Happiness Lessons of The Ancients: Plato
The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos09/21/20 • 27 min
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Plato likened us all to charioteers trying to control two wayward horses. The steeds represent the competing wants and desires that constantly pull us off course and away from a happier life.
Yale professor Tamar Gendler joins Dr Laurie Santos to examine how the ancient Greek philosopher didn't only diagnose the internal tensions we all face, but also offered a cure. The horses can be made to pull in the direction you command... but each must be coaxed in the right way.
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09/21/20 • 27 min
6 Listeners
5.0
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The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos - Happiness Lessons of The Ancients: Plato
Transcript Summary
In this captivating episode titled "Happiness Lessons of The Ancients: Plato," the speaker delves into their personal struggles with internal battles that hinder their pursuit of happiness. Drawing on the wisdom of ancient philosophies and modern science, the episode explores Plato's profound ideas on happiness and self-control. Plato believed that human beings are torn in different directions, which he depicted through metaphors like a charioteer with two horses. By avoiding temptations, limiting exposure to them, and practicing self-control, one can rein in their desires and navigate the path towards happiness. These strategies, employed for centuries across various world wisdom traditions, emphasize the importance of understanding and training our animal-like desires. Plato's insights have practical applications in our daily lives, allowing us to establish routines and cultivate habits that align with our desired actions. Through this exploration, we uncover how the ancient Greeks laid the groundwork for later thinkers to delve into the realms of self-control and the mastery of one's thoughts and perspectives. This thought-provoking episode provides valuable lessons on achieving happiness and inner harmony, making it a must-listen for those seeking a fulfilling life.
Transcript
Pushkin from the second I opened my eyes. Each morning, I'm locked in a battle with a persistent and persuasive adversary, someone who seems dead set on preventing me from practicing all of the happiness techniques I teach you about in this podcast. I want to plan my day so I don't feel time pressured, and I want to meditate an exercise every morning, and I want to do random acts of kindness throughout the day. But my nemesis is right there encou
Happiness Lessons of The Ancients: Plato Top Questions Answered
How can Plato's philosophy on self-control be applied in modern times?
Plato's philosophy on self-control can be applied in modern times by reducing temptations, making desired actions obvious and accessible, and setting up situations where one doesn't feel tempted.
What strategies do many world religions and wisdom traditions offer for regulating appetites?
Many world religions and wisdom traditions offer strategies for regulating appetites, including mindfulness practices, fasting, and self-discipline.
How did Plato suggest training the "spirit horse" of honor?
Plato suggested training the "spirit horse" of honor through argument and explanation, cultivating habits, and using familiarity and pleasure to encourage reflective behavior.
What did Plato's Academy focus on in creating an environment for learning?
Plato's Academy focused on the social aspect of human nature to create an environment for learning.
How can Plato's ideas be applied in personal life?
Plato's ideas can be applied in personal life by developing family habits, shaping how we view and frame the world, and recognizing the natural tendencies that require effort to control.
Which subsequent philosophers built upon Plato's ideas of self-control?
Subsequent philosophers, like Epictetus, expanded on and built upon Plato's ideas of self-control and framing.
What is one of Plato's famous works that explores the ideal society and individual flourishing?
One of Plato's famous works that explores the ideal society and individual flourishing is "The Republic."
What metaphors did Plato use to explain the need for humans to control their desires and passions?
Plato used metaphors such as the charioteer and horses to explain the need for humans to control their desires and passions.
How did Plato suggest controlling the horse of appetite?
Plato suggested controlling the horse of appetite by avoiding temptations, limiting exposure to them, and using self-control techniques.
What did Plato recognize about human nature and appetites?
Plato recognized that humans have animalistic instincts and advised training oneself to resist temptations, as humans are naturally attracted to food that provides nutrition.
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