• WTF is practical philosophy

Coping

We all need to cope. We turn to weed, alcohol, games… or more subtle socially approved coping mechanisms such as over-productivity. Therefore, we would like to offer you an introduction to some alternative takes on how to achieve the ultimate cope, the coveted philosophers’ stone, the alchemical gold… A.K.A. peace of mind.

• Stoicism “You've done well, Fortune, driving me thus to philosophy” uttered Zeno after his ship and all of his investments were destroyed (Zeno got rekt). In this story we can see the essence of stoicism shining forth - the power of choosing. In essence stoicism wants to teach us what is in our control (i.e. attitude) and what isn’t (ETH being 10k in the last bull run). To act in accordance with that knowledge they have devised a set of practices for their followers such as memento mori or reflective journaling. Finally, to always desire and act in accordance with that which is within your power is to be unconquerable - a lofty goal within our grasp.

Introduction to Stoicism

• Scepticism Are you really sitting on a chair reading this or is this all just a dream. Is the Matrix real? They went after ignorace - but their ignorace was not a common ignorace of the disinterested or unlearned masses. Their ignorance was earned by losing the illusion of knowledge. They have shed countless beliefs, ideas and biases held by many through socialization, education or by default. Sceptics went after the ever sought peace of mind by dissolving their judgment - how can a broken leg be bad if we are clueless about the nature of good and bad? Maybe a broken leg could lead to a prosperous rapping career (Action Bronson) or it might be a terrible fate for a professional basketball player. We don’t know and we must not assume we do know.

Introduction to Ancient Scepticism: Pyrrhonism

• Absurdism “One must imagine Sysphus happy” were the words Camus wrote after describing his take on the famous myth of Sysphus. Sysphus was sentenced to an eternity of meaningless labor by the gods. But Camus believed that even in the midst of absurdity, the struggle is enough to fill a man’s heart and make life worth living. Therefore, even if life has no inherent meaning, the struggle to find or create one’s own meaning is enough to fill our hearts.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6KC1YrxJma8

• Epicureanism: In the garden of Epicurus even virtue could be explained as a pleasurable pursuit. According to Epicurus, pleasure is what humans are after - and the best way to reach it might be by limiting our desires and reducing suffering.

Epicurus and the Good Life

Epicurus's Three Steps To Happiness

Decision-making

How to make better choices?