Stress means something different if it is the result of rewarding work rather than struggling to keep the family out of debt. Julian Baggini debtfamilymean Change image and share on social
It may not have the virtuous ring of the golden rule, but the maxim 'never say never' is one of the most important in ethics. Julian Baggini ethicgoldenimportant Change image and share on social
Wellbeing is a notion that entails our values about the good life, and questions of values are not ultimately scientific questions. Julian Baggini entailgoodlife Change image and share on social
Big sporting events and spectacles might give the national morale a shot in the arm, but they are too transient and taste-specific to stand as robust symbols of nationhood. Julian Baggini armbigevent Change image and share on social
There are many things you shouldn't measure. Don't, for example, try to measure how much you love your wife! Julian Baggini lovemeasurething Change image and share on social
If we find it hard to believe that winning millions might not be so lucky after all, we just don't have a good enough imagination. If I fantasise about winning the lottery, it doesn't take long before all sorts of worrisome potential consequences occur to me. Julian Baggini consequencefantasisefind share on social
The mark of a mature, psychologically healthy mind is indeed the ability to live with uncertainty and ambiguity, but only as much as there really is. Uncertainty is no virtue when the facts are clear, and ambiguity is mere obfuscation when more precise terms are applicable. Julian Baggini abilityambiguityapplicable share on social
Trade has played a vital role in the social evolution of humankind. It allowed people to specialise, which raises both skill levels and efficiency. It brought people from different lands together, co-operating rather than competing over resources. Julian Baggini allowbringcompete share on social
No genuine choice is ever simply a matter of the arbitrary exercise of will. Take your choice of lunch today. You can't decide to want anything, but what you want will at least in part be a result of a series of other choices and judgments you've made in your life to date. Julian Baggini arbitrarychoicedate share on social
If there's one thing that makes me cynical, it's optimists. They are just far too cynical about cynicism. If only they could see that cynics can be happy, constructive, even fun to hang out with, they might learn a thing or two. Julian Baggini constructivecyniccynical share on social
