Happiness Lessons of The Ancients: Socrates and Self-Knowledge

When Florence Williams' 25-year marriage unexpectedly ends, she embarks on a journey to understand the science behind heartbreak. She travels to the frontiers of 'social pain' research, undergoes various experiments such as testing her blood for genetic markers of grief and experiencing electrical shocks while viewing pictures of her ex. Williams also explores the physiological impacts of heartbreak, including its effects on immune cells and overall health. Her journey includes nature getaways, canoeing and rafting trips, and even experimenting with psychedelic drugs. The book is a blend of personal narrative and scientific inquiry, offering insights into loneliness, health, and the complexities of love and heartbreak.

Plato's "Meno" is a philosophical dialogue exploring the nature of knowledge and virtue. The dialogue features Socrates' discussion with Meno, a young man who questions whether virtue can be taught. Socrates employs his famous method of questioning to challenge Meno's assumptions and to explore the possibility of innate knowledge. The dialogue introduces the theory of anamnesis, suggesting that learning is a process of recollecting pre-existing knowledge. "Meno" is a significant work in the history of philosophy, raising fundamental questions about epistemology and ethics. It continues to be studied and debated for its insights into the nature of knowledge and the human condition.