Learn about philosophy

I went to my third philosophy course this morning. It was fascinating as ever. The central message was that knowing yourself is one of the most important ways in which to improve your life and your outlook on the world. Particularly, the lovely lovely tutor said that we should neither accept nor deny concepts and ways of thinking that are presented to us, but find our own way and experience things for ourselves. We also talked a lot about Socrates and about how he was a revolutionary as he wanted to awaken this instinct to think for themselves and work things out for themselves. Socrates didn’t want to impose his views on anyone, just wanted to awaken people to their own truth.

There’s also more and more meditation each week, which I’m finding really helpful as I sometimes feel I’m cracking up with stress at the moment and there’s nothing better than meditation for helping me to feel centred and calm.

“I know nothing except the fact of my ignorance.”

-Socrates

I came across this book recently – it’s about the application of philosophy to everyday life and seems to articulate things that I believe really deeply – about morals, happiness, culture, relationships, life in general – I’ve only read about a third but I really think it’s just packed with wisdom. My favourite chapter so far is the one on “manners” – he talks about how the basis for morality can lie in simple things like how we treat each other on a day to day basis – the “minor transactions of everyday life”.

“Answers to questions about how a complex, pluralistic community should cope with the stresses of internal difference and competition have to put civility at their heart because nothing else – certainly not the blunt instrument of law nor the desparing council of social apartheids – can do nearly as well….”

He also has wonderful things to say about happiness. “People who live in relatively peaceful and stable parts of the world, who eat regularly and keep warm in winter, and who have many opportunities to exercise their human needs for creativity, enjoyment, friendship, and the aquisition of knowledge , are very priveleged historically speaking. It means that they have the chance, if only they would take it, to be genuinely happy – providing they also work to try and make happier those who are less fortunate than themselves: for happiness cannot be complete if it coexists with indifference to those who do not share it.”

I went to my first philosophy class today. It wasn’t what I was expecting – not a teacher just teaching about theory – it was more of a discussion with everyone. I enjoyed it, I think it’s really going to open my eyes.

The main message for today was “think about who you are”. He said when making decisions we should think “what would a wise person do in this situation”. He said by doing this we awaken and nurture the innate wisdom that lies in all of us. I like that. It’s comforting somehow. xxx

I saw an ad on the tube about a 10-week philosophy course being run at the School of Economic Science near Oxford St – it’s great because not only is it only £20 for students (how cheap is that!) but they run the same session every night of the week so you can go when is best for you. It looks really great and I think it might be a really good introduction. Check it out here – http://www.philosophycourse.com/