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EPISODE · Jun 20, 2026 · 2H 45M

Kant's philosophy - Kant's Epicureanism: Modesty as key to a happy life

from Kant's Philosophy · host The Voice of Reason

Each inclination is a chain. It binds us to the objects which we need for satisfying it. And the more we satisfy it the more we become dependent on it through habit and also get numb towards the pleasure. Whoever wants to be happy therefore should not chase after satisfaction of his needs but strive for having as little needs as possible. Kant recommends along with Epicurus a modest life: Don’t deny yourself delights, don’t live in complete asceticism, but be content with little and simple delights, enjoy other pleasures from time to time when there is an opportunity, but don’t make yourself dependent on them.Quote: 0:08The positive path towards happiness: Get what you require: 0:38The negative path towards happiness: Require little: 19:10Modesty instead of wantoness: 26:21People should be able to do without, but not actually do without everything: 38:36Whoever is dependent on things is immoral and unhappy: 1:04:14Kant's advices: 1:35:26- Abstain from futile desires: 1:36:13- Think how many live without whatever is a need to you: 1:39:54- Don’t let habits turn into inclinations through habit: 1:46:31- Always keep some pleasures in prospect for later: 2:08:18- Don’t sacrifice the whole for a part: 2:22:20- Keep in mind that every gain is a loss and the other way around: 2:30:54Conclusion: 2:41:24Thanks: 2:45:16The posture of modesty Kant discusses mostly in his lectures on moral philosophy: https://www.archive.org/details/kantsgesammeltes271imma | https://archive.org/details/kantsgesammeltes272imma | https://archive.org/details/kantsgesammeltes0027kant_s1s1/mode/2up and in his handwritten estate on moral philosophy: https://www.korpora.org/Kant/aa19/ (I am not aware of any English translations).Whoever wants to support my aufkläring work can do so via:https://ko-fi.com/jonathanivoloewerhttps://www.patreon.com/jonathanivoloewerhttps://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=VDDT7T7XHR77UThumbnail: www.hotpot.ai

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