<h2 class=" eplus-wrapper">Give it up</h2>

Today is Mardi Gras and celebrations will go worldwideExotic carnivals in cities such as Nice, New Orleans, Rio de Janeiro and Venice are particularly popular.. Millions will dress up and eat too much. There will be parades, picnics and pancakes based on the ancient idea of using up the supplies in the larder before 40 days of fasting begins.

Many people will soon give up little luxuries and addictions such as smoking, drinking or eating chocolate until Easter, inspired by the story of Jesus. Indeed, all major religions encourage periods of self-denial. "It reminds you of your own fragility and dependence," says Christian philosopher Roger Scruton.

Another philosopher, Jules EvansAuthor of Philosophy of Life and Other Dangerous Situations (Rider 2012)., argues that the dominant economic model all around the world is based on promoting consumption - trying to make us want more, in other words. More goods, more, food, more housing, more travel.

But this is unsustainable environmentally. As a species, we will have to learn to limit our desires - to travel less, to waste less.

We should ask ourselves, he says, why we are on this planet. Perhaps the reason the Earth has seen fit to produce us is precisely because of our consciousness, our capacity for self-awareness and awareness of our environment.

If that is the case then our task as humans is to develop our consciousness to its highest level. As a culture, we are increasingly absorbed in exercising our bodies, in making the "body beautiful". But we are also beginning to learn that we can train our minds, and make ourselves happier, in part by wanting less.

The modern psychotherapy and self-help movements are now full of such mental exercises. "Seven steps to happiness", "Training in the Mind Gym", "How to Change Your Thoughts" and so on, are really forms of asceticism or mind-training.

Kelly McGonigalAuthor of The Willpower Instinct (Penguin 2012)., a psychologist, says restraining ourselves for short intervals may make us more resolute at other times. "Willpower is most accurately thought of as a muscle," she argues. "Your brain and body get better at it when you practice it."

What rubbish! say some. When we give things up we become introspective. Our self-control does not last: many people who give up chocolate for LentIn the Christian calendar the period of penitence runs from Ash Wednesday (when penitents mark their foreheads with ashes as a sign of repentance) to Easter. Deeply significant in Christianity, it is followed by Easter Sunday. Easter and its symbolism coincide with the celebration of spring. gorge on Easter eggs afterwards. It is too negative. How much better to take up a new hobby, be kinder or complete a challenge. We can broaden our minds and perhaps make a difference to others, not just ourselves.

Just try it, respond the modern ascetics. Anyone can take up a new fad for a few weeks; denying ourselves something we want is more humbling. It is a chance to set a precedent for the rest of the year - if we can avoid something for 40 days, we prove to ourselves that we do not need it. This is the true chance to improve ourselves and set ourselves free.

Worldwide - Exotic carnivals in cities such as Nice, New Orleans, Rio de Janeiro and Venice are particularly popular.

Jules Evans - Author of Philosophy of Life and Other Dangerous Situations (Rider 2012).

Kelly McGonigal - Author of The Willpower Instinct (Penguin 2012).

Lent - In the Christian calendar the period of penitence runs from Ash Wednesday (when penitents mark their foreheads with ashes as a sign of repentance) to Easter. Deeply significant in Christianity, it is followed by Easter Sunday. Easter and its symbolism coincide with the celebration of spring.