Mini Philosophy

Bronze statue of a bearded man in a robe riding a horse, set against a black background.
The image shows the word "MINIPHILOSOPHY" in large, white, capital letters on a white background.
Pause the busyness of life to reflect on ourselves, our relationships, and the Universe

Mini Philosophy is a place to slow down and think. It creates space to reflect on ourselves, our relationships, and the Universe, away from the noise and busyness of everyday life.

Through essays, interviews, and its newsletter, Mini Philosophy makes philosophy accessible and human. Subscribers get exclusive conversations with leading philosophers and become part of a thoughtful, supportive community of curious minds.

with

Jonny Thomson is a Big Think columnist and the award-winning, bestselling author of three books translated into 22 languages. A former philosophy teacher at Oxford, he is known for making philosophy accessible, relatable, and engaging.

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tolkien fantasy
According to Tolkien, fantasy requires a deep imagination known as "sub-creation." And the genre reflects a fundamental truth of being human.
Aerial view of winding rivers and wetlands showcases lush green vegetation and tan sediment-laden water converging with a larger body of water.
The award-winning nature writer, Robert Macfarlane, talks with Big Think about how to reacquaint ourselves with the rivers in our lives.
theory of mind
Grandmasters and drug dealers have one thing in common: They are many steps ahead of their rivals.
A hint of pessimism drips from the upside-down mint ice cream cone melting on the asphalt, a sweet reminder that some delights are meant to slip away.
Pessimissts are never disappointed, but are they also kinder?
Split-panel collage of illustrations with partial faces of four historical figures, featuring diverse expressions and art styles, separated by colored lines. Each face reveals a hint of misunderstood philosophy, inviting viewers to ponder the unseen depths behind their enigmatic gazes.
That Nietzsche quote might not mean what you think it does.
An open book with text artfully arranged to form a house and tree shape, set against a blue sky dotted with white swirls, celebrates the magic of books.
When you enter someone's home, you learn how life is lived elsewhere.
A lineup of eight women in swimsuits stands on stage, embodying beauty as they face away from the camera, with an audience in the background.
"Lookism" is prevalent and harmful. So why do so few take it seriously?
An aerial view captures two pairs of tennis players, akin to The Four Enemies, shaking hands at the net on a lush green court.
Buddhism has rules for slaying your enemies. But the real surprise is finding out who your enemies actually are.
In a futuristic control room, two people sit at advanced control panels, utilizing AI technology as they face a large screen displaying vibrant green light beams.
We need more science fiction-inspired thinking in how we approach AI research, argues AI expert Gary Marcus.
A blue compass rose emblem with a fractured design symbolizes navigation through the struggles of addiction, set starkly against a black background.
Big Think spoke with author and psychiatrist Elias Dakwar about addiction, rock bottom, and the moment you realize your compass is broken.