Yesterday, I listened to early chapters of an audio book on philosophy’s origins from its Greek beginnings ( circa 450 BC) up until current day. The tale commencing with biographical details of Socrates, founding member of West philosophical tradition.
Deeming himself as a man with many knowledge voids, it baffled the Athens born sage his advocacies of lifestyle fundamentals were as highly sought by peers. Initially not understanding the need or value for his wisdom, the first moral philosopher claiming not to bear an intellectual capacity worthy of plaudits hr received.
However, through Socrates, civilisation reached a juncture where a study and requirement for understanding reason, existence, knowledge, values, mind and language came to the forefront. The chubby Greek becoming a role model in the field, going on to school the likes of Plato with his ethical and epistemological notions.
Despite claiming not to match some peers in certain cognitive and physical fields, his erudite views on existence leading to centuries of philosophical field growth. Subsequently, raising awareness of critical and rational argument resolution.
Anyhow, thanks Soccas t’old lad for your seminal philosophical insight. Like Paul McCartney’s fool on the hill, unlike the majority, your eyes saw what really makes the world spin around.
Occasionally, while treading this creative path, I’m guilty of penning the odd piece of philosophical prose. These advocacies, aimed at making survival on this dysfunctional planet a tad more comfortable and delivered with tongue firmly shoved in cheek.
To close, a few of the philosophical lessons I’ve taken from over half a century of residing on Earth:-
“If you think loving oneself is difficult, you should try solving a Rubik’s cube!”
“The best things in life are free. Although, if it’s a ‘2 for 1’ offer, you’ll have to pay for one of them”
“There’s no finer poetry than that bestowed from nature’s bounty. The redolence of lavender, the chromatic brio of hydrangea petals, witnessing a bee procuring pollen, all play rhapsodies to one’s senses…… Ladies bottoms aren’t bad either!”
“Never become embarrassed about mixing idioms and metaphors during conversations….. However, if you smoke like a fish you probably need to address your behaviour!”
“In case you were wondering, misogyny isn’t the unmarried daughter of Mr and Mrs Ogyny!”
“Always remember you’re no better or worse than any other human being. Stand tall and look everyone in the eye…… If you’re not tall, bring step ladders and avoid trips to Alton Towers theme park as you’d probably not be allowed on most of the rides.”
“Before one dies, one must live. To live one must suffer. To suffer isn’t optional…. I hope that’s cheered you up!”
“There’s worse existential imposters than facing a firing squad. Death by Payment Protection Insurance cold caller, finding out Santa doesn’t really exist, or a world Marmite shortage to name a few.”
“You’ve never truly lived a full and expansive existence until you’ve raucously sung ‘Hitler Has Only Got One Ball'”
“It is better to have loved and lost than to have a lass with a face like a clumsy beekeeper!”
“Nothing is ever as bad as it seems…… Or, at least it won’t be once they find a COVID-19 vaccine“
“Two wrongs don’t make a right….. Neither do two lefts!”
“God is not dead. He’s merely in stealth mode.”
“If at first you don’t succeed, display the tenacity of the spider in Robert Burns cave…… If you don’t know that tale, exhibit the persistence of Odysseus….. If that legend means nothing, either look it up, or alternatively just try again!…… Actually, I’d have saved a lot of time if I’d have just penned ‘If at first you don’t succeed, try again’ from the get go, wouldn’t I?”
“Live every day like it’s your last. Sleep heartily like it’s your first. And drink like its your 21st birthday!”…….. Be drink aware though, and don’t overtip if inebriated!“
“When life gives you lemons, if it also bring other key ingredients, make lemonade…… If it doesn’t, use the lemons to throw at tin cans on a wall.”
“Philosophy isn’t simple. The philosopher maybe though!”
“Life is what you make it. Take risks and always carry a hand mirror in the event you need to check if someone’s stopped breathing!”
“Tomorrow’s another day….. But the 43rd October 2020 isn’t!”
“Despite lauded as a font of all knowledge, to avoid physical trauma, Plato tended to shy away from Greek restaurants!”……. Think about it; Plato sounds nearly like plate; ergo items ritually smashed in Greek restaurants…… Blimey, tough audience!
“Although garden birds and ducks appear to cope with the diet, man cannot live by bread alone.”
“Possessions provide short term fulfilment, but longevity of contentment is only achievable by chasing one’s dream!…… Oh, incidentally did I tell you misogyny isn’t the unmarried daughter of Mr and Mrs Ogyny!….. I did, oh ok!”
