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Philosophy Basics

A free guide to philosophy since 2008, with a magazine about ideas at work.

Philosophy Basics

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Plain-English guides to the philosophers, ideas and movements that shaped how we think.

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From the magazine

Ideas from philosophy at work in real lives, studies and decisions.

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The Good Life → If you grew up in the 60s or 70s, you were probably told to “go outside and find something to do.” Seneca would have called that good training, and these 7 mental strengths are worth getting back
Human Nature → Psychology says people who wave to say thank you when another driver lets them in aren’t just being polite. They’re holding onto a habit of noticing small kindnesses, and that habit quietly shapes how grateful they feel about everything else
Lives & Ideas → In 1859, Abraham Lincoln told a crowd of Wisconsin farmers about an Eastern king who asked his wise men for one sentence that would always be true. They gave him: "And this, too, shall pass away."
In Their Words → Thought of the day from Stoic philosopher Epictetus: “Men are disturbed, not by things, but by the principles and notions, which they form concerning thing.”

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