Why I Started a Free Yale Philosophy Course Instead of Doing Literally Anything Else.
Procrastination often leads me to philosophy.
I recently started a course in Philosophy and the Science of Human Nature.
Honestly, I have no idea how I ended up finding this specific course.
I’ve read so many books on philosophy—it’s probably one of my favorite topics in the history of humanity and life.
(A little parenthesis here: my two favourite philosophers are Daniel Dennett and Byung-Chul Han—I mostly read contemporary philosophy because I’m interested in topics like social and behavioural economics.)
Daniel Dennett opened my mind to human and cognitive sciences.
Byung-Chul Han, on the other hand, describes the phenomena happening in our societies in a way that feels deeply relatable and understandable to me.
He talks a lot about the era of narcissism, how we are our own projects, and what the framing of “you can do everything” / “you CAN” does to our mental health and behaviours, how it destroys fundamental human systems like collectivity, mutual support, and even empathy.
I recommend both philosophers—especially the second—if you’re interested in unpacking the architecture of today’s society and the decisions we make that (for example) lead to the return of fascism in Europe. In different forms. Because fascism never dies, it just reshapes itself.
And I recommend Daniel Dennett if you’re more curious about how our brain works, consciousness, free will, and evolutionary theory.
He builds bridges between philosophy, neuroscience, and computer science, explaining the mind in what could be described as a logical and engineering-oriented way.
My favourite books by them:
Breaking the Spell: Religion as a Natural Phenomenon – Daniel Dennett
The Burnout Society – Byung-Chul Han
📚 You can find them here:
So, back to the point…
Which was…?
Procrastination.
It’s often said that for people who love knowledge, the best way to procrastinate is… learning.
So yes—I just indirectly called myself smart.
But really, I crave knowledge daily. And during certain periods, it becomes an actual addiction.
So somehow, while browsing the internet for god-knows-what, I stumbled upon this course offered by Open Yale—yes, that Yale University—completely free and available for anyone interested in exploring deep topics:
👉 Open Yale Courses – Philosophy and the Science of Human Nature
Unlike platforms like Coursera or edX, Open Yale doesn’t offer certificates, but maybe that’s even better.
At one point, I considered getting a certification in philosophy and/or psychology, but for now, that can wait in line. I’m already in love with this course and committed to finishing it.
I’m in Berlin right now (arrived yesterday), and I just completed the first chapter of the course—and I’m fascinated.
For the second class, a book was recommended:
📘 Predictably Irrational: The Hidden Forces That Shape Our Decisions by Dan Ariely
(Only Chapter 6, titled The Problem of Procrastination and Self-Control - was required to read for the 2nd Class)
And after learning that Dan Ariely has a degree in behavioural economics from the mother of all nerd heavens—MIT—of course, I didn’t just read Chapter 6. I started reading the whole book.
Because I cannot limit myself.
I cannot stop.
So my goal is to finish it by tomorrow. Okay, let’s say within two days—realistically.
The book already sparked so many thoughts in me that I began writing this post mid-reading… but somewhere along the way, I forgot what I meant to say. Let me check my notes.
Ah yes—Chapter 1: Why Everything is Relative (Even When It Shouldn’t Be)
It explains the theory of relativity in the simplest and most human-centred way, showing how we often don’t know what we want until we see it in context.
We are such simple creatures, yet so complex.
We always compare ourselves—our desires, needs, decisions—to others.
We can’t help it.
One of the most beautiful questions posed in the first lecture of the course was:
“What kind of animal makes reflective plans and then doesn’t act on them?”
We all know this:
I want to study, but end up answering emails.
Or—like me—signing up for a course that explains procrastination to me.
I want to diet, but eat cake at midnight.
I want to save money, but buy clothes online.
So what is this creature?
This paradox of intention vs. action?
This messy, contradictory self?
That question stayed with me.
I hope this post sparks something in you—whether it’s checking out the course, reading one of the books, or diving into the rich world of philosophy, behavioural economics, or the strange and beautiful mysteries of human nature.
I’m going back to my mission: finish the book by tomorrow.
Berlin feels familiar, calm, beautiful, and rainy.
I feel good here. Even though I packed mostly warm clothes and froze a bit yesterday…
The fresh air makes me hungry for knowledge, tea, and writing.
Tomorrow, I’ll come back with stories from Milano – Bologna – Roma, and my farewell to Italy for the next two months. I’m excited for Copenhagen, obviously, but already… I miss Italy. It’s a part of me now.
Living everywhere comes with pain too.
Beautiful pain, but still pain.
You never feel fully at home—yet you do feel at home on the road.
And Berlin…
Berlin is slowly becoming a part of me, too.
The city of culture, contradictions, and thinkers.
At least one post should be dedicated to Berlin.
Anyway, that’s where my brain is at today—somewhere between philosophy lectures, behavioural economics, and Berlin rain.
I didn’t plan to write all this, but here we are. If you made it this far, maybe you're procrastinating too (no judgment).
Maybe you’ll check out one of the books, or the course, or just sit with that question about why we don’t do what we say we’ll do.
I don’t have answers—just a growing stack of thoughts, half-finished notes, and too many tabs open.
But hey, that’s part of the fun. More soon.
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