Why do those concerned primarily with material things spend so much time and effort on thoughts and understandings? Why do those who seem most concerned about having the right state of mind or ethical philosophy get so involved and invested in material things? People to me have always seemed backwards. They often say and do … Continue reading Humanity #5: Moral Counter-Balances
People and Society
How do We Understand Life? A Cure to Suffering
Life is like a flame that burns on a wick. If it burns too strongly, it could destroy itself in a flash, but if it doesn't burn strongly enough, only the faintest puff of breath is needed to blow it out completely.
The Irony of Free Will in a World of Order and Chaos
"...if you are not responsible for your own actions because it was the end result or effect of a series of near infinite causes, do we have free will, or are we like machines pretending to be living things?"
Humanity #4: The Desire for Improvement and Self-Control
There are so many attitudes and frames of thought nowadays that are focused on constant improvement, growth, or evolution. The idea is that things as they are now are suitable for this stage of existence, but it would be objectively better, and much more enjoyable, if we managed to improve things even just a bit … Continue reading Humanity #4: The Desire for Improvement and Self-Control
Human Nature #3: The Depths
"... what many people struggle with in life is perspective. We are not in as much control of our actions as we are of our perspectives, and most problems between people can be reduced or correlated to ..."
Human Nature #2: A Framework of Humanity
I wanted to continue my contemplations on the nature of humanity, but not from the perspective of ideas inspired by another's philosophy or personal mode of thinking, but by my own observed thoughts and behaviors. Truly, this has been a focus of mine since late middle school when I first wondered why it was people … Continue reading Human Nature #2: A Framework of Humanity
“Human” Nature
David Hume (whose name so greatly fits this writing) defines moral philosophy as “the study of human nature” at the beginning of his revised Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding. This is not a review of some of the ideas presented in that, in my opinion, remarkable work, but instead a consideration in my own manner of human … Continue reading “Human” Nature
Nietzsche & Buddhism: the Purpose of Morality
"The significance of morality as an ethical guide is that it offers stability and fulfillment in a deterministic world that does not protect anyone from meaninglessness or nihilism by providing stability for the ever-fluctuating will of consciousness"
The Enlightened Mind 