Philosophy is a very key component of life and the understanding thereof. So many people live their whole life not knowing or caring why they were put here. It may be one of my downfalls but I question everything, I believe that I have an analytical mind for a purpose - I should exercise this ability as should everyone else.
Some of the most basic philosophy questions plague me. Such as, Socrates "What is piety and right ?" Some of the most basic questions that we will never know the answer too, yet human kind still seems to blindly function. It is the courage of the blind massess that make life go on - not us academics. But none the less I am faced to question and reconsider all situations and senarios.
I am a Philosophy minor, I have taken the intro class, as well as Philosophy of Science Fiction (it isn't as lame as it sounds), I am currently taking Rights, Justice and Equality, Epistemology, and Buddhist Philosophy. All very interesting classess.
There is so much philosophy to discuss and present, it is not appropriate for a web page. However, if you are one of the blinded massess, please read this little tidbit, and thank you for making my life go on.
Desiderata
Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in
silence. As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all
persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; listen to others, even the
dull and ignorant; they too have their story. Avoid loud and agressive
persons, they are vexations to the spirit. If you compare yourself with
others, you will become vain and bitter, for always there will be persons
greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your acchievements as well as
your plans. Keep interested in your career, however humble; it is a real
possesion in the changing fortunes of time. Exercise caution in your business
affairs; the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you what
virtue there is. Many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is
full of heroism. Be yourself. Especially, do not feign affection.Neither be
cynical about love; for in the face of all ardity and disenchantment it is
perennial as the grass. Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully
surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of the spirit to shield
you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and lonliness. Beyond a wholesome disipline,
be gentle with your self.You are a child of the universe, no less than the
trees and the stars; you havea right to be here. And whether or not it is
clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore be
at peace with God, whatever you concieve Him to be, and whatever your labors
and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.
Be careful. Strive to be happy.
- found in Old Saint Paul's Church, Baltimore; Dated 1692
As the Desiderata says : there will always wbe greater and lesser than you and me. An excellent Buddhist parable re-affirms this, we should all try to keep this in mind:
The Parable of the Lowly Stone Cutter
A lowly stone cutter is depressed when he sees a tax collector come into town. Envious of the collector's powers, and the respect that the collector demands from the public, the stone cutter offers a wish to be the collector. Poof, he becomes the tax collector. As he is the tax collector, he sees the king, now envious of the kings powers, he wishes to take the kings place. Poof, he is the king. The king has many powers, but the sun is still more powerful - the king cannot control it. He wishes himself to be the sun - poof, he is now the sun. But while being the sun, he realizes that the clouds can cover him up. He wishes now to be the clouds, poof, the change occurs. But wait, the wind moves the clouds. He wishes himself into being the wind, poof, so be it. As powerful as the wind is, he still can't move a mountain, that is obviously the highest power one can attain, he deems. Poof he is the mountain. As he is enjoying being the mountain, he notices a lowly stone cutter picking away at him !