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I Like Philosophy

Today was a study on the Philosopher John Locke, one of the greatest Philosophers of England in the 17th century. My knowledge of him was cursory so upon further reading I can see overall that his ideas are very much in line with my own. One thing I don’t agree with is his lack of interest and belief in the arts. He considered them unnecessary for a “good” life. Being a creative person I know this to be the opposite.

A few quotes to contemplate:

“The only fence against the world is a thorough knowledge of it.”

“All mankind…being all equal and independent, no one ought to harm another in his life, health, liberty, or possessions.”

“The discipline of desire is the background of character.”

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Carissimi · 70-79, F

I agree, Raven, the arts are important in life. They hold deeper meaning of existence than most realize.

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ravenwind43 · 51-55, F

@Carissimi Exactly. When we can agree with someone on some points but not all and maintain a civil attitude, you know you have embraced what is called maturity:)

Carissimi · 70-79, F

@ravenwind43 Absolutely. That kind of maturity is hard to find these days. I see a lot of name calling and insults, online, just for holding a different viewpoint.

ravenwind43 · 51-55, F

@Carissimi Exactly. It's very disheartening

Climacus · 31-35, M

The context affects pretty much on the way thinkers view the world. Locke lived in a very conflictive time so he headed his effort into political and practical thinking. I say maybe we could understand him from there regarding that lack of interest for arts.

ravenwind43 · 51-55, F

@Climacus Great comment. Yes I agree, the arts are a nod to our reflective emotional side and it was a time where reason was being held up as a higher virtue.

Climacus · 31-35, M

@ravenwind43 Yes. The arts have to do -i believe- with the 'otium' we have in our lives. In times that there isn't otium, art will hardly emerge.

I'll add you as a friend if that's ok with you. :)

Unsatisfiedstace · 51-55, F

Thanks for sharing!
Those are great quotes. That idea of that last one is something I have been thinking about for the past few days.
I love when things like that happen.

ravenwind43 · 51-55, F

@Unsatisfiedstace Thanks for reading:) I do too...those unexpected moments.
Desire is seen as wild and uncontrolled (and often it is) but taming leads to patience which could lead to something better.

Unsatisfiedstace · 51-55, F

@ravenwind43 that is one way to look at it.
My thoughts about some things I’ve read recently along this line were more about how having the discipline to not fall prey to empty pretty words that tempt you just because you are weak and lonely....if you don’t have the strength of will to not give in to the temptation of a quick fix...it only shows ones caring is hardly worth my consideration and that the character of the individual was as I had suspected.

ravenwind43 · 51-55, F

@Unsatisfiedstace Wonderful!!! Yes I could not agree with you more:)

Mert5356 · 41-45, M

Studying philosophy in college helped me better understand people than before. Taking a modern course showed me what understanding of some I never understood before.

ravenwind43 · 51-55, F

@Mert5356 It's thoughts of men considered wise at the time that we can choose to adopt as part of our mindset or not:)

Harmonium1923 · 51-55, M

Nice to read a bit of philosophy on here. Thanks for posting!

ravenwind43 · 51-55, F

@Harmonium1923 Thank you for reading as well:)

SW-User

I thought John Locke was a character from the show Lost. 😉

ravenwind43 · 51-55, F

@SW-User LOL good one:) I was thinking that too.

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