Friday Night Philosophy

Jan 2, 2009 at 7:25 PM
8 comments

I have to admit to feeling rather unphilosophical (is that a word?) these days. I know the feeling will pass. It always has done before, and it will again. Maybe I need to try a little harder. It isn't unusual for me to feel this way during this time of year. I become rather unsettled. I've referred to it before, and it isn't uncommon among others, especially the lonely.

For this journey we take together can be a lonely one. As I remarked on Koios' blog, we each seek our own meaning to this life. In our struggle to survive on this planet, we find common ground with our fellows in many things. We discuss with each other our concerns for satisfying the Maslow needs. We nourish our souls with the music of our taste. We read the thoughts of our fellows on this great adventure that we take. And yet, essentially we are alone.

And all the while our fellow life forms around us are doing their thing. Our wildlife goes about the daily task of gathering food, raising their young, and unquestionly accepting that this is how it is. Our plants also live. Who knows if they think. Our fellow creatures accept their place in this universe, and go about the business of living just as we should. If there is any threat to that living, they adjust to the changed circumstances without complaint, and continue living.

And yet, we, who are the supposed "superior" species on this planet, do all we can to blot out reality by the use of drugs; we endlessly fret and rail against those things that deny our wants; and we question why it is that we exist anyway.

I think the Buddhists have it right. Next time around I want to be a rat.

8 comments

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This is a double edged sword, I'm thinking. It is precisely our capacity to question our circumstances that makes us different from the other animals; what makes us sentient.

If humans just passively accepted life in a "this is how it is" mindset, we'd still have slavery, most of use would die before our 40th birthdays of easily curable diseases, there would be no labor saving devices, no books, and so on.

While we can and do suffer in our questioning and denials, I'd much rather have it this way than to simply blow whichever way the wind blowed without question.

Yes, of course you are right. I wrote tongue in cheek, but not very well, I know. I do think it is true to say though that, looking around the world, many disgrace the very humanity to which they are privileged to belong. This is not to deny the good deeds of so many who celebrate that humanity.

Sometimes though, I do think we need to look at this world a little more objectively than through our human eyes. We do tend to think it's all about us. It's much, much grander than that.

[this is good]

Yes, Snowy, subjectivity can be a curse. It's our lot as a species, though, and on the whole it's done more good than bad. Where would the arts be without it, or our own curiosity as a whole? We need something to lead us beyond ourselves.

And, by the way, I hope you're well. It's been too long since I've read and commented on your posts. Apologies for that - it's been a wacky few months!

Yes, it's true that on balance the human species has done more good than harm. I sometimes think it's one step forward, and two back though. Good to hear from you, Margy.

you've got what I term the "Oh No.....Another Year" blues. I loathe the beginning of another 12 months because it means I have to 'do it all again' just to get through to the end. Silly thoughts and feelings when you break it all down. Time is linear and knows nothing of January or December. Time is. It's we who put beginnings and ends to the portions we can handle. All about us? I don't think so. We like to think it's all about us because we can't handle the alternative.

Yes, I think you're right. I've started walking again, so that always helps. I've been reading Stephen Hawking's "A Brief History of Time" again, and have come to the sad conclusion that after nearly 70 years on this planet, I don't even really know what time is. Or more particularly, space-time. Guess I'll have to read it again. Keeps the cogs turning, I suppose, although at times I wonder if they haven't finally ground to a halt.

[this is good]

Or, perhaps two steps forward and one step back. I'm thinking on the bright side!

Margy

I only think it sometimes, like when I see the possibility that Palin may yet still be POTUS one day.

Friday Night Philosophy

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