceptance that goes beyond the Stoics
by Tim Bunting
Creativity
idea
A life of splendid uselessness is a life well lived
Like the fertile soil of a well-kept garden, a life of splendid, utter uselessness yields abundance beyond our immediate aims
by Joseph M Keegin
Meaning and the good life
guide
How to live like an Epicurean
Forget shallow hedonism. Follow this philosophy for wondrous, unexpected joys and resilience against inevitable misfortune
by Emily Austin
Progress and the future
film
Stick figures meet existential angst in this acclaimed, darkly comedic short
Directed by Don Hertzfeldt
Thinkers and theories
idea
For Nietzsche, nihilism goes deeper than ‘life is pointless’
For Friedrich Nietzsche, nihilism is a terrible psychological problem – a coping mechanism with deadly consequences
by Kaitlyn Creasy
Meaning and the good life
idea
What’s a life worth living? For the ancients, it depends
What the ancient philosophers thought was a life worth living will likely surprise you. But don’t be too quick to judge
by David Machek
Work and vocation
guide
How to craft a harmonious life
Forget the ideal of work/life balance – your needs and interests are much richer than that, and your life can be too
by Jessica de Bloom & Merly Kosenkranius
Spirituality and religion
film
What happens when two people on life’s spiritual path find each other?
Directed by Lloyd Kramer and Scott Chestnut