It’s that time of year when there is much wishing one another a “Happy New Year”.
But how does one become “happy”?
According to the ancient Greek philosopher Epicurus the path to happiness requires just three things: friends, freedom and thought (an analysed life).*
Epicurus is also associated with the early development of the scientific method insisting that nothing should be believed except that which is tested through direct observation and logical deduction.
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*from the DVD ‘Philosophy: A Guide to Happiness’ by Alain de Bottom http://www.alaindebotton.com/philosophy.asp
Photograph of rocks at Alexandra Bay, Noosa National Park, Australia, taken in November 2008 by Jennifer Marohasy.
Jennifer Marohasy BSc PhD has worked in industry and government. She is currently researching a novel technique for long-range weather forecasting funded by the B. Macfie Family Foundation.