Watch Philosophy: A Guide to Happiness

Name: Philosophy: A Guide to Happiness
Genre: Documentary & Biography
Released: 2000-03-24
Cast: Alain de Botton

TV-14
2000
1 Season
8.0 (338)

Philosophy: A Guide to Happiness is a fascinating documentary series hosted by the renowned philosopher Alain de Botton. The show explores the ideas of some of the greatest thinkers the world has ever known and offers a fresh perspective on how these ideas can help us lead happier and more fulfilling lives.

The show is divided into six episodes, each one being dedicated to the philosophy of a different great thinker. The first episode focuses on Socrates, one of the founding fathers of Western philosophy. Through a re-enactment of some of Socrates' most famous dialogues, Alain de Botton demonstrates how the philosopher's ideas of questioning everything can help us better understand ourselves and the world around us.

The second episode focuses on the philosophy of Epicurus, who believed that the key to a happy life lies in the simple pleasures. Alain de Botton explores how Epicurus' ideas can help us break free from the endless pursuit of material possessions and find joy in the everyday moments of life.

The third episode is about Seneca, a Roman stoic philosopher who taught that our thoughts and beliefs are the key to happiness. Alain de Botton demonstrates how Seneca's ideas on focusing on what we can control and accepting what we cannot can help us find inner peace and happiness.

The fourth episode is dedicated to Montaigne, a 16th-century French philosopher who believed that the key to happiness lies in accepting our imperfections and the imperfections of others. Alain de Botton explores how Montaigne's ideas on embracing our flaws can help us become more tolerant and compassionate towards ourselves and others.

The fifth episode focuses on Schopenhauer, a German philosopher who taught that many of our struggles in life are caused by our attachment to material possessions and our desire for fame and power. Alain de Botton demonstrates how Schopenhauer's ideas can help us break free from these attachments and find a deeper sense of meaning and purpose in life.

The final episode is about Nietzsche, a controversial philosopher who believed that the key to a meaningful life is to embrace our primal instincts and live a life of passion and creativity. Alain de Botton explores how Nietzsche's ideas can help us break free from the constraints of society and find our own path to personal fulfillment.

Overall, Philosophy: A Guide to Happiness is an engaging and enlightening series that offers a fresh and practical perspective on some of the most important ideas in philosophy. Alain de Botton's passion for the subject shines through in every episode, and his ability to make complex ideas accessible to a wide audience is truly remarkable. Whether you're a seasoned philosopher or simply someone looking for a more fulfilling life, this series is an absolute must-watch.

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Seasons

6. Nietzsche on Hardship

May 6, 2000

Do we all have it too easy? Certainly the German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche would think so. He stridently believed that to achieve any sort of self-satisfaction, you have to suffer. The only way to achieve anything worthwhile was to overcome hardship and difficulty. Comfort and ease leads directly to misery. Is his view: 'that which does not kill us makes us stronger' applicable today?

5. Socrates On Self-Confidence

April 29, 2000

The ancient Greek thinker Socrates felt that too many of us followed the herd and didn't think for ourselves enough. We're all too easily swayed by the opinions of others and fail to live a life that questions the world around us, preventing us from developing a strong personal viewpoint. Could taking a more Socratic, challenging approach in the social media age provide some much needed solace?

4. Montaigne On Self-Esteem

April 15, 2000

Low self-esteem may feel like a modern problem but French philosopher Michel de Montaigne was concerned with the condition back in the 16th-century. He felt that bodily inferiority, the judgment of others and intellectual inadequacy made us feel bad about ourselves. But could his belief in accepting our own ordinariness, and not worrying about things outside of our control, help us be happier?

3. Epicurus on Happiness

April 8, 2000

If the ancient Greek philosopher Epicurus were alive today, he'd make an absolute killing in the self-help market. He believed that the route to total happiness and tranquility involved self-sufficiency, surrounding yourself with good friends and being free. He felt material possessions merely made us more miserable. Could his non-consumerist vision provide a blueprint for our lives today?

2. Schopenhauer On Love

March 31, 2000

When dealing with the intrigues of love, German philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer may not be the first person you’d turn to for advice. His view on the world was often considered somewhat pessimistic. But could his notion that propagating the species is the most important natural force for humans, help to remove some of the mysteries associated with love and reduce unnecessary romantic pressure?

1. Seneca On Anger

March 24, 2000

The world can feel like a bit of an angry place most of the time. But where is this rage coming from and what can we do to control it? Roman philosopher Seneca may have lived over 2000 years ago, but anger concerned him enough that he wrote a whole book on the subject. Can his ancient teachings about lowering our expectations help to curb the wrath of a modern day truck driver?

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