The goal of life is cheerfulness (4 lessons from the laughing philosopher)
Viktor Frankl’s 8-Word Rule For Life That Sums Up 100 Self-Help Books
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“Happiness dwells in the soul.” Democritus said.
He wasn't just a thinker. He was a man who laughed at the madness of the world. That’s why people called him The Laughing Philosopher. He believed laughter could lighten the burdens of life and help us find joy even in difficult situations. Humour can provide a fresh perspective and allow us to approach life with a lightheartedness that brings happiness. He recognised the transformative effects of humour, as it alleviates stress, strengthens social bonds, and improve our understanding of the world.
Born in Abdera, the ancient Greek pre-Socratic philosopher devoted his life to the pursuit of knowledge and understanding. Influenced by his predecessor Leucippus, he championed the theory of atomism — an idea that posited the universe was composed of indivisible particles called atoms.
However, it was not merely his scientific contributions that made Democritus a legendary figure in philosophical circles. It was his philosophy of joy and happiness that continues to resonate with people across the ages.
Democritus believed that happiness was not an elusive goal to be chased but rather a state of mind that could be cultivated through a deliberate approach to life. He emphasised that true joy could be found by embracing simplicity, appreciating the natural world’s wonders, and harmonising one’s desires with the reality of existence.
His teachings revolved around the notion that we could attain a profound sense of inner peace and contentment by relinquishing attachment to material possessions and external circumstances. The Laughing Philosopher’s humorous disposition and witty remarks endeared him to his contemporaries, as he often used laughter as a tool to dismantle pretence and challenge conventional wisdom.
Democritus believed that laughter could bring people together, dissolve tensions, and unveil the absurdities of life, allowing individuals to embrace the beauty hidden within its enigmatic tapestry.
Cultivate a cheerful disposition
“The goal of life is cheerfulness (euthymia), which is not the same as pleasure . . . but the state in which the soul continues calmly and stably, disturbed by no fear or superstition or any other emotion,” he wrote in the book, On Cheerfulness.
Democritus believed the universe was made of atoms and void. That’s it. No big design. No fate. Just cause and effect. So what do you do when you can’t control everything? You laugh. Not out of mockery—but from wisdom. He believed that cheerfulness was not only a result of finding joy but also a cause of it.
When we actively choose to be cheerful, even during difficult times, we uplift ourselves and those around us. He encourages us to approach life with a positive attitude, to find humor in challenging situations, and to spread joy wherever we go. He believed that cheerfulness is not only a reflection of inner happiness but also a catalyst for creating more joy in our lives.
Democritus taught that maintaining a positive attitude can attract positivity and happiness into our lives. That means choosing to see the glass half full rather than half empty, reframing challenges as opportunities for growth, and approaching life with a sense of humour and lightness.
Be Moderate, not miserable
“Men achieve cheerfulness by moderation in pleasure and by proportion in their life excess and deficiency are apt to fluctuate and cause great changes in the soul.” — Democritus
Democritus valued euthymia—a joyful soul. He didn’t pursue extremes. He didn’t believe in numbing your senses either. He just lived with balance. Eat well, but not too much. Work hard, but don’t burn out. Overdo anything—food, work, even fun—and it bites back. But if you tune in, stay moderate, you feel light. Alive.
Democritus believed that the key to happiness was to avoid extremes. He said that those who are too eager for wealth, power, or fame are often disappointed, while those who fear pain or death are miserable. He advised people to live a life of moderation, enjoying the good things in life without becoming too attached to them.
“Moderation multiplies pleasures, and increases pleasure,” he said.
Democritus believed that excessive desires and attachments were the root cause of unhappiness. He advocated for moderation in everything and cautioned against pursuing material possessions or status symbols as a source of joy. Instead, he encouraged finding contentment in what one already has.
He believed that by mastering our desires and impulses, we can free ourselves from the chains of attachment and achieve a state of contentment.
Make peace with the flow of life
“The person who can laugh with life has developed deep roots with confidence and faith-faith in oneself, in people and in the world, as contrasted to negative ideas with distrust and discouragement,” writes Democritus
Democritus recognised that life is inherently full of ups and downs and emphasised the importance of accepting this natural ebb and flow. He argued that joy could be found in embracing the changing nature of life and adapting to its inevitable fluctuations. By accepting and embracing life’s challenges and setbacks, we can find resilience and ultimately experience greater joy.
Democritus encouraged appreciating the beauty of the natural world and finding delight in simple pleasures. He thought we could experience a profound sense of joy by detaching ourselves from unnecessary complexity and appreciating the wonders of the world around us.
Laugh at what you can’t fix.
Democritus didn’t fight external chaos. He laughed. Not because he didn’t care—but because he saw how small most things are. I’ve learned that a little laugh can break the tension and remind me I’m not the centre of the universe. You’ll sleep better when you stop taking things so personally.
Be mindful of the company you keep
Democritus recognised the value of meaningful relationships in finding joy. He believed that forming deep connections with others and nurturing friendships could bring immense happiness. He observed the company we keep has a profound influence on our mindset and outlook on life, and it is essential to choose our friends and companions wisely.
He believed our social connections significantly impact our happiness and well-being. Democritus’s views on the importance of relationships are supported by modern research. Studies have shown that people who have strong social ties are happier, healthier, and live longer than those who do not. They are also less likely to suffer from depression, anxiety, and other mental health problems.
We create a support network that brings us joy and fulfilment when we spend time with people who uplift us, inspire us, and share similar values. Invest in your relationships and connect with others genuinely to experience a sense of belonging and joy.
Democritus’ lesson?
"The goal of life is cheerfulness." He knew suffering is inevitable, but misery is optional. 2,400 years ago, he laughed his way through life, so can you.
Free featured post on Medium
>Viktor Frankl’s 8-Word Rule For Life That Sums Up 100 Self-Help Books
150 million kilometers. That’s how far away the sun sits away from us. But it still lights up our world. It fuels life. Without it, there is no warmth. No growth. No day. Only darkness. Without the sun, there is no life. It gives light by burning.
That’s a fact.
And that fact teaches a lesson.
Viktor Frankl, a WWII concentration camp survivor and famous psychologist said something that sums up hundreds of self-help books.
Book of the week
In The Daily Stoic, Holiday reflects on quotes from Stoic thinkers, such as Marcus Aurelius and Epictetus, and suggests ways their insights might be practiced today. However, Holiday warns that no Stoic claimed to perfectly embody every Stoic tenet—instead, they strove for that ideal.
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Until Next Week,
Be Well.
Thomas
“Life is in the here and now. Either we meet it, we live it-or we miss it.”Vimala Thakar
NEW: The Thinking Edge (launching soon) — A 27-part comprehensive email course on the most effective thinking tools for life. These mental models will be useful across your entire life. Free access for Postanly Weekly paid subscribers. Postanly Weekly is a reader-supported smarter living newsletter. To support my work, you can upgrade to a paid subscription for $9 per month or $60 for an entire year. Or use this special link for 50% off forever. Plus free access to The Thinking Edge when it’s live.