Uploaded September 2022 | Updated September 2026, 8 hours ago
Keep exploring at brilliant.org/freedominthought. Get started for free, and hurry—the first 200 people get 20% off an annual premium subscription.
WISDOM WEDNESDAY. Every week, you’ll get five powerful quotes from timeless thinkers (combined with some original insight): freedominthought.com/newsletter
ABOUT THE VIDEO
_
In this video, I talk about Diogenes, minimalism, living simply, simplicity, luxury, material culture (materialism), and happiness.
So many people today pursue millions of dollars, sports cars, mansions, and designer clothing because they think that’ll make them happy. They can’t imagine being happy without luxury—without the newest phone, game consoles, or some other piece of technology. They think that if they could get that designer purse or those fresh shoes, then they’d finally be happy.
But really, it’s our need for luxury that stands in the way of our happiness. Only by ridding ourselves of the desire for luxuries, by being content with a simple life, can we find happiness. And the life of Diogenes, an ancient Greek philosopher, is a testament to this truth.
OUR COURSES
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Coming soon. Sign up to my newsletter to be notified when they release.
OUR MERCH
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Coming soon. Sign up to my newsletter to be notified when they release.
OUR BOOKS
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Follow No One comes out December 2022. Sign up to my newsletter to receive an e-mail when it comes out and read exclusive essays from the book: bit.ly/3mu7VGM
OUR FAVOURITE TOOLS
_
Shortform. The best non-fiction book summaries (unlimited access for 5 days and 20% off an annual subscription when you use my link): bit.ly/3bmSXwy
Adobe. The software I use to make my videos:
Epidemic Sound. Where I get my music: bit.ly/3FrStmh
RELATED VIDEOS
_
Practical Philosophy Playlist: youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5faAYlGYYoF7rgKH4oo_B81n4wE1n2xP
CONNECT WITH US
_
Instagram: instagram.com/freedomintht
Twitter: twitter.com/freedomintht
CONNECT WITH ME
_
Instagram: instagram.com/justintht
Twitter: twitter.com/justintht
Personal Youtube: bit.ly/32rJ9QB
PODCAST
_
Freedom in Thought Podcast: bit.ly/3mS76YT
FURTHER READING
_
Lives of the Eminent Philosopher by Diogenes Laertes
NOTES
_
(1) Videos are just my opinion, for entertainment and informational purposes. Just some things to think about—not advice.
(2) Some of the links in the description are affiliate links which I get a kickback from—at no extra cost to you.
Keep exploring at brilliant.org/freedominthought. Get started for free, and hurry—the first 200 people get 20% off an annual premium subscription.
WISDOM WEDNESDAY. Every week, you’ll get five powerful quotes from timeless thinkers (combined with some original insight): freedominthought.com/newsletter
ABOUT THE VIDEO
_
In this video, I talk about Diogenes, minimalism, living simply, simplicity, luxury, material culture (materialism), and happiness.
So many people today pursue millions of dollars, sports cars, mansions, and designer clothing because they think that’ll make them happy. They can’t imagine being happy without luxury—without the newest phone, game consoles, or some other piece of technology. They think that if they could get that designer purse or those fresh shoes, then they’d finally be happy.
But really, it’s our need for luxury that stands in the way of our happiness. Only by ridding ourselves of the desire for luxuries, by being content with a simple life, can we find happiness. And the life of Diogenes, an ancient Greek philosopher, is a testament to this truth.
OUR COURSES
_
Coming soon. Sign up to my newsletter to be notified when they release.
OUR MERCH
_
Coming soon. Sign up to my newsletter to be notified when they release.
OUR BOOKS
_
Follow No One comes out December 2022. Sign up to my newsletter to receive an e-mail when it comes out and read exclusive essays from the book: bit.ly/3mu7VGM
OUR FAVOURITE TOOLS
_
Shortform. The best non-fiction book summaries (unlimited access for 5 days and 20% off an annual subscription when you use my link): bit.ly/3bmSXwy
Adobe. The software I use to make my videos:
Epidemic Sound. Where I get my music: bit.ly/3FrStmh
RELATED VIDEOS
_
Practical Philosophy Playlist: youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5faAYlGYYoF7rgKH4oo_B81n4wE1n2xP
CONNECT WITH US
_
Instagram: instagram.com/freedomintht
Twitter: twitter.com/freedomintht
CONNECT WITH ME
_
Instagram: instagram.com/justintht
Twitter: twitter.com/justintht
Personal Youtube: bit.ly/32rJ9QB
PODCAST
_
Freedom in Thought Podcast: bit.ly/3mS76YT
FURTHER READING
_
Lives of the Eminent Philosopher by Diogenes Laertes
NOTES
_
(1) Videos are just my opinion, for entertainment and informational purposes. Just some things to think about—not advice.
(2) Some of the links in the description are affiliate links which I get a kickback from—at no extra cost to you.

![How to be more disciplined (animated short story)
In this video essay, I discuss how a fictional character - known as Lucas - became more disciplined and changed his life with greater self-control.
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Work With Us: http://freedominthought.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomintht
Twitter: http://twitter.com/freedomintht
Facebook: https://facebook.com/freedomintht
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→Studies & Links
[1] https://www.psychologicalscience.org/news/full-frontal-psychology/where-does-self-discipline-come-from.html#.WVfNX8YZOZY
[2] http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/willpower.pdf
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→Credits
A big thanks to my patreon supporters: Faisal Rahman, Daniel Zapata, Jacob Massie, Jonathan Dickson, and Kevin Godines!
As always, thanks for watching!
On this channel, video essays are written essays that are read aloud and animated. The goal is to make the viewer think differently or deeper about a topic and attempt to provide some educational value. Any studies mentioned in a video are simply my interpretation of them and do not necessarily reflect the views of the researchers. How to be more disciplined (animated short story)](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/cPn3UOt1lxw/mqdefault.jpg)








