Who is your ancient guru?

The prolific writer Mark Vernon has produced a short on-line quiz to help you discover your ancient philosophy guru.


You will be asked questions like

Do you think it's more useful to think about how to be happy or how to cope with suffering?

and

Do you prefer pondering big issues or practical matters?

I wasn't sure  how to answer the question about the relative importance happiness or suffering, but when I plumped for happiness my ancient guru turned out to be Epicurus, which was uncannily accurate. I do have a lot of sympathy for Epicurus's values of friendship, philosophising, reason and happiness.

When I took the test again and answered "suffering" to the first question my guru turned out to be the Stoic Zeno, which again was pretty much on the money.

Just for fun, I also tried answering  the exact opposite of my real views, and my anti-guru turned out to be the sceptic Pyrrho. So I know not to read more about him ....

Vernon's quiz isn't meant to be taken too seriously.  I'd  be uncomfortable thinking of Epicurus or Zeno as my guru, and would  turn just as happily to  Aristotle, Plato or Socrates if looking for  wisdom. But the quiz is good fun and could well generate ideas about new philosophers to look at.

To read about a variety of ancient gurus, you can also buy  Vernon's new book, Plato's Podcasts.

To take the quiz, go to http://www.markvernon.com/quiz/my-philosophy-guru/

Courses starting in January 2009 in London

Habits of Effective Living  Friday 16th January 1030-1730 City Lit, London
Learn in one day top tips for living effectively, at work and at home. You will discover the principles of good time management, enlightened values clarification, gaining more emotional intelligence, becoming happier and enjoyng better relationships.
To enrol, phone 020 7831 7831 quoting course code PG614

 

Personal Development through Philosophy
This 10 week course will show how studying philosophy can help you discover how they can be true to themselves, make wiser decisions and develop more enlightened values.

Course Information
Course Code:     CE1944
Course Fee:     £110
Start date:     Tuesday 17 January 2009
Class Time:     6.30pm – 8.30pm
Number of Classes:     10 weekly classes
Accreditation:     10 credits at level 1


To enrol call 020 7040 8268 between 9.30am and 5.00pm.or visit the City Uni website

Positive Psychology

Understanding psychology can improve your well-being and success, both at work and in your personal life. Positive psychology is the growing branch of psychology that focuses on the positive, including strengths, positive states and happiness. This course will have a particular emphasis on applying positive psychology in your personal and working life.

Topics studied will include:

• Happiness
• Goals and meaning
• Strengths
• Flow
• Hope, luck and optimism
• Emotional intelligence and resilience
• Mindfulness and meditation
• Positive relationships and empathy
• Wisdom and decision-making

Course Code:     CE1941
Course Fee:     £215
Start date:     Thursday 22 January 2008
Class Time:     6.30pm – 8.30pm
Number of Classes:     10 weekly classes
Accreditation:     10 credits at level 1
Call 020 7831 7831 to enrol or visit the City Uni website

4 courses in practical philosophy and psychology starting in early January

If learning, personal development or well-being are amongst your new year's goals, then you might like to sign up for one of 4 courses I'm running in the next couple of weeks.
They are:
Frankl and the Search for Meaning
Friday 18th Jan 2008 1030-1730 Location: City Lit, Central London
Viktor Frankl's ideas can inspire everyone aiming to find more meaning and purpose in their life.
This lively and highly-rated workshop will help you start the New Year focusing on this important issue.
Call 020 7831 7831 to enrol or visit the City Lit website

Philosophical Life Coaching
Saturday 19th Jan 2008 1030-1630 Location: City Lit, Central London
" “Move over Carole Caplin. The new gurus of self-help are philosophical counsellors from beyond the grave” proclaimed the Independent recently.
Lead a more satisfying and meaningful life by using insights and methods from the great thinkers. This introduction will show you some of the most interesting ways it can be of help.
No previous experience required
Call 020 7831 7831 to enrol or visit the City Lit website


Personal Development through Philosophy

This 10 week course will show how studying philosophy can help you discover how they can be true to themselves, make wiser decisions and develop more enlightened values.

Course Information

Course Code:	CE1944
Course Fee:	£100
Start date:	Tuesday 15 January 2008
Class Time:	6.30pm – 8.30pm
Number of Classes:	10 weekly classes
Accreditation:	10 credits at level 1

Venue : City University, London

To enrol call 020 7040 8268 between 9.30am and 5.00pm.or visit the City Uni website

Positive Psychology

Positive psychology is the growing branch of psychology that focuses on the positive, including strengths, positive states and well-being. This course will have a particular emphasis on how positive psychology can make you more effective in your working life in terms of your strengths, emotional intelligence, creativity, decision making, meaning and purpose.

Course Code:	CE1941
Course Fee:	£180
Start date:	Thursday 17 January 2008
Class Time:	6.30pm – 8.30pm
Number of Classes:	10 weekly classes
Accreditation:	10 credits at level 1

Venue : City University, London

To enrol call 020 7040 8268 between 9.30am and 5.00pm.or visit the City Uni website

Philosophy for Children in The Times

There's been a lot of interest recently in Philosophy for Children recently, particularly after a research study demonstrating its benefits.
It even reached the pages of The Times where I am four therefore I think gives journalist Emma Cook's own experiences with her child and a review of the findings and Clackmannanshire Council's initiative.
I was asked to give my views for the article. I've written elsewhere about my favourable impressions of philosophy for children - especially if combined with teaching logic and also emotional intelligence more generally - so was happy to contribute.
If you are interested in finding out more, you can order the Socrates for 6 year olds DVD from Sapere.