Jonny Thomson

Jonny Thomson

Jonny Thomson taught philosophy in Oxford for more than a decade before turning to writing full-time. He’s a columnist at Big Think and is the award-winning, bestselling author of three books that have been translated into 22 languages.

Jonny is also the founder of Mini Philosophy, a social network of around two million curious, intelligent minds. He's known all over the world for making philosophy accessible, relatable, and fun. 

An old black and white photo showing a man smoking a cigarette.
If you feel like you're missing out on something bigger, you might be feeling saṃvega.
A split image shows a hand with fingers crossed on the left, evoking the idea of a noble lie, and a person in military uniform saluting on the right.
This is my country and this is what we stand for. At least for now.
A woman in ancient armor holds out a small statue to a seated, bearded man, while another figure—symbolizing the evolution of wisdom—stands with their back turned near a tree and a cave.
Evolution may have built our brains, but it didn't build them to find truth.
Silhouette of a person with a backpack looking at a phone or book, filled with a galaxy pattern, on a light, swirling background.
In the tears and laughter of a single life, you find the grief and joy of humanity.
tolkien fantasy
According to Tolkien, fantasy requires a deep imagination known as "sub-creation." And the genre reflects a fundamental truth of being human.
Aerial view of winding rivers and wetlands showcases lush green vegetation and tan sediment-laden water converging with a larger body of water.
The award-winning nature writer, Robert Macfarlane, talks with Big Think about how to reacquaint ourselves with the rivers in our lives.
A lighthouse shines its beam at dusk with the words "HAPPINESS GUIDES" in large white text over the image.
5mins
"I think happiness is not a smiling face, it's more a smiling soul."
theory of mind
Grandmasters and drug dealers have one thing in common: They are many steps ahead of their rivals.
A hint of pessimism drips from the upside-down mint ice cream cone melting on the asphalt, a sweet reminder that some delights are meant to slip away.
Pessimissts are never disappointed, but are they also kinder?
Split-panel collage of illustrations with partial faces of four historical figures, featuring diverse expressions and art styles, separated by colored lines. Each face reveals a hint of misunderstood philosophy, inviting viewers to ponder the unseen depths behind their enigmatic gazes.
That Nietzsche quote might not mean what you think it does.
A person sitting on a chair with legs crossed in front of a white backdrop in a spacious room with wooden floors and large windows.
32mins
"Plato would argue that sex in and of itself is not what true love is. Sex can reach a point where you are in union with that person, where you see behind their appearances and you see behind the flesh and you experience something which is more transcendental."