Jonny Thomson

Jonny Thomson

Jonny Thomson taught philosophy in Oxford for more than a decade before turning to writing full-time. He’s a columnist at Big Think and is the award-winning, bestselling author of three books that have been translated into 22 languages.

Jonny is also the founder of Mini Philosophy, a social network of around two million curious, intelligent minds. He's known all over the world for making philosophy accessible, relatable, and fun. 

Photo of G.K. Chesterson superimposed on top of a photo of a wooden fence in the countryside.
That completely useless thing you want to get rid of — it's probably more important than you think.
A gladiator brandishing a sword amidst a crowd.
Gladiators fought in rounds, and there were referees to enforce rules. Only rarely were gladiators killed.
A painting depicting the concept of the law of reversed effort, with a naked man exerting himself to carry a heavy rock.
There are many things in life that cannot be improved with greater effort. Sometimes, life requires that you step back.
A person in a wheelchair exploring a vast desert landscape.
In hospice care and hospitals, we prioritize those with more life to live over those who are terminally ill. What is that, if not prejudice?
A soccer goalie displaying action and focus standing in front of a net.
We often assume that movement means progress and that doing something is better than doing nothing. That is often not true.
Taylor Swift shines on the red carpet
We are wired to value things more when we work hard at attaining them — even if, objectively, they aren't worth that much.
A kairos-inspired painting of an angel holding a telescope, capturing the essence of both timelessness and worldly exploration.
For a plan to go as smooth as clockwork, be prepared to pounce on opportunity.
A secularized church with ornate paintings on the walls.
Many countries' histories are governed by the familiar demographic story of growth, industrialization, and decline. But not France.
A painting of a group of men examining a cadaver
"Burke's the butcher, Hare's the thief, and Knox the man who buys the beef." Read the story of 19th-century Scotland's corpse dealers.
A group of people, part of a doomsday cult, in white robes standing in front of a white chair.
If someone can make you feel insecure, incomplete, and inadequate, they then can present themselves as the solution you need.
A painting of a monk reading a book.
Discover how the threads of myth, legend, and artistry have been woven together by storytellers to craft history.
A group of people hugging in front of a secret camera.
Intrinsic motivation cannot be imposed on a team — but you can provide the right culture for it to flourish.
A photo of an astronaut on the moon and a signed letter from Apollo 11.
Considering the astronomical occupational risks, life insurance was prohibitively expensive for the first NASA astronauts.
A group of artistic men in suits playing saxophones with genius skill.
The answer may lie in the power to see far, far beyond yourself.
Two black and yellow strips of string in a plastic container.
You can’t farm spiders — but putting spider genes into silkworms works even better.
A bricolage of a watercolor painting of a watermelon.
If you give yourself and others space to tinker and experiment, then you might create something incredible. Here's how to do it well.
A burning car on the side of the road.
You are much more likely to die in a car crash than from terrorism. Yet, philosopher Eran Fish says fearing terrorism more is justified.
A painting exploring the philosophy of sex through a woman holding a shell.
The philosophy of sex is going through a recalibration period.