Happiness

  1. In Praise of Folly
    Desiderius Erasmus
    In Praise of Folly
    Desiderius Erasmus 1511 CE

    Folly speaks in her own defense in a comic speech about human foolishness. She claims credit for the happiness of everyone from lovers to scholars and church leaders.

    2h 47m reading time

  2. On Friendship and On Old Age
    Marcus Tullius Cicero
    On Friendship and On Old Age
    Marcus Tullius Cicero c. 44 BCE

    Two imagined conversations examine what makes a true friend and how to face old age. The elderly Cato defends later life, including its pleasures of farming and conversation.

    2h reading time

  3. Civilization and Its Discontents
    Sigmund Freud
    Civilization and Its Discontents
    Sigmund Freud 1930

    This extended essay examines the conflict between human desires and the demands of living together. A comparison with Rome imagines the mind as a city where every past building still stands.

    1h 51m reading time

  4. Utilitarianism
    John Stuart Mill
    Utilitarianism
    John Stuart Mill 1861

    This essay examines whether actions should be judged by the happiness they produce. Mill compares a dissatisfied Socrates with a satisfied fool to explain why some pleasures matter more.

    1h 50m reading time

  5. The Conquest of Happiness
    Bertrand Russell
    The Conquest of Happiness
    Bertrand Russell 1930

    This practical guide examines common causes of unhappiness and habits that can make life more enjoyable. Its chapter on boredom argues that a happy life still needs stretches of quiet and routine.

    3h 49m reading time