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The Guardian - US
The Guardian - US
Health
Shayla Love

Why do we do things that are bad for us? The ancient philosophers had an answer

Collage on pink background of three busts, one with red ears and another with halo on top
‘What happens when we clearly do something stupid?’ asks Sarah Paul, a professor of philosophy at NYU Abu Dhabi. Composite: The Guardian/Getty Images

We all break promises that we make to ourselves. Our dedication to a weekly running schedule falters; groceries wilt as we order takeout. Despite pledging to go to sleep earlier, we stay up late scrolling. This time we won’t leave that huge work project until the last minute – we swear – then we find ourselves procrastinating yet again.

When trying to live a healthy life, we have judgments about what we should do. Yet, in practice, we don’t always do what we know to be best.

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