Kant we interest you in some philosophy? This month we shine a spotlight on our school of philosophy and how philosophy matters to you. Be sure to check USC Dornsife News and follow us on social media for more.

In this issue, learn about stoicism and why it’s growing in popularity, get to know actor and comedian Luka Jones, who earned a PhD in philosophy at USC Dornsife, discover the little piece of Hogwarts right on campus, and find out how one Army veteran found a passion for philosophy.

Ancient wisdom is making a modern comeback. Stoicism, a 2,300-year-old philosophy, is experiencing a surge in popularity.

Why it matters: In today’s fast-paced, often overwhelming world, Stoicism offers practical tools for managing emotions and has shaped modern mental health practices.

The big picture:  Founded around 300 B.C., Stoicism is an ancient Greek philosophy that teaches resilience by focusing on what we can control and accepting what we cannot.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), one of today’s most widely practiced mental health treatments, draws directly from Stoic principles. Its founder emphasized the Stoic belief that it's not events themselves, but how we respond to them, that shape our emotions.

Some critics argue that its popularity – often , fueled by male influencers – leans more toward promoting emotional repression than true resilience.

Yes, but: Wedgwood says that position doesn’t accurately represent Stoicism.

Actor Luka Jones has made a name for himself with roles in TV series like Shrill and People of Earth, but he also has a passion for academia — having earned a PhD in philosophy from USC Dornsife. He even sees (sort of) a parallel in how philosophers think and a certain superhero’s technology.

In his application to USC, Army veteran and philosophy major Evan Williams named Paddington Bear as his ideal fictional roommate, drawn to the character’s warmth, optimism and gentle approach to overcoming challenges.

Why it matters: After serving six years as a U.S. Army nurse, Williams highlights how life experience can shape unexpected academic paths.

Williams joined the Army after high school, completed basic training, and trained as a practical nursing specialist.

After completing his military service, Williams followed his passion for philosophy, transferring to USC Dornsife to pursue his studies.

The club meets weekly, with students discussing influential philosophical works like:

The bottom line: Williams recommends majoring in philosophy for its academic rigor and critical thinking skills, which can be applied to careers in law, business, medicine and politics.

In his words: “Specialties in terms of careers are great, of course, but somebody has to not be specialized,” Williams says. “We can’t have a society of essentially the most talented and equipped tradesmen. Somebody must be a mile wide and an inch deep, and I think philosophy offers this opportunity.”

Interested in philosophy but not sure where to start? Associate Professor of Philosophy Dmitri Gallow recommends four books that explore topics like free will, a meaningful life and even existence itself.

Celebrated heroes often embody the traits of Stoicism. USC Dornsife scholars explain what Stoicism is and why it remains popular today.

Explore the oldest library on campus, home to rare manuscripts and collections. The furniture, artifacts and building itself are nearly 100 years old.

Learn about a conference that brings together female high school students from the Los Angeles area to hone their leadership skills and encourage their involvement in public service.

Attend the sixth annual Climate Forward conference, either in person or virtually, to explore practical solutions to climate change and uncover the political barriers hindering their implementation.

Join Interim Dean Moh El-Naggar for a reception at the Computer History Museum as we explore how Dornsife scholars are shaping the world through science, technology and the humanities.