How philosophy can save your life | Jules Evans | TEDxBreda

When Jules Evans was in his late teens, he started to be plagued by panic attacks, mood swings and other emotional problems. He eventually found help in the form of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). He went to interview the inventors of CBT, and discovered they were directly inspired by ancient Greek philosophy. This started him on a five-year journey of discovery, in which he found out how life-transforming the ideas of ancient Greek philosophy can be. He met and interviewed people from many walks of life who claimed to have been greatly helped by ancient philosophy, including gangsters, astronauts, soldiers and politicians. Now, he passionately believes that the therapeutic ideas of ancient philosophy need to be rescued from the dusty museum cabinets of academia, and brought to as many people as possible, to help them improve their lives.
Regarding Jules Evans
Jules Evans is policy director at the Centre for the History of the Emotions at Queen Mary, University of London. He is also a journalist, has appeared on BBC 2′s Culture Show, on Radio 3 and 4, RTE-1, ABC Australia, and has written for The Times, Spectator, Wall Street Journal, Prospect and many other publications. His book, Philosophy for Life and Other Dangerous Situations, is being published in 19 countries, and was described as 'a revelation' by The Observer.

[@rsc33x3b]

How inspiring that someone who previously struggled with social anxiety was able to overcome it to the degree that he could deliver such an eloquent, confident, and fluid presentation.

[@ahmetahmet5041]

yes.that's what i thought...

[@arizonacolour8793]

It's all in your mind; the "anxiety", the nervousness, the feeling of inadequacy... The world does not care, it just waits for you

[@chi-chi1237]

Couldn't agree more, during one of my lowest points in life being extremely depressed and suicidal, finding and studying Philosophy gave me a sense of comfort and helped me start to make sense of myself, others, and the world around me - it gave me purpose, and is genuinely one of the things I attribute so saving my life

[@chipskylarkvevo7944]

Chi-Chi What books do you recommend?

[@deanodog3667]

@@chipskylarkvevo7944 senecas letters , marcus aurelius meditations , epictetus enchiridion , boethius' consolation of philosophy , thoreaus walden , emerson , bible psalms and proverbs , michel de montaignes essays etc etc ...

[@gforcedod]

You will find more joy studying their life! Thales Milates was the first Greek philosopher rational thinker, he had to bribe the Egypt priest to get their knowledge :) Pythagorus was one of the smartest man ever lived, the world rational has a meaning because of him. Democritus was the coolest and funniest 😆 and the first true atheist. They were all fascinating people.

[@gggamer2738]

Same here. Logic and reason never fails to give you a clear head

[@RIGman0497]

Even though I'm working towards an art degree, I decided to take a philosophy class and it made me realize that I forgot how to think critically. I really wish that there would be classes taught in high school (junior/senior level) on, not necessarily philosophy itself, but critical thinking with examples FROM philosophy.

[@drakegaming3085]

He really hit the nail towards the end, Philosophy will not give you the final answers, but will give you the tools to explore the great questions for yourself.

[@someoneonyoutube8622]

Exactly not to mention that just about every majorly respected field in education stems from philosophy in some way shape or form. Science Mathematics Economics Politics Law Art Linguistics Communications Psychology Ect… Even theology relies heavily on philosophy Philosophy is never going to die when we rely on it so heavily, its just taken for granted.

[@dreadedhalo]

LOVED THE "ILLEGAL DOWNLOAD OF THE CBT COURSE FROM THE INTERNET" PART, THE MOST.

[@RoguOutbreak]

Why is it illegal? Money. And money means control. Or the illusion of such.

[@dragonno6587]

Angel Rincon yep. If you have this simple cure which involves a bunch of instructions on how to think and act in order to cope with anxiety, why just not post it for free on the web?? All these "Psychologists" with their books profeteering by writing same shit over and over again instead of just putting it out there for anybody in need of support.. The very idea of profeteering from someones sickness is so sickening and egotistical, i don't even want to read pirated versions knowing what essential motive of these books are just profit and not help..

[@solooverland3666]

Dragonno When is the last time YOU came up with something worthwhile that you put time/effort/money/sacrifice into and gave it away for free to helped others? Please be specific They are not profiteering from others’ sickeness, they are merely trying to make a living/profit out of finding/providing a solution to others’ sickness Please try to be more logical and less naive. Doctors cannot practice for free, since they didn’t become doctors for free, or run their practices for free. Likewise pharmaceutical companies, therapists, etc.

