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| Belasarius |
on Fri 11 Feb 11, 1:50 PM to Belasarius's blog.
There is a lot about Epicurus I like (For example, that nothing should be believed unless it can be observed or deduced from observation). But, I can't accept that pleasure is the sole intrinsic good, nor that (given my predelictions) an absence of pain is the highest form of pleasure.
The epicurean ideal (of abstaining from bodily pleasures - like sex and fine food) is not one i have any desire to emulate.
The Epicurean idea that this is all there is - that we end when we die. Is attractive and comforting, but not something I've ever been able to convince myself of, but, making the best of each day - because it it the only one you have... That resonates.
I'm more inclined to stoicism. Life is still what I make it. But more so. What I think matters more (to me - not anyone else). Honesty with oneself is, I find, the most difficult thing to achieve. I'm not sure anyone ever can. But at least a stoic will try to discover truth about himself through reason. My judgments and behaviour write my life, not anyone else's.
I prefer this.
(link to an earlier, relevant blog: http://www.informedconsent.co.uk/posts/36102/ )
Edited Fri 11 Feb 11, 2:17 PM by Belasarius
| 11 Feb 11, 3:00 PM Malbon UK(LS), 8 yrs |
Interesting. Greek thought still has such a huge influence. I treat all philosophical and religious texts as literature, and nothing more. You wouldn't say that having read Chaucer I should refuse to consider the misguided heresies of Malory, and equally there is no requirement to adopt or privilege one philosophical system over another. It's all good, all part of our vast, marvellous inheritance.
'Who the hell wants to hear actors talk?' - Harry M. Warner, 1927 | |
| 11 Feb 11, 3:02 PM Belasarius UK(M), 8 yrs      |
I agree, the only value that comes from anything is not whether you believe it, but if it makes you think. My goal - to save women from nature (Dior) | |
| 11 Feb 11, 5:31 PM tanken UK(NR), 2 yrs |
I think it's good to get a variety of 'opinions' from past philosophers who always see their philosophy as the truth and not opinion. The more firmly based you are in your own beliefs the easier it is to consider other people's world view  'Kiss the boot of shiny, shiny leather' - Velvet Underground |
