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Were People ACTUALLY Happier Back Then?! | Professor Michael Scott
We’re hitting rewind on history and stepping into the ancient world.
Michael Scott is a professor of Classics at the University of Warwick, a bestselling author, and the historian behind hit documentary series like Invisible Cities.
Mercedes and Anastasia join Michael for a journey back in time to ancient Greece and Rome, uncovering the hidden layers beneath modern cities and the timeless questions that have shaped humanity for thousands of years. Along the way, Michael shares the ancient wisdom and practices that can boost our happiness - and modern habits that are preventing us from living our best lives.
This episode isn’t just about history- it’s about perspective. It’s time travel without a machine; learning from lives lived long before ours and realizing that feeling unsure about your next step is part of the human experience.
After this episode, you’ll know:
– Why the biggest myth about the past is that it’s “over.”
– How people 2,500 years ago dealt with uncertainty, purpose, and happiness.
– Were people in the past happier than us?
– Ancient life hacks that we can utilize today!
– A simple way to bring the joy of discovery into your everyday life.
Whether you’re questioning your future, feeling overwhelmed by decisions, or just curious about how people lived & thought before us, this episode will make you feel less alone in your questions and more excited about exploring what’s next.
Explore our website
Shop the Manta Sleep Mask
Check out Michael's Website + buy his new book (US)!
Buy Michael's new book (UK)
Follow Michael on Instagram
Ready to Hack Your Happiness some more? Listen to our interview with creator of Everybody Loves Raymond and star of Somebody Feed Phil, Phil Rosenthal. In this episode, Phil shares his learnings from traveling the world, his favourite food, and hacks for being more spontaneous: listen + watch now!
(00:00) Welcome, Michael!
(01:36) Falling In Love With The Ancient World
(02:54) How Can I Become A Better Communicator?
(05:27) Why Should I Care About History?
(09:40) Storytime! Visiting Ancient Roman Sites
(12:56) The Joy of Discovery
(15:34) Happiness From Ancient Civilizations
(18:17) How Can I Deal With Life's Challenges?
(21:19) Did People Used To Be Happier?
(23:17) Pause This!
(23:49) Connection: Then vs Now
(27:25) Lessons From The Silk Road
(30:21) The Psychology Of The Ancient World
(32:16) Similarities Between Today & The Ancient World
(34:50) How Can I Make My Passion Into My Career?
(36:20) Did Ancient Civilizations Care About Passion?
(38:25) You Should Be Thankful For THIS!
(39:37) Want To Learn About History? Start Here
(41:53) Your Best Sleep Ever Awaits...
(42:25) Michael's Ultimate Bucket List
(43:59) The BIGGEST Historical Myth
(49:59) You Can Visit ONE Ancient Civilization
(50:23) Michael's Go-To Weeknight Dinner
(50:43) Michael To His Teenage Self
(51:26) What Brings Michael A Small Bit of Happiness?
(51:44) Michael's Motivational Quote
(52:24) Find Michael Here
(52:59) Your Next Stop
View all episodes
By Small Bits of HappinessWe’re hitting rewind on history and stepping into the ancient world.
Michael Scott is a professor of Classics at the University of Warwick, a bestselling author, and the historian behind hit documentary series like Invisible Cities.
Mercedes and Anastasia join Michael for a journey back in time to ancient Greece and Rome, uncovering the hidden layers beneath modern cities and the timeless questions that have shaped humanity for thousands of years. Along the way, Michael shares the ancient wisdom and practices that can boost our happiness - and modern habits that are preventing us from living our best lives.
This episode isn’t just about history- it’s about perspective. It’s time travel without a machine; learning from lives lived long before ours and realizing that feeling unsure about your next step is part of the human experience.
After this episode, you’ll know:
– Why the biggest myth about the past is that it’s “over.”
– How people 2,500 years ago dealt with uncertainty, purpose, and happiness.
– Were people in the past happier than us?
– Ancient life hacks that we can utilize today!
– A simple way to bring the joy of discovery into your everyday life.
Whether you’re questioning your future, feeling overwhelmed by decisions, or just curious about how people lived & thought before us, this episode will make you feel less alone in your questions and more excited about exploring what’s next.
Explore our website
Shop the Manta Sleep Mask
Check out Michael's Website + buy his new book (US)!
Buy Michael's new book (UK)
Follow Michael on Instagram
Ready to Hack Your Happiness some more? Listen to our interview with creator of Everybody Loves Raymond and star of Somebody Feed Phil, Phil Rosenthal. In this episode, Phil shares his learnings from traveling the world, his favourite food, and hacks for being more spontaneous: listen + watch now!
(00:00) Welcome, Michael!
(01:36) Falling In Love With The Ancient World
(02:54) How Can I Become A Better Communicator?
(05:27) Why Should I Care About History?
(09:40) Storytime! Visiting Ancient Roman Sites
(12:56) The Joy of Discovery
(15:34) Happiness From Ancient Civilizations
(18:17) How Can I Deal With Life's Challenges?
(21:19) Did People Used To Be Happier?
(23:17) Pause This!
(23:49) Connection: Then vs Now
(27:25) Lessons From The Silk Road
(30:21) The Psychology Of The Ancient World
(32:16) Similarities Between Today & The Ancient World
(34:50) How Can I Make My Passion Into My Career?
(36:20) Did Ancient Civilizations Care About Passion?
(38:25) You Should Be Thankful For THIS!
(39:37) Want To Learn About History? Start Here
(41:53) Your Best Sleep Ever Awaits...
(42:25) Michael's Ultimate Bucket List
(43:59) The BIGGEST Historical Myth
(49:59) You Can Visit ONE Ancient Civilization
(50:23) Michael's Go-To Weeknight Dinner
(50:43) Michael To His Teenage Self
(51:26) What Brings Michael A Small Bit of Happiness?
(51:44) Michael's Motivational Quote
(52:24) Find Michael Here
(52:59) Your Next Stop