[@a.realist.9806]

Just siphoned some dope commentary on Seneca from ShareBear if you need the torrent 😂🤣😂

[@sergkapitan2578]

exactly:))) if it saved lives...why people do not give it for free???

[@harounatiecorosamake1620]

in my opinion it s very important to study philosophy in our life

[@SwaggaDotKiid]

philosophy makes you question political, economic and social structure of your country. This is why it will never be in the school curriculum

[@Caldari021]

It is a curriculum in the intelligible realm regardless.

[@SwaggaDotKiid]

Caldari021 what?

[@Caldari021]

Daniel Appiah lol. Philosophy is a curriculum in the realm beyond the physical regardless if universities and schools don't want to teach it. That's what Plato's Allegory of the cave is about and his Republic, is that there is an existence that is beyond the physical, and thus a spiritual existence. Everything physical an empirical is less of existence than the existence of our souls in the spiritual.

[@patrickbooth8009]

Quite the contrary.. the subject is studied in institutions across the country and in countries across the globe.

[@danr.5017]

Patrick Booth Not at the highschool level which it should be. Formal logic & dialectics and generally how to check an idea's clarity. Everyone should also learn philosophy's place in our legal system and in the scientific method. A brief history of the enlightenment, skepticism and what it means for how we understand reality. We might be able to raise a generation of kids that will be smart enough to care about civics.

[@JohnWilliams-km4hx]

Finally a TED with something worth talking about.

[@sbob4386]

From social anxiety to an amazing ted talk. Huge respect.

[@AS-pz2ke]

Living a good life = living by virtues - wisdom, love, courage, temperance, justice, and spirituality.

[@greengame9713]

The art of stoicism

[@Chiungalla79]

Bertrand Russell summed it up quite perfectly: The good life is one inspired by love and guided by knowledge.

[@evanh2705]

I love what he said about treating the mind like it's a news channel. In a very distorted and biased way. Makes me glad to know all that up there isn't true about me :p

[@harrybarrett9653]

Couldn't agree more. The only problem i found with CBT is its very hard to motivate a depressed person to go and do an hour of exercises of an evening. The philosophy gives you a more beautiful and poetic reason than just, you may feel better. Stoicism saved my life.

[@truegirl2anna]

I absolutely adore this video. Our beliefs are a product of our interaction with the external world. Great Philosophy behind that.

[@mmt297]

You are completely right, and the most beautiful thing in that talk is that it has been put in a very simple and pure form..just really useful...

[@kkochismile5813]

omg this scared me then. I thought I commented because our profile pictures are so similar, but 6 years ago I was only 10 hehe

[@kylemedeiros6907]

I am walking proof that everything this guy is talking about is legite. awesome talk. been waitin for it to be on ted

[@Gard]

same, 16 years of age and I can confirm that I understand what he's saying, my mind is something unique, trough philosophy I seek answers

[@V-D.]

Gard Wanderoy everyone’s mind is unique.

[@cosmos-smallpiece5786]

In my humble opinion , this is the best ever Tedex presentation . Polished performance , classy delivery and most importantly , incredible content which everyone can benefit from .Stoicism has improved my life in so many ways .....’ Amor fati . “ . . Thank you for this amazing presentation .

[@joel267]

Best thing that ever happened to me is meeting philosophy

[@Peenpapi145]

best philosophy speech I've heard in a while and it apples to me perfectly. Really spot on

[@Vitreeol]

Me too. I have social anxiety and am about to start a Bachelor of Arts - Philosophy :)

[@SpiritofSix]

I am philosopher at heart, as I have always told myself. I believe that the field and study of "philosophy" itself is much more than what most make it out to be: it is the very effort of the mind to understand itself, and why it produces the things and thoughts that it produces. I believe that such thinking produces a great deal of self-mastery, of self-control--things of which can change the course of the human race and the suffering that we create for each other and for ourselves. I started talking about these things on video and I feel that any lovers of philosophy, of thinking, will enjoy the ideas that are discussed. Your feedback means so much more than you can understand, so feel free to give me your opinions. That is all, my friends.

[@jasp9661]

ok boomer

[@Lukas-gz2vx]

youre right just be aware of counter arguments

[@jimmycarlson4871]

"this channel doesn't have any content"

[@soslothful]

What is, is. What isn't, isn't. That's philosophy.

[@Bilbus7]

@@jimmycarlson4871 lol

[@jjpolicher]

As a follower and eternal student of stoicism. I approve of this. Great Speech!

