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Pause the busyness of life to reflect on ourselves, our relationships, and the Universe.
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Mini Philosophy is a place to slow down and think. It creates space to reflect on ourselves, our relationships, and the Universe, away from the noise and busyness of everyday life.

Through essays, interviews, and its newsletter, Mini Philosophy makes philosophy accessible and human. Subscribers get exclusive conversations with leading philosophers and become part of a thoughtful, supportive community of curious minds.

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Jonny Thomson is a Big Think columnist and the award-winning, bestselling author of three books translated into 22 languages. A former philosophy teacher in Oxford, he is known for making philosophy accessible, relatable, and engaging.

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The 3 colors: What folktales teach about how to grow wise
Ambition. Descent. Wisdom.

by Jonny Thomson

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Everything Articles
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Thinking
Everyday Philosophy: How much empathy is too much empathy?
"I know what you're thinking" can sound kind or creepy — depending on who's saying it.
Jonny Thomson
A modern black-and-white photo of a man giving a presentation exudes ambition as it overlays a historical portrait, aligning the man's face with a red dot to the eye of the portrait. Red borders frame the image.
Thinking
Everyday Philosophy: Can you handle a Machiavellian colleague without becoming ruthless?
There's a fine line between ambition and ruthlessness.
Jonny Thomson
A black-and-white illustration depicts five individuals wearing robes and garlands, reclining and sitting around a table with food and drink, reminiscent of a classical or ancient feast, evoking scenes one might imagine from the time of Confucius.
Thinking
Everyday Philosophy: Were your parents right to make you “clean your plate”?
When stuffed and staring down the last bite, you might hear your mother's voice in your mind.
Jonny Thomson
A red, fuzzy cartoon character with a flame-like head is depicted in an overly emotional state, gripping control levers in a control room setting.
Thinking
Everyday Philosophy: Can you ever be “too emotional” in decision-making?
In the fight between head and heart, psychologists will win.
Jonny Thomson
Illustration of a brain diagram labeled with letters A through H, set in the center of a corridor flanked by tall columns. Red lines connect the labels to specific points on the brain, evoking pathways that have evolved from the past.
Thinking
Everyday Philosophy: Is it better to forget your past or keep revisiting it?
Is a repressed memory always so bad?
Jonny Thomson
A depiction of a muscular figure wearing armor and an illuminated gauntlet beside a stylized world map, marked by red circles and black intersecting lines, highlighting the battle against overpopulation.
Thinking
Everyday Philosophy: Thanos and an economist debate overpopulation
Is there a force keeping humanity in check?
Jonny Thomson
A sandwich with lettuce and bread, adorned with a toothpick, features doll arms and legs sticking out, creating a whimsical yet slightly eerie scene evoking playful hints of cannibalism.
Thinking
Everyday Philosophy: The religious belief underlying our disgust with cannibalism
Are fava beans and chianti really the best pairing for human liver?
Jonny Thomson
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Thinking
Everyday Philosophy: Is praying fundamentally egotistical?
God is not a vending machine, but is it wrong to treat him like one?
Jonny Thomson
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Thinking
Everyday Philosophy: Should you always call out bad opinions?
A reader asks whether we have an ethical responsibility to always debate bad beliefs, especially those that come from our elders.
Jonny Thomson
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Thinking
Everyday Philosophy: The hidden beauty of death-metal screaming
If music is a window onto truth, what does screaming reveal?
Jonny Thomson
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Thinking
Everyday Philosophy: “Should I hide my wild past from my parents?”
How heavy is the mask that you wear?
Jonny Thomson
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Thinking
Everyday Philosophy: The quickest way to test your moral character
The "Shopping Cart Litmus Test" is a popular meme about morality. What does it really reveal about one's character?
Jonny Thomson
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Thinking
Everyday Philosophy: “Is it OK to date someone your friend likes?”
A battle between different kinds of love.
Jonny Thomson
Three men looking at a smartphone and laughing, embodying everyday philosophy, with two faded figures and a sketch of a thinker with a question mark.
Thinking
Everyday Philosophy: “Should I disinvite my bigoted friend from group trips?”
You've got to know when to fight and when to laugh.
Jonny Thomson
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Thinking
Everyday Philosophy: “Is there anything wrong with trauma dumping?”
When does "oversharing" become an issue?
Jonny Thomson
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Thinking
Everyday Philosophy: “Is it OK to ghost the people you date?”
Nicole has been dating someone for a while but it's not working out from her point of view. Is sudden radio silence an ethical option?
Jonny Thomson
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Thinking
Everyday Philosophy: “Can I ever swear in front of kids?”
Irene is on a bus with her young kids when two men come on, cussing like sailors. Should Irene step in and say something?
Jonny Thomson
Woman wearing pixelated sunglasses sits at a desk, with graphic overlays of a line graph demonstrating workplace equality, classical figures in discussion, and a clock indicating 2 o'clock.
Thinking
Everyday Philosophy: “Should I have to work the same hours as my inefficient colleague?”
Rich is brilliant at his job. He completes work in half the time of his coworkers. Should he have to sit at his desk just as long?
Jonny Thomson
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