Happiness
Week 1 – The True Nature of Happiness
How do we seek happiness? True happiness and unity: ‘May all be happy’ as an intent. Finding happiness through serving one’s neighbor. Observation: the conscious perceiver and the present moment.
Week 2 – Happiness and Society
Is happiness natural? What is the relationship between happiness and law.
Week 3 – Happiness and Utilitarianism
What were Gandhi’s thoughts on utilitarianism?
The art of listening: a practical exercise.
Week 4 – Happiness and Pleasure
Hedonism, Epicurus and Plato. Plato suggests two categories, necessary and unnecessary pleasures. Introduction to the Upanishads: finding satisfaction in oneself.
Week 5 – Happiness and the Platonic Goods
Divine goods: wisdom, self-control, justice and courage. Human goods: health, beauty, strength and wealth. Are these the way to happiness?
Week 6 – Rejoice in the Present
Introduction to Marsilio Ficino the renaissance philosopher. Key phrases inscribed on academy walls. Learning to rejoice in the present.
Week 7 – Lao Tzu
Introduction to Lao Tzu and the Tao Te Ching. Exploring effortless action.
Week 8 – Happiness and Contentment
Introduction to Patanjali and the 8-fold system of yoga, meditation, and contentment. What about ambition? Finding happiness in work: 2 principles for finding happiness in work.
Week 9 – Happiness and Work
Two more principles for finding happiness in work. Practical exercise to discover more about the principles of work in action.
Week 10 – Happiness and Wisdom
The connection between wisdom and happiness. More on Marcus Aurelius.
Why you don’t need much to live happily.