Lessons from ancient philosophers to live a happier life

The quest for happiness is as old as human life. How can we make our existence as happy as possible? And what meaning can we give to it? Questions that are more topical than ever in a world where time seems to be speeding up.

Our quest for happiness can be thwarted by the growing pressures on our lives: from the imperative of productivity, the isolation caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, and anxieties about the geopolitical and environmental situation of the world.

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Multiple solutions exist to dissipate this anxiety or discomfort: practicing yoga, talking to a shrink, or searching for help from a coach... But did you know that the philosophy of Antiquity offers a lot of advice that is still up to date to improve your life?

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This is what Nicolas Lisimachio tried to show in a book titled 'They understood everything.' The author describes Ancient philosophy as "a toolbox, useful for repairing or improving the mechanisms of our lives," and as "essential for our well-being."

A series of principles of life defended more than 2,000 years ago by Greek or Roman thinkers could thus continue to serve as benchmarks for us. Here is a quick overview.

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The first step is to ask yourself what and who you are. It's a necessary introspection because, as Socrates said, "a life without examination is not worth living."

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This work on oneself also benefits one's vision of the outside world, since it allows a person to overcome their preconceived notions and prejudices. There is nothing like reconciling with others and with your environment!

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For the Stoics, a happy existence involves freeing ourselves from what does not depend on us. We need to get rid of the most unpleasant feelings such as fear or lust, they say.

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Since we can only control our own life, it is also important to detach ourselves from other people's negative feelings towards us, such as envy, jealousy, or simply fear of their judgment.

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Stoic happiness, therefore, consists in accepting what must be and in deciding to act only on the things that one can influence. As Epictetus wrote: "Let those who want to be free therefore abstain from wanting what does not depend on them alone; otherwise, inevitably, they will be slaves."

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If you accept the things you inevitably suffer from, you cultivate your inner strength and learn how to sacrifice some of your desires. Channeling your desires allows you to suffer less if you cannot eliminate them.

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Friendship is both healthy and necessary according to ancient philosophers. As Marc-Aurèle wrote in the 2nd century AD: "Men are made for each other, to instruct them or support them."

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Death is inevitable and its apprehension can spoil the time we have to live. The best antidote for the Ancients is to live one's life to the fullest. A happy and full existence neutralizes the anguish of death, they say.

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A recommendation that is more relevant than ever in our fast-paced societies: we must take time so as not to have the impression of running out of it. In the words of Seneca: "We have not been given a short life, but we make it short."

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Good health is the condition of a happy life. The Ancients were keen on sports, healthy eating, and regular contact with nature.

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Finally, the Ancient philosophers have a wise piece of advice regarding the proliferation of fake news: Be able to distinguish facts from opinions. For the philosophers of Antiquity, facts are the manifestation of truth, while opinions have no value as such.

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