Life Problem Solver

Describe your problem, or click on a tile if it relates to you.

Describe what is troubling you

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Fresco-style painting of a packed suitcase standing beside a door left ajar, light falling through the gap Love Should I stay or leave? When love has gone quiet and you cannot tell if it is over. Fresco-style painting of a dried rose lying beside a glass of water holding a fresh rosebud Love Should I give my ex another chance? They want to try again. Do you? Fresco-style painting of a blue teacup on its saucer, its crack mended with gold Love Should I forgive a partner who cheated? The trust is broken. Can it be mended? Fresco-style painting of a sealed envelope with a red wax seal and a fountain pen beside it Love Should I confess an affair? Telling the truth, or keeping the peace. Fresco-style painting of two plain gold wedding bands lying side by side on a blue cloth Love Should I get married? Commitment, doubt and the fear of choosing wrong. Fresco-style painting of a coat hanging on a hook above an empty desk with an ID badge left on it Work Should I quit my job? Staying for security, or leaving for something better. Fresco-style painting of a balance scale holding coins on one pan and a seedling on the other, perfectly level Work More money or more meaningful work? When the pay and the purpose pull apart. Fresco-style painting of a whistle on a red cord lying on a closed folder Work Should I report a colleague's wrongdoing? Loyalty to people against loyalty to what is right. Fresco-style painting of a gold star sticker half peeled from one page and stuck onto the next Work What do I do about a boss who takes credit for my work? Speaking up without making things worse. Fresco-style painting of a lit desk lamp shining on a tall stack of papers and a cup of coffee Work Am I working too hard? When work has taken more than its share of your life. Fresco-style painting of an envelope of banknotes tied with string Money Should I lend money to family? Helping someone you love without losing them, or the money. Fresco-style painting of an earthenware jar of coins beside a small wrapped gift Money Should I spend it or save it? Enjoying life now, or securing it for later. Fresco-style painting of a tall leaning stack of gold coins beside a single coin Money Is it wrong to want to be rich? Ambition, comfort and how much is enough. Fresco-style painting of a blue bowl of rice tipping its grains into an empty terracotta bowl Money How much should I give away? Generosity, guilt and what you owe to strangers. Fresco-style painting of a gold pocket watch on a chain pulled tight in two directions Money What do we do when siblings fight over an inheritance? When grief and money arrive at the same table. Fresco-style painting of two wooden chairs set far apart, one turned away Family Should I distance myself from a parent? When a mother or father wears you down. Fresco-style painting of two cups of tea on a wooden tray, one cup with two handles Family Should I care for my ageing parent myself? Duty, love and the limits of what you can give. Fresco-style painting of a young bird on the rim of its nest, wings open, ready to fly Family Should I help my adult child or let them manage? Stepping in, or letting them learn the hard way. Fresco-style painting of tiny knitted baby shoes beside a pair of worn adult boots Family Should I have children? One of the largest choices a life holds. Fresco-style painting of many cords tied in one knot, a single red cord pulling away Family How much do I owe my family? Obligation, guilt and a life of your own. Fresco-style painting of a woven friendship bracelet cut in two Friendship Should I end a friendship that hurts me? When a friend leaves you feeling worse, not better. Fresco-style painting of a green teapot with two blue cups Friendship Should I confront a friend who never apologises? Raising it at last, or letting it go again. Fresco-style painting of a gold hand mirror lying half wrapped in a soft cloth Friendship Should I tell a friend a truth that will hurt them? Honesty against kindness. Fresco-style painting of a broken garden fence with a thorny vine climbing over it Friendship How do I live beside a neighbour who makes my life miserable? Living next to someone who makes life hard. Fresco-style painting of a green teapot pouring its last drop into a nearly empty cup Friendship Should I say no to someone who needs me? Helping others without losing yourself. Fresco-style painting of an open compass lying on a blank map Life choices What should I do with my life? Purpose, direction and the fear of wasting it. Fresco-style painting of a green seedling sprouting from the side of an old tree stump Life choices Is it too late to start again? A new beginning, at any age. Fresco-style painting of a young plant lifted out with its roots showing, beside an empty clay pot Life choices Should I move away? A new place, or the life you already know. Fresco-style painting of a straw sun hat resting on a pair of worn work boots by a doorway Life choices Should I retire? Stopping work, and what comes after. Fresco-style painting of a crumpled sheet of paper smoothed flat, its creases still showing Life choices How do I live with a decision I regret? When you cannot undo it and cannot forget it.

How it works

Most problems are an old one in modern clothes. Whether to stay or go, whether to say the hard thing, whether to forgive: philosophers have argued about these for two and a half thousand years, and they did not agree. That disagreement is the useful part.

Write your problem in the notebook, or click the tile closest to it. Three philosophers chosen to disagree then answer, each in their own manner, from what they actually argued. You get three ways of seeing the same problem and a note on exactly where they part. You do not get a verdict.

For education and entertainment only. The answers are composed in each philosopher's manner, not quoted, and they are not psychological, medical, legal or financial advice. Nothing you write is saved.