Latest posts from @philosophyminis on Instagram
I explain philosophical ideas.
I write for @bigthinkers.
What they post about
The account focuses on explaining various philosophical concepts and ideas, often relating them to contemporary life situations. It discusses themes such as happiness during midlife crises, the impact of small decisions, and historical philosophical concepts like the devil's advocate. Additionally, it explores the cyclical nature of empires and their eventual decline. The content aims to provoke thought and reflection on personal and societal issues through a philosophical lens.
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Life's Choices and Inevitable Regrets
Explore the idea that every life choice leads to a new version of ourselves, often accompanied by regret. Inspired by Matt Haig's 'The Midnight Train', this reflection delves into the unavoidable losses and the importance of cherishing life as it is.
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The True Essence of Leisure
Discover Joseph Pieper's perspective on leisure as more than just a break from work. True leisure involves engaging with life's deeper aspects, such as meaning and beauty, and is essential for genuine human connection.
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Understanding Social Anxiety
Krista Thomason's insights into social anxiety reveal the conflict between our curated self-conception and our true identity. This exploration highlights the commonality of overthinking social interactions and the authenticity of our unfiltered selves.
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The Pitfalls of Pseudo-Profoundness
Examine the phenomenon of pseudo-profound BS, where deep-sounding words mask a lack of genuine meaning. Inspired by Gordon Pennycook's research, this post warns against the allure of seemingly profound statements that lack clarity.
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discovering zugunruhe: a bird's restless journey
This post delves into the concept of 'Zugunruhe', a term used to describe the migratory restlessness observed in birds. It connects this phenomenon to broader philosophical themes and includes references to works by Jackie Morris and Robert Macfarlane.
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the doorman fallacy: beyond job descriptions
This narrative recounts the story of a London hotel doorman, illustrating the 'doorman fallacy'—the mistake of reducing roles to their most visible functions and ignoring their broader impact. It critiques modern business practices that overlook the intangible contributions of employees.
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overcoming toxic productivity: a big think insight
Philosophy Minis tackles the issue of toxic productivity, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and overcoming unrealistic societal expectations. The post highlights insights from Oliver Burkeman, advocating for a more balanced and fulfilling approach to life.
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nietzsche on pity: a destructive kindness
Philosophy Minis explores Nietzsche's view on pity, suggesting it is more damaging than cruelty. Pity, he argues, assigns a 'sufferer' identity to individuals, hindering their growth and self-definition. The post challenges the reader to reconsider how pity affects both the giver and receiver, promoting a culture of stagnation rather than healing.
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Avoiding the pig fight: a lesson in argument
Philosophy Minis offers a cautionary tale about engaging in arguments with those who argue in bad faith. Drawing on George Bernard Shaw's wisdom, the post highlights the futility of such disputes and the importance of maintaining civility and reason in an age of heightened outrage and polarization.
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understanding human behavior through colors
Philosophy Minis reviews Thomas Erikson's book, 'Surrounded by Idiots,' which uses a four-color model to explain human behavior. The book categorizes people into reds, yellows, greens, and blues, each representing different communication styles and dispositions. Erikson's work highlights the importance of understanding these differences to enhance communication and reduce misunderstandings.
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Plato's Paradox: The Search for Happiness
Philosophy Minis delves into the philosophical question of happiness through the lens of Plato's Meno's paradox. The post explores how understanding what makes us happy requires reflection on past experiences and testing these insights in real life. This approach is applicable to major life decisions, from relationships to career paths.
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are you betraying your future self?
In this insightful post, Meghan Sullivan explores the idea that we often betray our future selves by giving more importance to the present. She argues that this is a form of cognitive distortion, where we rationalize our actions in terms of mindfulness, but in reality, we are neglecting the moral weight of our future selves. The post challenges readers to reconsider how they prioritize their actions and the impact on their future well-being.
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the art of retreat: understanding the motte and bailey fallacy
In this insightful post, we explore the 'motte and bailey fallacy', a rhetorical strategy where bold, sweeping claims are made only to be retracted to more defensible positions when challenged. The discussion highlights how this tactic is often used in political debates and philosophical discussions, where the allure of a provocative statement can quickly crumble under scrutiny.
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embracing 'kairos': the art of timing
Philosophy Minis explores 'kairos,' the ancient Greek notion of the opportune moment. The post discusses the importance of practical wisdom and the challenge of recognizing the right time to act in various life situations.
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Plutarch's Perspective on True Intelligence
This thought-provoking post challenges the conventional notion of intelligence, drawing on Plutarch's idea that the mind is a fire to be kindled rather than a vessel to be filled, urging a reevaluation of educational systems.
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rethinking the midlife crisis
Philosophy Minis examines the concept of the midlife crisis through the lens of philosopher Kieran Setiya. The post suggests that happiness is not about achieving goals but about engaging in activities for their own sake. It challenges readers to redefine happiness by focusing on the journey rather than the destination, promoting a shift from 'telic' to 'atelic' activities.
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the tyranny of small decisions: crafting your life
Philosophy Minis explores how small, everyday decisions can have a profound impact on our lives. Drawing on the concept introduced by economist Alfred Kahn, the post illustrates how minor choices, when accumulated, can lead to unintended life paths. It serves as a reminder to be conscious of the small actions we take, as they define the life we ultimately live.
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navigating fake news with ground news
Philosophy Minis highlights the problem of 'liar's dividend' where real news is dismissed as fake. The post recommends using Ground News to verify news sources and provides a 40% discount on their Vantage plan. It stresses the importance of being proactive in assessing media trustworthiness and understanding the influence of ownership on news framing.
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kierkegaard's challenge: choose your path
Philosophyminis delves into Kierkegaard's philosophy, questioning the conventional life trajectory that many follow. The post examines the ease of conforming to societal expectations versus the anxiety of choosing one's own path. It challenges readers to reflect on their life choices and consider the courage required to live authentically, beyond the safety of societal norms.
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the test of true virtue: insights from milton and aurelius
Philosophy Minis delves into the philosophical discourse on virtue, referencing John Milton's critique of untested virtues and Marcus Aurelius' emphasis on action. The post challenges readers to evaluate their own virtues through the lens of real-world experiences and moral tests.
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