[@garruksson]

was surprised how no one laughed at ”I think he was paid per diagnosis” I thought it was rly funny 😄

[@tereza7364]

garruksson same

[@xaviermccorriston1511]

garruksson I loved it

[@isaacrurengo4690]

I caught myself laughing all alone.

[@caseylupkin4878]

I laughed out loud at that part !

[@orgelssecondrule9221]

Yep laughed out loud by myself

[@vidzkid76]

Simply brilliant and refreshing. An excellent starting point for anyone wishing to improve the human experience.

[@ScorpionWCR]

Thanks brother!

[@vidzkid76]

Yethir! Tryin to put some positive vibes out there.

[@ScorpionWCR]

We could all use more of those

[@robertareid8949]

What a magnificent talk that has truly inspired me to become a better being! Thank you so much for transforming your acute suffering into a beautiful healing modality for all! You are truly living your life purpose. Blessings, Blessings, Blessings to you!!!

[@TheWhovinerd-1963]

I am only 16 years old and I am already incredibly interested in the study of philosophy and ethics and they have made a huge difference in my life and helped me through some very dark times in my life. Tbh I just love finding answers to many of life’s questions and still finding ourselves asking more questions after finding the answer to one. Now everyone’s views/opinions/beliefs in philosophy will be different because we are all different people who have different ways of seeing life as a whole and this is what makes us unique. I have my own journal which I write down my favourite quotes that I have found and have even found myself creating my own to help inspire others xx

[@ALavin-en1kr]

Thank you. Excellent talk. Philosophy definitely cools the system down. It is recommended for everyone. It is life changing.

[@itsmystyless]

Start reading philosophy books helped me immensely and gave courage to take difficult decisions. A best friend to have.

[@callmebyyourname1696]

What have you read?

[@jaboae2]

You're an inspiration to ALL of us young philosophers :)! Keep this art ALIVE!!!

[@lildevyernamean9779]

I was able to find this through recent self study and am forever grateful to come across this! Better late than never.

[@felizabaten4958]

This gentleman shaped my beliefs. Great work!

[@andthereisntone1]

Fascinating! Thanks. I'm to begin CBT in a week. Can't wait.

[@ziahd.2195]

Psychologists should have more philosophy subjects in their curriculum. Love this talk. Superb points taken!

[@aangpearce2700]

This is right up my alley. Exactly what I discovered, but presented so eloquently.

[@jayjay-fk5bz]

he's great. thank you so much Evans and thank you TED.

[@jcalle]

This is a very simplistic Stoic interpretation. I’m glad people can use this information to avoid feeling “sad” or “depressed”, but I think we will never be immune to misfortune by just factual interpretations.

[@TorMax9]

No, but it will give us the flexibility to ride over the bumps on the road - like the suspension system of a car. It will make us look to interpret more widely. It might even make us choose a brand new road.

[@learn_french]

it was so great...I just love Ted talks...

[@maxpercer7119]

Tedx

[@sriharipatibandla8402]

Very good Ted talk. Study of Ancient Greek philosophy especially the dichotomy of control definitely relieves anxiety.

[@tenzinkunsang1432]

This is my favourite video so far. Its very practical and moving with his personal experience. Thanks!

[@nothingness_]

I was depressed since past 5 year , lost everything. I was left alone . I read all of the philosophers in past 2 years . Depression is real , but philosophy helped me in a great way ! “ To be is to be perceived “ ❤️

[@callmebyyourname1696]

I'm sorry for what you're going trought! What have you read?

[@nothingness_]

@@callmebyyourname1696 On spiritual / peaceful side 1. Osho books 2. Krishnamurthy 3. Buddha 4. Seneca , Marcus Aurelius, epicurean 5. Plato , Socrates and Aristotle 6. Nietzsche , Sartre Many more 🌸

[@callmebyyourname1696]

@@nothingness_ thank you so much 💕

[@rayray39tomatoe26]

Thank you for making this connection.

[@renzoarana3972]

"Think enough, but don't Overthink". That is something i say to myself, everytime i feel like my thinking too much to the point that is affecting me in a negative way.

[@user-jv7ox2uy9m]

You are just using one of the main quotes of Allan Watts. This qoute is not representing what rational thinking means. You just say to yourself: huh, okay, this situation is quite hard for me, I have to go as far as I can in my inner world, sit there and just don't think about "bad things" (don't think about thing you can't figure out) It's not sounds like self-improvement and problem-solving position at all.

[@dagobertopinto]

Bravo, great explanations and he touches the important questions of life.

