Get philosophical with us. This month we shine a spotlight on our school of philosophy and how philosophy matters to you. We’re celebrating all month, so 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, dive into the mind of actor and comedian Luka Jones who also has a PhD in philosophy, discover some good reads for philosophy beginners, 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’ choice highlights how life experience can shape unexpected academic paths — and reveals the deeper value philosophy can add to the mix.

After high school, Williams joined the Army, 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.

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

Before Luka Jones appeared in TV shows and movies alongside actors Aidy Bryant, Will Arnett, Maya Rudolph and more, he earned a PhD in philosophy from USC Dornsife.

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“It’s really about the combination of heat and humidity, particularly for older adults, because older adults don’t sweat the same way.”

Jennifer Ailshire of spatial sciences spoke with Esquire about her study which found that extreme heat may accelerate aging.

“What do you do about the stuff you don’t see? It’s hard to get your head around the extent of the contamination.”

Josh West of Earth sciences and environmental studies spoke with The New York Times about the lingering environmental hazards in wildfire burn zones.

“Dr. Bhattacharya is exactly the right leader to defend — and promote — science for the public good.”

Dana Goldman of economics spoke with NPR about Jay Bhattacharya, a nominee to take over the National Institutes of Health.

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 Learn more >>

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. Learn more >>

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. Learn more >>

Discover upcoming events on the Dornsife Alumni Events Calendar.

Want to get some practice in before your next big interview? Alumni have free access to Big Interview, a powerful AI-enhanced tool that gives you 24/7 access to interactive interview practice tailored specifically to your industry, job and experience level.