Happiness Course details
Week 1: The True Nature of Happiness
How do we seek happiness? True happiness and unity: ‘May all be happy’ as an intent. Tolstoy: happiness through serving one’s neighbour. Observation, the conscious perceiver and the present moment.
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Week 2: Happiness and society
Is happiness natural? Analogy of light bulbs. Relationship between happiness and law.
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Week 3: Happiness and Utilitarianism
Bentham, Mill. Gandhi’s criticism and an alternative view to utilitarianism. The art of listening: practical exercise.
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Week 4: Happiness and pleasure
Hedonism, Epicurus and Plato. Plato suggests two categories, necessary and unnecessary pleasures. Introduction to the Upanishads: finding satisfaction in oneself.
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Week 5: Happiness and the Platonic Goods
Divine goods: wisdom, self-control, justice and courage. Human goods: health, beauty, strength and wealth. Are these the way to happiness?
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Week 6: Rejoice in the present
Introduction to Marsilio Ficino, renaissance philosopher. Key phrases inscribed on academy walls.
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Week 7: Rejoice in the present.
Introduction to Lao Tzu: Tao Te Ching. Tea ceremony. Exploring effortless action.
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Week 8: Happiness and contentment
Introduction to Patanjali and the 8-fold system of yoga, meditation, contentment. What about ambition? Finding happiness in work: 2 principles for finding happiness in work.
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Week 9: Happiness and work
2 more principles for finding happiness in work. Practical exercise to discover more about the principles of work in action.
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Week 10: Happiness and wisdom
The connection between wisdom and happiness. Marcus Aurelius; you don’t need much to live happily. Review of the term.
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