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The Pocket Philosopher
Happiness

Happiness

La Dolce Vita

Matt Malcom's avatar
Matt Malcom
Aug 16, 2021
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The Pocket Philosopher
The Pocket Philosopher
Happiness
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Daily Reflection

Friends,

All this week we’ll be considering some version of: “How to be happy.”

Today, we’re going to begin in a potentially expected location—the heart of Rome, Italy—however, we will be traveling in an unexpected direction

You’d be forgiven if you’re expecting us to open up a conversation on Stoicism or delve into the Meditations of Marcus Aurelius.

Rather, we’re going to open the door to a philosophy that is better lived than taught, that is better shared than studied, that isn’t written down or codified anywhere—and yet, it defines a way of life as eternal as the city from which it is born.

Captured in the phrase—La Dolce Vita—this way of life is slow and intentional. It’s a way or a practice that is broad enough to capture the experience of many.

I find the best way to discuss La Dolce Vita (roughly translated into English as “The Sweetness of Life”) is to reflect on my own experience within it.

I grew up in Europe, and lived in Northern Italy for nearly 3 years. A…

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