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?
Philosophy is hard to understand, but there’s a reason you should read it. My first experience with Plato, Aristotle, and contemporaries like Hannah Arendt came in the fall of 2004. I was getting a Bachelor’s degree in business, and I needed an easy class to fill my schedule – so I took Intro to Philosophy.Continue reading The Flywheel of Philosophy
There’s value in learning to read hard books. Perhaps the best way to explain this is with a ridiculous fitness metaphor. Sidenote. Yesterday, I talked about the hedonic treadmill of reading. I must subconsciously be trying to get ready for my summer bikini body. Anyway— I love going to the gym. I’m a powerlifter, whichContinue reading Why You Should Read Hard Books
I always read the introduction of a book, especially if it’s a technical text. Why? Because introductions are often written by people who are familiar with the work. They’ve studied it, mastered the terms, and have been asked by the author or publisher to help you get a “lay of the land.” Note that IContinue reading Read The Introduction
It’s almost 2024, and I’m practically a God; at least, I would have been in the eyes of ancient philosophers like Seneca, Plato, and Kant. That’s because I can use artificial intelligence to write full-length books at the snap of a finger. I can order food and have it delivered to my door within 30Continue reading Why You Should Study Philosophy in 2024