[@2ChristSublimity]

Beautiful, simple, sincere, humble; simply brilliant!

[@brookemiller7763]

This is one of the best TED talks I have ever seen. Thank you Jules Evans.

[@fuadariqoh3041]

this is the best ted talk ive ever seen . Good job jules evans. we have similar experience and i learn a lot from you :)

[@infiniteloop286]

Jules Evans what a great speech, i learned a lot, now time to apply it in my daily life.

[@a.k.466]

This man has lived it. Excellent talk very knowledgeable!!!

[@andreabill7719]

Finding inner freedom and dividing the world into the two spheres (what we can control versus what we cannot control) is powerful.

[@JCmultiverse]

Really enjoyed that Jules thank you. You speak clearly ..interestingly..passionately and at an effective pace to unpack a good amount of content. Looking forward to one day attending your course . jc

[@CommandoJenkins]

Exploring the mysterious oceans of our souls will always be much deeper than crunching numbers and problems that we invented.

[@UnlockExperiences]

A wise talk. Thank you so much. When making ourselves better we not only save our lives, but also everyone around us.

[@enka3]

Thank you. Your talk is as good as your book. Very good. A revelation to me.

[@808reesy]

Brilliantly put Jules! So much valuable thought analysis from ancient philosophy here. If it was taught like suggested in schools, it could have massive long-term benefits for the wider society.

[@WisdomisPower-10inminute-dn5no]

I find these discussions so inspiring, much like the conversations we've been having on my channel around these topics.

[@Ray-pr4vb]

Beautifully spoken.

[@dipak1978]

What an interesting and thorough talk.....That too on philosophy. I just loved it hearing.

[@thecosmospersonified1210]

I've possessed this thought process sense I was a teenager, 10 years later Im at a point where I recognize this is one of my most far reaching tools for understanding myself and others.

[@user-lw3uc7kv3w]

It is the most meaningful video I've ever watched cause it strikes me as if some echos in my heart are discovered and it corresponds with my practice when I'm coping with my own problems. Thanks a lot!

[@seraylorenz3506]

Gosh this is speaking to me so much. I love philosophy and will definitely be getting a PDH and one day be up there speaking to others about this.

[@anthonyd.1289]

This is, by far, the most important TED Talk I have ever had the pleasure of listening to. Not only is it both wholly relevant and eloquently presented (considering the 15-minute time limit) but it reinforces the idea that you CAN make a difference... to others and to yourself. Personally, it made me seek out and read the works of Epictetus on a deeper level. (As a philosopher myself, I'm almost ashamed I never gave much focus to the Ancients... we can derive much wisdom from their works!) Thank you, Jules Evans, for this inspiring talk. p.s. Beware the 116 folks who felt the need to "downvote" this talk. How tragic it must be to live life as one of them (or, worse, to live under their sphere of influence). Good luck, people.

[@sparkles_of_summer2686]

one of the best talks ever

[@yomomisjesus]

Very well said. Practical philosophy ahhh what a noble idea.

[@anggaapriliansyah7143]

This speech is worth like a gold, everything understandable and make sense, the most important is very practically helpfull for the audience. ABC theory of the emotions is what we face every time. And im glad to know about CBT to take control our inner voice. Thanks

[@domais68]

Well-done. I enjoyed your talk and its relevance to my life. The topic reminded me of being a confused, undiagnosed anxiety and panic-sufferer in law school. The Socratic Method is no friend to panic. You're right about "dragging Philosophy out of the classroom." It must be put to the test of life.

[@alexb3852]

Self- discipline is the key 🔑 great audiobook on KZbin, *some great teachings there

[@sherylcastro5688]

Excellent conclusion!!!!

[@aishawf]

This was great I also used CBT for social anxiety and have found pleasure and freedom in Philosophy...this was gooood! 😊

[@mohamedchamakh482]

Thank you so much for this amazing incredible Ted talk .It's one of the rarest talks that gives much enhancements and energy to continue in living our lives.also,it's a kind of self -improving philosophy talk which emphasize on Philosophy as the real or the only saver of our psychology problems ,and let's us engage with life in more appropriate way. Thank u thank u I can repeat as much as I can cause I have never saw this talk ever like this with so much emphasize and importance to the philosophy 👍💗💗😍😍

[@nancymohass4891]

Thanks! You gave another reason for having philosophy in school curriculum .

