Philosophy for Living Well
By Lou Marinoff
generations by now, have been equipped to live technologically well, but not necessarily humanly well. Future columns will discuss culturally-induced illnesses that debilitate developed societies, and their remedies, namely philosophical practices. Your mind is like a precious gem: the more you polish it, the more it sparkles. In decades of taking philosophy public and global, I've met many smart people who also managed to avoid Philosophy 101 at all costs, possibly with good reason! But later in life they tend to feel the loss, especially when beset with moral dilemmas, existential crises, and changing circumstances. Published in 1999, and translated into 27 languages, Plato Not Prozac helps millions of people bridge that chasm — from living unwell to living well. In 1999 I also co- founded the American Philosophical Practitioners Association, which trains philosophers to render services as counselors, consultants and coaches, in diverse sectors outside the academy. In future columns, I'll expand on key ideas and themes, illustrating how philosophers not only "talk the talk" but more importantly "walk the walk" of living well, shining a light on the art of flourishing in your chosen path. I would also love to hear from fellow Bellwether Members: please write me if you'd a like a philosopher to weigh in on any issue whatsoever. For many years I moderated a
As occupations go, philosophy has had a pretty long run. Its written tradition stretches back to the 6th century BCE at least, and crosses the cradles of at least three great civilizations: Hellenic, Indian, and Chinese. Ideas from their pre- eminent philosophers, such as Aristotle, Buddha and Confucius — the "ABCs" of virtue ethics—are as important today as they were back then. Important for what? For the first part of Bellwether's salutation: Live Well and Prosper Fairly. Living a life of quality, fulfillment, happiness, and contributive spirit, is also a precursor to prospering fairly. You could call philosophy "the world's second-oldest profession." In every generation, philosophers have appeared in numerous guises. Some inquired into deep recesses of nature and human nature alike (thus furthering mathematics and science). Others defended humanistic and humanizing ideals (so spurring liberty, opportunity, and hope). A few were outright political activists and irritants (at risk of censorship, arrest and persecution). Our post-industrial-scientific- military-cybernetic complex and the proliferating STEM disciplines (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics), so necessary in today's evolving world, have also accompanied a drastic defunding of Humanities programs. Thus an entire generation, if not several
monthly Philosopher's Forum at a Barnes & Noble in Manhattan. Dozens of people would gather to discuss perennial questions or push- button issues of the day, taking philosophy into a public space and tackling topics that have become taboo in universities and the mainstream media alike! Lucius Annaeus Seneca, the great Roman stoic, dispensed philosophical advice to his fellow citizens by answering their letters. When asked the purpose of philosophy, Seneca replied "Counsel." So there you have it. Fast-forward a millennium, and the Philosopher is still "In."
Lou Marinoff is Professor of Philosophy at The City College of New York, founding president of the American Philosophical Practitioners Association, and an internationally bestselling author. He joined the Bellwether Alliance in 2021. https://www.loumarinoff.com
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