Philosophy Blog Posts
Philosophy Blog Posts
Knowledge in DNA
The Knowledge in Our DNA DNA is a vast library to tap in the quest for knowledge and wisdom. Human DNA contains the results of millions of experiments over millions of years on how to thrive – or at least how to survive. The results can help us understand our nature, our society, and what […]
Value of Adversity
The Value of Adversity I never thought I would come to appreciate misfortune. We all want good luck in life. Who would wish for adversity for themselves or anyone? We work to avoid bad things happening to us. But I found adversity valuable, even necessary, for living well. I believe misfortune is crucial for developing […]
How to Respond to Wrongdoing
How to respond to wrongdoing “Let not any one pacify his conscience by the delusion that he can do no harm if he takes no part, and forms no opinion. Bad men need nothing more to compass their ends, than that good men should look on and do nothing.” John Stuart Mill John Stuart Mill […]
Lessons from the Stoics
Lessons from the Stoics The Stoics provide useful and practical principles and behaviors for living. Stoicism is an ancient philosophy created by the Greeks and Romans. Many of the original Stoic writers were not philosophers by profession but people who looked to philosophy as a means for becoming better people and living a good life. […]
Basic ideas of Emanuel Kant
What I Learned from Studying Emanuel Kant I knew little about Kant about except that he was important. I was introduced to his writings in a university philosophy class I audited in my 60s. There is a reason I knew little about him. His ideas are complicated, and his writing is hard to understand. After […]
What I learned from Aristotle
What i learned from Reading aristotle Aristotle is essential to any study of moral philosophy. He provides so much and there are many books examining his writings and contributions. I focus here on a couple concepts that influence my thinking and help me learn how to live. Happiness (eudaimonia/thriving) is the overriding good Aristotle argues […]
Hierarchy, Status, and Pride
Explore the crucial role of hierarchies in human society, where status significantly impacts our lives. Understand the evolutionary roots, benefits, and complexities of navigating social structures for personal growth and collective progress.
Human Nature
Human Nature We have created a Star Wars civilization, with Stone Age emotions, medieval institutions, and godlike technology.” ― Edward O. Wilson, The Social Conquest of Earth Human nature is a powerful force. A wise person understands human nature because it affects their ability to make and carry out good decisions. Assumptions about human nature […]
What does it mean to thrive?
What does it mean to thrive? To thrive as a human being has become my purpose — the overriding goal that other subsidiary life goals should align with. I should be able to judge the value of other life goals by asking whether they further thriving or not. What does thriving mean? The term sounds […]