[@gra6799]

Very refreshing the more I listen and read about Stoicism the more I bring it into my world with liberating inner success...Great stuff

[@maryho7487]

I enjoyed it immensely and am thankful. Hope you will keep benefitting a lot of us! 👍🏻🙏

[@Nero-df2dk]

I have all three diagnoses as well. I naturally gravitated towards philosophy as a way to learn to cope and excel at life.

[@johnmiller7453]

One of the very best Ted talks. I speak from the experience of using REBT and Stoic philosophy. If you do it it can work.

[@I-Dophler]

Let's make it our priority to care for our souls. After all, I've encountered several soulful individuals throughout my life.

[@Snoopy1997Joshua]

Thank you...

[@bootsclues5731]

Very good lecture one of the best on Anxiety panic attack I learn something think you for sharing

[@joshnewton]

Incredible talk, well done!

[@edwintepuendikum3527]

Amazing talk Thanks so much 🙏🏿🙏🏿

[@bingchilindotnogo]

This helped me with another philosophy and perspective to "Control".

[@streb6]

This is an excellent speech on philosophy and its practical application to day to day life. Delivered with clarity and simplicity. CBT theory and practices, originated from Buddhist psychology, over 500BC though the name CBT coined much much later.

[@judylee3589]

One of the best TEDx Talks I've learned from!!!

[@robinsonpeter7942]

Sõnum mulle whatsApp kohta, kui teil on vaja abi lihtsalt sõnum mulle whatsApp kohta [phone]

[@oneilmyles]

A good life is being honest with yourself and having no regrets

[@obliquequanta7320]

Good Short Simple and precise way of putting why philosophy is 'useful' besides being lofty. Thanks Jules Evans for this lecture/Talk.

[@DJoeLawless]

Excellent talk thank you

[@danielpoot7275]

Beautifully done.

[@lydiaglover1762]

Amazing talk thanks so much 👌🏿

[@AllMusicRelated]

Quarantine really pushed me the corner and I felt like I was losing everything including myself. I got depressed and the next thing I know is I'm suicidal, thinking of ways to end it. I was so trapped inside my own head struggling to find answers for questions that was way beyond my control. I was looking for answers everywhere and nothing or anyone could grant me the sense of existence I aspired to feel again. Next thing i know is i came across philosophy, it gave me new sense towards life and showed me new paths to come out of the maze I was in. I'm doing so much better at this point and having all that knowledge and wisdom infront of me and being able to explore them bit by bit is something that added so much value into my life. It did save my life in a way

[@kkochismile5813]

I completely understand what you mean. I can’t even describe in words how much philosophy means to me. Humans studying their own brains and mental processes, and just trying to make life better day by day, is incredibly fascinating to me and makes me feel so passionate.

[@AllMusicRelated]

@@kkochismile5813 wish u nothing but the best 🙏🏽

[@THESPATHARIOS]

Wow great talk. He has a clear stream of thought

[@lilamiumi]

Excellent talk, bravo!

[@lornafw]

Great talk, Jules!!

[@tempelhoff1]

Very sound philosophy. Good insight. Practical philosophy can enable us to ask questions.

[@Ravikanth_007]

Great talk, Thank you!

[@amegninounsougan6273]

Our interpretations lead to our emotions . Sounds outstanding 🎉

[@faza553]

Excellent. Agree wholeheartedly. Difficult to directly teach these principles in these times. Usually requires a long process of "research," personal trial, learning - like your (and my) path of self-discovery. And optimal physical health: Healthy mind in healthy body. Should be taught & modeled at home and in very early childhood.

[@Insldloustv]

this saved my dogs life, he was struggling with depression

[@drnabi818]

Best person i ever listen🙏🙏

[@magichands295]

This is a great presentation video. This literally helped me so much to see this. Thanks man.

[@chrispowers4703]

thanks I had never heard of cbt and have put these same views together the past few months expecially on how I control my emotions by adding my own meaning to external situations, and learning to really put these things under a microscope and switch all outside problems into solutions and cannot wait to look more into CBT I share so many of the same views I feel as if I must have subconsiously heard this before. THANKS SO MUCH, I would love to sit down to a cup of coffee and tell you how this has helped me so much.

[@bohnulus]

jules... you are hilarious!!!! love it..... intelligent to boot... thanks

[@khushiparekh4954]

We only control our beliefs Maxims- catchphrases "know thyself" Journals- done well/bad Field work- practice

[@fkurcik]

That is the best public speech I ever heard.

[@piscinediquinto]

I'll refer to this talk again its very helpful

[@davidcuth9543]

Can't agree more. Stoicisim is a really powerful tool, it has helped me overcome my high anxiety and saved my life.