Schopenhauer’s Insight Into the Psychology of Pain

One of my favourite insights from the German philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer relates to the human negativity bias, that is, our tendency to focus on what bothers us. As he writes: Just as a brook forms no eddy so long as it meets with no obstructions, so human nature, as well as animal, is such that…

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Negative Visualisation: How to Practise Gratitude Like a Stoic

Negative visualisation might sound like an oxymoron at first. How could something negative be helpful? Well, in short, negative visualisation is a philosophical mindset and a coping mechanism developed by ancient Roman philosophers like Seneca, Epictetus, and Marcus Aurelius. It’s a Stoic principle, and it can help you cultivate gratitude in your life. (The method actually…

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