Expert shares top tips on how to live like a philosopher

“People might say ‘Why should we care about what someone said two millennia ago?’,” says Professor Massimo Pigliucci. “But what these people wrote about human flourishing stands the test of time, mostly because human nature hasn’t changed.”

By “these people”, Professor Pigliucci means the philosophers of ancient Greek and Rome. He’s the co-author of the book Live Like A Philosopher, which looks at their teachings and how their relevance can still help us in today’s fast-paced world.

Covering everyone from Socrates to Plato, Aristotle to Epicurus, the philosophers’ life stories are told alongside practical exercises.

Professor Pigliucci, who lectures in philosophy at The City College of New York, says the Greek and Roman philosophers were the original influencers – but instead of being on social media, they were out in the real world.

“At that time if you were a philosopher, you really needed to live the life of a philosopher,” he says. “You didn’t just get to preach and not live it. It was very physical and deed rather than creed.”

So why the need for philosophy today – with our many routes of mindfulness, meditation, relaxation apps, gym memberships?

“We are living in interesting times,” says Professor Pigliucci. “Superficially our society is dramatically different, but we all share the same common goals of love, friendship, money and tranquillity. And we want to avoid poverty, sickness, death and hatred.

“Today we have a lot of talk about meaning, as in what is the meaning of life? The Greco-Romans didn’t necessarily use that terminology. They used it in terms of goals, what they called telos, to have a purpose. It’s about what you are trying to do with your life.”

Below he focuses on five philosophers and we show how to put their teachings into practice.

Born 341 BCE. Died 270 BCE

“Epicureanism has this reputation of sex, drugs and rock ‘n roll – it is in fact the opposite. Epicurus created a calming existence in a country garden.

“For Epicureans the goal of human life was tranquillity or ataraxia, serenity. And to live a life of serenity, you have to avoid pain, both mental and physical.

“It’s all about small pleasures, cultivating friendships. Epicureans saw that some natural desires can be fulfilled easily and those are the ones that we should focus on – food, drink, shelter. If you can take care of those, that makes for a good life.

“But if you have a thirst for something like wealth or fame, there is no stopping point. It doesn’t do anything for human needs and is never-ending. Now you are going to complicate your life and be constantly anxious as the goal posts keep moving.”

Goal: Aim for a minimalistic life and enjoy simple pleasures. Go in the garden, plant some bulbs, sniff the flowers. Clear your cupboards of things you don’t use and ask yourself if you really need that designer handbag.

Born 384 BCE. Died 322 BCE

“Aristotle famously said that virtue is beautiful. We use that today in the saying ‘That was a beautiful thing to do’. That means that it’s natural for human beings to act virtuously and by that we mean simply to be nice to other people.

“There is a pretty good amount of evidence from modern biology that we have inherited pro-social instincts [for volunteering, helping our neighbours, donating money] from our ancestors and we really are naturally co-operative within our group.

“This is where philosophy helps, because it provides you with a framework to make you think about what your priorities are, what is important to you.

“Think about what you need to do to help people – and then do it for the right reasons. Don’t just do it for your CV.”

Goal: Volunteer locally either in a charity shop or food bank. Give your time to other people, whether it’s befriending an elderly person or doing someone’s shopping.

Born 428 (or 424) BCE. Died 348 BCE

“Plato was one of the most active philosophers in terms of political engagement. He was very hands on and travelled to try to influence local politics.

“He turned his Academy, at least in part, into what we today would call a think tank. There were several local rulers who would write to him asking for advice and he would assign some of these tasks to some of his students.

“Most of us don’t have the ear of kings and rulers but we can certainly get involved politically at a local level.”

Goal: Get involved on local issues by writing to your council, whether it’s about a library closure or poor street lighting. If people are littering in your area or not cleaning up after their dogs, get a community action group going.

Born 470 BCE. Died 399 BCE

“Socrates famously had a friend who went to the oracle at Delphi and asked ‘Who is the most wise man in Athens?’ He was told it was Socrates and when he heard that, Socrates said ‘I am not wise at all.’

“His idea is that wisdom begins with admitting that you know far less than what you think – don’t assume you know everything. You are open to learning and to keep questioning.

“And keep questioning other people too, but not to tell them they are wrong, that is not going to work. It’s to make them pause and reflect.”

Goal: Enrol in a class outside your comfort zone or find a hobby that stretches you. Go for a coffee with friends and discuss that day’s news.

Born 350 BCE. Died 280 BCE

“Hipparchia is one of two female philosophers in the book. We do know there were a good number of women involved in philosophy for the time. But it was difficult to find those who were prominent enough that they left a record.

“Hipparchia chose a very demanding philosophy – cynicism. It was like Stoicism on steroids. If the Stoics were favouring minimalism, not many possessions, the cynics gave up everything, they had no house, no possessions, they were like itinerant monks.

“She was from a rich, noble family in Athens and at some point she announced to her family that she wanted to marry the poorer Crates.

“She wanted to show you can live a good life in which you are happy without all the trappings.”

Goal: Kick against convention. Do something unexpected – get a six-pack, take an ice bath, try an open mic night.

Live Like a Philosopher: What the Ancient Greeks and Romans Can Teach Us About Living a Happy Life by Massimo Pigliucci, Gregory Lopez and Meredith Alexander Kunz, £16.99 (Headline Press) is out now