Human beings rely on connections and support from others for their well-being and longevity. Research, such as the Harvard Longevity Study, indicates that having friends leads to a longer life, less anxiety, more peace, and increased happiness. The British government even appointed a minister of loneliness, recognizing the negative impact of social isolation on health. People desire meaningful friendships, and lacking them can have detrimental effects on both mental and physical health.
Over 2,000 years ago, Epicurus, a Greek philosopher, made a simple yet bold claim. The key to the good life, he said, is to pursue pleasure and avoid pain. Is it really that easy? To answer that question, we turn to Emily Austin, a professor of philosophy at Wake Forest and author of “Living for Pleasure: An Epicurean Guide to Life.”
(This episode first aired in January 2023.)