I came across a wonderful thought puzzle for people interested in reading philosophy. Let’s close our eyes and envision a Greek hero named Theseus, a man known for sailing around the Mediterranean Sea doing hero-like things. He slays evil creatures, saves villages from destruction, on so on. While on one of his many adventures, heContinue reading The Ship of Theseus (A Puzzle)
The French philosopher René Descartes wrote, “I think, therefore I am,” which translated in Latin is Cogito, ergo sum (28). Actually, he wrote “I am thinking, therefore I exist,” but the former is more catchy. He coined the term to create a foundation for his philosophy of reason. Descartes questioned everything from the existence ofContinue reading I Write, Therefore I Am
The sea of Philosophy is wide and worn deep – it spans in all directions unending and complete. It’s an ocean first tranquil then unhinged – and I am but a traveler, sailing its brim. I peek over the edge of this boat of mine – to find on the surface a reflection supine. I’mContinue reading The Sea of Philosophy
Just because there’s an opportunity, that doesn’t mean I should take it. But I’m taking this one. I don’t know how I’m going to make it work, but that’s been the guiding force of my life. I tend to build the airplane while it’s flying. What’s the opportunity? I just found out that my wife,Continue reading I Just Enrolled (This is Nuts)
It’s 1991 and I’m in my backyard laughing at my dog. His name is Maverick. He’s a springer spaniel with big brown ears and the need to chase his tail. I’m laughing because every time Maverick spins in a circle, I count – and I’m currently at 76. This dog has ambition. I’ve had aContinue reading Circular Reasoning in a Book
I have limited experience with camels. My mother dated a guy who smoked a pack of Camels every day. I don’t remember much about him other than his yellow mustache which made me sick. Watching him smoke was enough to keep me out of the habit. Two more times, camels have influenced my life. It’sContinue reading Overcome Yourself in 3 Steps (According to Nietzsche)
I like the word Ruminate. Philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche (1844 – 1900) used this word in his opening remarks of On the Geneology of Morality. He points out that his ideas are difficult, and that the reader must spend time with them – mentally chewing on the concepts. That got me thinking — we’re all screwed.Continue reading How to Think For Yourself
When people think of philosophy, they often conjure up images of Plato and Aristotle. However, philosophy is much more than just two old guys in togas discussing universal ideas. Here’s a list of the major philosophical questions, along with a selection of philosophers you can explore within each area of focus. This list of greatContinue reading A List of Great Philosophers (Men and Women) You Should Read
Last weekend, I went to a storyteller’s festival and learned a valuable lesson. The Master of Ceremonies pointed out that stories help us confront the human condition. That got me thinking, what is the human condition? This question has been with us since cave people crawled out of the rocky earth, squinted at the sun,Continue reading Life is Hard. Reading Make It Better.
In 2008, Philosopher and Yale Professor Tamar Szabó Gendler published a paper in The Journal of Philosophy showing why it’s rational to eat food that looks like poop. The piece is about “Aliefs,” a concept new to me that’s mind-boggling. Let’s explore. Gendler’s argument goes like this: If I present you with a piece ofContinue reading Would You Eat Poop Food?