The Great Books of the Western Canon, organized by Mortimer J. Adler in the Syntopicon, span 102 enduring ideas—ranging from Truth, Beauty, and Justice to Democracy, Love, and God. These categories trace the intellectual tradition of the West, connecting philosophy, literature, history, science, and theology. Together, they map the recurring questions and principles shaping human thought across centuries.
The Pursuit of Pleasure and the Good Life: A Philosophical Journey The human quest for a life well-lived is as old as philosophy itself, often culminating in a fundamental question: Is pleasure the ultimate measure of a good life, or is there something more profound at its core? From the...
The Experience of Happiness: A Philosophical Journey The pursuit of happiness is perhaps the most universal human endeavor, yet its nature remains profoundly elusive. Is it a fleeting sensation, a state of mind, or a lifelong achievement? From the wisdom enshrined in the Great Books of the Western World, we...
The Enduring Enigma: Unpacking the Connection Between Wealth and Happiness The pursuit of wealth and the yearning for happiness are perhaps two of humanity's most persistent and universal desires. From the dawn of civilization, individuals and societies alike have grappled with the intricate relationship between material prosperity and...
The Idea of Universal Happiness: A Philosophical Journey The idea of universal happiness is a concept that has captivated philosophers, theologians, and political thinkers for millennia. It's the grand, sweeping vision of a state where all sentient beings experience well-being, contentment, and flourishing. But what does such a...
The Elusive Pursuit: Unpacking the Definition of Happiness The quest for happiness is, arguably, the most fundamental human endeavor. From the earliest philosophical inquiries to the present day, thinkers have grappled with its nature, its attainment, and, most importantly, its definition. Is it a fleeting sensation, a state of mind,...
The Aristocratic Idea of the Good Life: A Pursuit of Excellence The "good life" is a philosophical pursuit as old as human thought itself, yet its definition has varied dramatically across cultures and epochs. Among the most enduring and provocative conceptions is the aristocratic idea – not merely a...
The Enduring Quest: Unpacking the Nature of Happiness in Philosophy Happiness. It's a word we use daily, a state we all aspire to, and often, a fleeting sensation that seems to slip through our fingers. But what is happiness, truly? Is it a feeling, a virtue, a life...
The Elusive Embrace: Navigating the Experience of Happiness The pursuit of happiness is perhaps the most universal human endeavor, yet its nature remains a subject of profound philosophical debate. Is happiness merely a fleeting sensation of pleasure, or something deeper, more enduring? This article explores the multifaceted experience of happiness,...
The Elusive Equation: Wealth, Happiness, and the Human Condition The pursuit of wealth is a foundational drive in human societies, often implicitly, if not explicitly, linked to the promise of happiness. From the earliest market stalls to the modern stock exchange, humanity has striven to accumulate resources, believing that prosperity...
