#154 Happiness: Epicurus' Ancient Guide - Jonny Thomson
May 4, 2026
1 hr 48 min
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Episode 154 · May 4, 2026
#154 Happiness: Epicurus' Ancient Guide - Jonny Thomson
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1:48:33This episode#154 Happiness: Epicurus' Ancient Guide - Jonny Thomson
Summary
<p>Get all sides of every story and be better informed at https://ground.news/AlexOC - subscribe for 40% off unlimited access.For early, ad-free access to videos, and to support the channel, subscribe to my Substack: https://www.alexoconnor.com.Jonny Thomson is a philosopher and the founder of <a href="https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UCD2eYNCY8wWVpR0ps6O22aA">PhilosophyMinis </a>. He is on the Executive Board for the British Philosophy Association and is a staff writer at Big Think.Get Jonny's upcoming book, <a href="https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/477995/the-art-of-enough-by-thomson-jonny/9781847929297." rel="noopener noreferer" target="_blank"><em>The Art of Enough: The Ancient Epicurean Philosophy of Finding – and Keeping – Happiness</em></a><strong>TIMESTAMPS:</strong>00:00 - Are Epicureans Selfish?05:30 - Why Epicureanism?10:31 - Who Was Epicurus?16:42 - Godless But Not Atheistic23:21 - Epicurus’ Metaphysics27:24 - Why Focus on Pleasure?35:29 - Epicureanism vs Utilitarianism48:59 - What About Immoral Pleasures?53:02 - Could AI be Epicurean?01:00:50 - The Experience Machine01:10:59 - Why Epicurus Didn’t Like Sex01:16:21 - Are Influencers Watering Down Ancient Philosophy?01:20:06 - Are You In Control of Your Happiness?01:26:33 - Epicureanism vs Stoicism01:32:36 - Epicurus on Death01:36:42 - Do We Have a Happiness Crisis? - CONNECTMy Website: https://www.alexoconnor.comSOCIAL LINKS:Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/cosmicskepticFacebook: http://www.facebook.com/cosmicskepticInstagram: http://www.instagram.com/cosmicskepticTikTok: @CosmicSkepticThe Within Reason Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/within-reason/id1458675168 - CONTACTBusiness email: contact@alexoconnor.comBrand enquiries: David@modernstoa.co</p>
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