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Ancient wisdom.
Modern naps.

Small reflections on life, curiosity, kindness and happiness, written by two British Shorthairs named Socrates and Marcus Aurelius.

Socrates and Marcus Aurelius, two British Shorthairs, perched on a stack of philosophy books beneath a starlit sky

Socrates and Marcus Aurelius, contemplating absolutely everything and remembering nothing.

Let's take a moment to reflect
Socrates, a lilac British Shorthair, sitting on a wooden floor and reaching up towards floating soap bubbles

A mini story

The illusion of control.

I touched the bubble. The bubble disappeared. Philosophy remains.

— Socrates
Past reflections

Previously

On hierarchy.

Do not concern yourself with your position in the world. Unless, of course, your brother is sitting beneath you.

Socrates & Marcus Aurelius

Previously

On being well read.

I have read none of these books. But I have absorbed their wisdom through proximity.

Marcus Aurelius

Previously

On being present.

Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow is unknown. This fluffy thing, however, demands immediate attention.

Marcus Aurelius

Previously

On the ingredients of wisdom.

Control what you can. Accept what you cannot. And never let the human bake without supervision.

Socrates

Previously

The art of letting go.

You have to understand that life cannot always be controlled. Sometimes the wisest response is to surrender completely, to gravity, to comfort, and to whatever happens to be happening beneath you.

Marcus Aurelius

Previously

The art of tolerating humans.

A Philosocat neither seeks affection nor rejects it. It simply permits it. You cannot control the human who insists on hugging you… only how long you choose to endure it.

Socrates

Previously

The unspoken conversation.

Not every conversation requires words. Sometimes companionship is simply two quiet minds looking in the same direction.

Socrates & Marcus Aurelius

Previously

Bloom where you sit.

The wisest souls do not compete with beauty; they quietly become part of it. Although, admittedly, being softer than the flowers helps.

Socrates

Previously

The dignity of the defeat.

The game was lost. The nation was disappointed. The Stoics, however, maintained perfect composure.

Marcus Aurelius

Previously

On curiosity and consequences.

Some philosophers ask questions. Others dig until they find the answers beneath the surface. Socrates believes both approaches have merit.

Socrates

Previously

Twelve minutes with a candle.

Socrates spent twelve minutes staring at his birthday candles before deciding that not every mystery needs solving.

Socrates

More reflections will gather here as the weeks go by.

Meet the philosophers

Two philosophers.
Both, accidentally, cats.

One Greek. One Roman. Both currently residing in a warm apartment somewhere quiet, dedicating their days to sunbeams and the finer points of rest.

Socrates, a British Shorthair cat, photographed in soft natural light

Socrates

Born 2022

Lilac British Shorthair

The elder philosopher. Thoughtful, (im)patient, quietly observant, and when sufficiently inconvenienced just a little judgmental. A devoted practitioner of routines, sunbathing, and naps that inevitably evolve into profound philosophical journeys.

Sleeps on
wherever the sunbeam happens to be
Studies
fluffy blankets, suspicious pillows, and the ineffable
Believes
I think, therefore I am

To know catself is the beginning of wisdom.

Marcus Aurelius, a British Shorthair cat, photographed in soft natural light

Marcus Aurelius

Born 2024

Golden British Shorthair

The younger philosopher. Curious, endlessly affectionate, and a true master of the purr. Investigates every elevated surface as if it conceals the secrets of the universe. Finds wonder in almost everything—especially balcony sunsets, unexpected insects, and the possibility of treats.

Sleeps on
the most hidden spot he can possibly fit into
Studies
insects, houseplants, and Socrates
Believes
I purr, therefore everything is fine

Waste no more time arguing what a good cat should be. Be a sleepy one.

Timeless wisdom

Meowditations from the windowsill.

Socrates and Marcus Aurelius resting together in warm daylight
“The meaning of life is best contemplated at 3:17 a.m.”

— SOCRATES & MARCUS AURELIUS

There is a small floorboard by the eastern window that fills with light around ten in the morning. It does not consult a calendar. It does not review your week. It arrives, and it is warm, and it stays for as long as it stays.

Archive

The Philosocats journal

Thoughtful purrspectives, from two very small desks.

Favorite finds

A small list of things worth keeping.

Recommended, from experience, by two philosophers who take their comfort seriously.

The finest paste ever to grace a tube — a favourite find recommended by the Philosocats

Nourishment

The finest paste ever to grace a tube

Proof that happiness can, in fact, be squeezed into existence.

The hammock knows — a favourite find recommended by the Philosocats

Rest

The hammock knows

It asks for nothing but trust, gives nothing but peace, and never once suggests checking your emails.

The art of stillness — a favourite find recommended by the Philosocats

Ritual

The art of stillness

The quiet confidence that what is meant for you will arrive… preferably as a catnip flavoured treat.

Say hello

If there is something quiet
worth saying, say it.

No newsletter. No pressure. Just meow meow. Whether it is a kind word, a collaboration, a sponsorship, or an impossible possibility — the philosophers are listening.

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— This section is approved by the Philosocats.