Archive · 26 Jul 2026
Plutarch's Ancient Advice for Happiness in the Digital Age
Plutarch, an ancient philosopher, wrote about how to be happier and manage social interactions.
His advice is very relevant today, especially with social media.
He talked about how to avoid gossip, not get upset by others, and how to focus on what's important.
He also gave practical steps to build good habits, like not reading every piece of graffiti or opening every letter right away.
Today, this means turning off phone alerts, setting times to check apps, and taking a breath before replying.
Plutarch believed happiness comes from inner peace and being content with what you have, not comparing yourself to others.
Social media can make people unhappy by making them want more followers or compare themselves to others' perfect lives.
Plutarch's advice helps us be more mindful and in control of how we use social media.
Plutarch's ancient advice on happiness and social interactions is relevant to modern social media challenges.
He advised avoiding gossip, managing provocations, and focusing on personal values for inner serenity.
Practical steps include gradual habit-building to redirect focus from others' lives to one's own affairs.
Social media exploits psychological vulnerabilities to maximize engagement, often leading to dissatisfaction.
Plutarch's counsel emphasizes self-awareness and deliberate use of technology to mitigate its negative effects.
- Who
- Plutarch of Chaeronia, a Greek-Roman philosopher
- What
- Advice on achieving happiness and managing social interactions, applicable to modern social media use
- When
- Plutarch's writings from c.46-119CE, modern relevance in the 21st century
- Where
- Ancient Greece and Rome, modern global context
- Why
- To address mental health challenges and dissatisfaction caused by commercialized social media
Ancient Philosophy
Modern Social Media
Purpose of Engagement
Ancient Philosophy
Plutarch advises on cultivating inner serenity and focusing on personal values to achieve happiness.
Modern Social Media
Social media companies maximize user engagement by exploiting psychological vulnerabilities for profit.
Handling Information Overload
Ancient Philosophy
Plutarch suggests gradual, small steps to build habits that redirect focus back to one's own affairs.
Modern Social Media
Social media platforms use algorithms to constantly feed users information, often leading to addiction and dissatisfaction.
- Author
- Matthew Sharpe
- Publication
- The Conversation
- Plutarch's Era
- c.46-119CE
- Key Works
- Lives of Eminent Greeks and Romans, Moralia
- Modern Influence
- Max Fisher's 'The Chaos Machine'