PHIL 3160 – Philosophy of Happiness

What is it, how can we best pursue it, why should we? Supporting the study of these and related questions at Middle Tennessee State University and beyond. "Examining the concept of human happiness and its application in everyday living as discussed since antiquity by philosophers, psychologists, writers, spiritual leaders, and contributors to pop culture."

Monday, October 9, 2023

How to prepare for an exam: RELAX, says WJ

Don't stress, don't pull an all-nighter, do listen to the audio review, revisit the relevant texts, get some fresh air, get some rest. 

"If you want really to do your best in an examination, fling away the book the day before, say to yourself, “I won’t waste another minute on this miserable thing, and I don’t care an iota whether I succeed or not.” Say this sincerely, and feel it; and go out and play, or go to bed and sleep, and I am sure the results next day will encourage you to use the method permanently." William James, “Gospel of Relaxation


 

3 comments:

  1. I just wanted to say, thank you for this audio review and your words on stress. I was genuinely freaking out about this test all of last week. Upon hearing this audio review and your words on the test and stress both on this post and in class, I feel like I've got this. It definitely helped me, and as you said, stress is rarely our friend.

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  2. Dude, the audio review is so relaxing to listen to, I genuinely felt less stressed after hearing it. To Dr. Oliver, have you ever considered making a podcast? I really enjoyed listening to your voice, it’s so soothing!

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    1. Glad it helped, that was my intent.

      Thanks, Delana, I did briefly try a podcast and now occasionally attach audio to my blog and substack posts. Speaking the words I've written is helpful to me, in clarifying my ideas, generating new ones, and coming up with more perspicuous formulations. That's my writing advice to everyone: read it aloud, try to hear your words as others will read/hear them, revise accordingly.

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You don’t need a pill: Neo

It is not how much we have, but how much we enjoy, that makes happiness True happiness is... to enjoy the present, without anxious dependen...