Awakening the Soul: Ancient Wisdom on Living the Good Life

Written/Images by Shak Shakib

What if I told you that the secret to a happy life wasn’t found in money, name, fame, or worldly gain, but in ancient ideas shared over 2,000 years ago? After watching the three School of Life videos on Socrates, Epicurus, and Montaigne, by Alain de Botton, I learned that these three great thinkers from different times and places each offer timeless lessons about what it means to truly live well. Socrates tells me to trust my own mind and question things, Epicurus says true happiness comes from simple things like friends and freedom, and Montaigne teaches me to know and accept myself. Together, these ideas help me see how to live a good life: by being true to myself, enjoying what I have, and understanding who I am.

    Socrates (470–399 BCE) was a classical Greek philosopher from Athens, often considered the father of Western philosophy. He never wrote any books, but his ideas were recorded by his student Plato. Socrates focused on asking deep questions to help people think clearly and honestly.

He believed in the importance of self-examination and trusting reason over popular opinion.  Socrates famously said, “The unexamined life is not worth living. In simple terms, he wants us to think for ourselves rather than just follow others.

We should “build confidence in our own beliefs and not be too swayed by the opinions of others. In other words, don’t be a sheep following the crowd. For example, in one class discussion, I felt nervous because everyone else agreed with the teacher’s point. I raised my hand to ask, “Why does this matter?” It felt scary at first, but checking my own thoughts made me more confident and proud.

This is like doing Socrates’ test for beliefs: when I come up with a statement (say, “everyone loves pizza”), I try to think of a counter-example (maybe someone finds it disgusting). This process of questioning helps me know what I really think. By asking questions and not blindly conforming, I learn more and feel better about my ideas. In short, Socrates teaches that thinking for oneself, even if it means disagreeing with friends or teachers, makes one stronger and more confident.

              Epicurus (341–270 BCE) was an ancient Greek philosopher who founded a school in Athens called “The Garden.” Epicurus had a very different idea of happiness. He said that we need only three things to be happy: “friends, freedom, and an analyzed life” (time and space to think). He argued that things like fancy food or lots of money don’t really protect us or make us happy.

Instead, real happiness comes from simple pleasures. As a student, I see this in my own life. Spending time with good friends makes me feel happy and safe, more than buying new clothes or gadgets. For example, last weekend I skipped a shopping clearance deal and instead hung out with my friends exploring New York City. We dined at a fancy restaurant,

laughed, and had a great overall experience.

That felt so good, exactly what Epicurus meant by friends. I also value freedom. Choosing my classes and having free evenings to play basketball or walk outside makes me feel satisfied. And I try to live an “analyzed life” by reflecting on my day. Sometimes I sit quietly after dinner and think about what I learned or what I’m thankful for.

This kind of simple reflection calms me. Epicurus would say I’m doing what matters: focusing on friends, using my freedom well, and thinking about life. That reminds me not to chase the latest trendy tech or compare myself to rich people. I see that having caring friends, some free time, and a thoughtful mind bring me more happiness than anything I can buy.

Michel de Montaigne (1533–1592 CE) was a French philosopher and writer during the Renaissance period. He’s best known for his Essays, where he explored human nature, emotions, and daily life. Montaigne’s lesson is about knowing and accepting yourself. He noticed that we often feel bad because we compare ourselves to others. For example, he said people worry about their bodies and looks, but we should “accept our bodies with good grace and a touch of humour, as naturally as animals do”. In my life, I sometimes feel insecure about my cultural clothes or how I speak in class.

Montaigne would tell me it’s okay, everyone has quirks, and no one is perfect. Once, I felt embarrassed wearing a kurta, and a classmate pointed it out. Instead of hiding, I tried to smile it off. It felt better to accept my identity than to be embarrassed by it. Montaigne also talks about wisdom and limits. He says that wise people “do not need to know everything” and can accept their limits. This means I don’t have to feel inferior if I don’t get every answer right. In studying, I sometimes worry I’m not as smart as others.

But Montaigne reminds me that even smart people don’t know everything, and that it’s fine. A practical way I use this is by journaling. I write down questions I have or mistakes I made, and I try to understand myself. This is like Montaigne’s own essays, where he reflected on his life. By doing this, I get to know myself better, my fears, my strengths, and my values. That inner honesty makes me calmer. For instance, if I get a bad grade, instead of feeling like a failure, I ask myself, “What can I learn?” This helps me grow, rather than hating myself. In daily life, Montaigne’s idea means trying to be kind to myself, laughing at my minor faults, and learn from my limits. It feels more peaceful to accept who I am.

      Socrates, Epicurus, and Montaigne each give a piece of the puzzle of the good life. Socrates teaches me to think for myself and trust my own judgment. Epicurus shows that happiness comes from friends, freedom, and thoughtful reflection. Montaigne reminds me to know myself and accept my flaws. In my life as a student, I can mix these lessons: I study with confidence (Socrates), enjoy simple joys like hanging out or reading (Epicurus), and treat myself with understanding and humor (Montaigne). By doing all these, I see that the good life is about being true to myself, cherishing what really matters, and continuously learning about who I am.

Reflections

“Richness is not having many possessions, but richness is being content with oneself.”

(Hadith)

“The wealth of the soul is the only true wealth.”

(Rumi)

“Instead of resisting changes, surrender. Let life be with you, not against you.”

(Shams Tabrizi)

Practice

As you think about the ideas from Socrates, Epicurus, and Montaigne, consider how their wisdom might fit into your own life:

• When was the last time you questioned a common belief or opinion instead of just agreeing with it?

• Are there areas in your life where you follow others’ views without really examining them?

• How could asking more “why” questions help you make better choices or feel more confident in your own ideas?

• What are three simple things that bring you joy, things that don’t cost money or depend on status?

• Do you feel you have enough “freedom” in your life to spend time as you wish? If not, what small change could give you more of it?

• When do you take time to reflect quietly, and how does it affect your peace of mind?

• How often do you compare yourself to others, and what does that do to your happiness?

• What are some things about yourself that you could learn to accept, or even appreciate, rather than criticize?

• How might writing or talking about your thoughts help you understand yourself better?

Take a moment to sit with these questions. The answers may change over time, but that’s the point. Living “the good life” isn’t about perfection; it’s about awareness, gratitude, and self-understanding.