No one is calm all the time. Nor should we be: a touch of fear and adrenaline can be critical to our survival and effective performance. However, many of us will at times experience debilitating anxiety, or have a tendency to lose composure entirely.

This class aims to help us achieve a state of calm that fits our lives and challenges. What can we learn from psychology and philosophy? And how do we find the courage to face our own restlessness. We’ll explore the two key relationships that are within our power to improve – our relationship with the world, and our relationship with ourselves. By studying ideas on the origin of unrest, and talking about our experiences, we can discover how we can achieve a more balanced emotional life and a stronger sense of calm.

We’ll discuss ideas that give insight into the sources of anxiety, unrest and calmness. Above all, we discover how anxiety can be used as a catalyst for finding personal freedom. By accepting the intrinsic role of anxiety in our lives, we may be able to live a more authentic life.

The Tutor: Jacob Koolstra

Jacob Koolstra is a philosopher, podcaster and teacher. After studying history and philosophy at the University of Amsterdam, he was one of the first in the Netherlands to develop the Practical Philosophy course in pre-vocational secondary education. In addition to teaching at The School of Life, he teaches Philosophical Media Literacy and Radio & Podcasting at the ROC in Amsterdam.

About our Classes

Our classes have been designed to give useful insights around the big themes in life. You’ll be challenged to think deeply about the issues that matter most, and provided with a space to share your thoughts, ideas and experiences with other curious, open-minded individuals.These sessions are designed by experts and taught by members of our faculty. They include a mix of lecture, conversation and group activity.