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Wednesday, November 17, 2021

World Philosophy Day

 


I managed to take Philosophy 101 for all of one day. This was my first semester of college and when I signed up for classes at Joliet Junior College, I was full of ambition. This ambition was very quick to fizzle out when I realized that a philosophy course at 8 a.m. on a Saturday morning was way more than I was prepared for. I had yet to develop my coffee habit at this point and had very little tolerance for Descartes running me in circles.

World Philosophy Day in 2021 is on Thursday, 18th November. UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization began the observation of World Philosophy Day in 2002, in hopes of bringing the influence and importance of philosophy to a broader audience. The theme for this year revolves around the role of philosophy in times of crisis namely, health, economic, and social: "When the world is plunged into uncertainty and disorder, we turn to philosophy." -Celebration of World Philosophy Day 2021

Nothing like a time of crisis to cause one to start questioning the meaning and purpose of everything. I've somehow managed to stave off the existential dread (Existential crisis, also known as existential dread, are moments when individuals question whether their lives have meaning, purpose, or value, and are negatively impacted by the contemplation https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Existential_crisis) that always seems to be lurking around the corner, especially in the past year and a half, but the chaos my kids bring into the house tend to leave me little time to ponder the who's, what's, why's, and how's of it all. Although there is a chance that I just counter the dread with nihilistic optimism, (Optimistic nihilism views the belief that there is no underlying meaning to life from a perspective of hope. ... The optimistic nihilist looks at a world lacking meaning and purpose and sees the opportunity to create their own. https://www.louislaves-webb.com/optimistic-nihilism/)



Now, when you go to google and type "How many branches of philosophy are there" you will get 7, 3, 10, 4..." It's safe to say that philosophy is varied; numerous topics and each comes with numerous perspectives.



When You Kant Figure it Out, Ask a Philosopher: Timeless Wisdom for Modern Dilemmas by Robert, Marie


"A guide that explains how pearls of wisdom from the greatest Western philosophers can help readers face and make light of some of the daily challenges of modern life."--Provided by publisher.



How can we apply philosophy to our everyday lives? Can philosophy affect the way we live? This book will show how philosophy can help to improve your thinking about everyday life. And how, by improving the quality of your thinking, you can improve the quality of your life. It will make you more aware of what you think and why, and how knowing this can help you can change the way you think about your life. Full of practical examples and straightforward advice, and written by an expert in the field, this guide can help you become calmer and happier, and make better decisions.


 Philosophy: A Visual Encyclopedia by Fletcher, Robert

Thousands of years ago, ancient philosophers asked some important questions: "What is real?", "What is the point of my existence?", "Why is there evil in the world?", and "What can I know?" These questions have gone on to spark passionate debates about our existence and how we understand the world around us. In this engaging and accessible introduction to philosophy, readers aged 11+ will be introduced to a variety of philosophical ideas through the teachings of Plato, Confucius, Simone de Beauvoir, and many more. Vibrant, reader-friendly illustrations bring the history of ideas and thinking to life, and provide topics for reflection and debate. With biographies of the most influential philosophers from around the world, young readers will explore the questions that have been fundamental to the development of scientific study, logical thinking, religious beliefs, freedom in society, and much more. Thought experiments peppered throughout will help to connect readers with the theories presented so they can apply them to their own lives.



"From the bestselling authors of The Daily Stoic comes an inspiring guide to the lives of the Stoics, and what the ancients can teach us about happiness, success, resilience and virtue. Nearly 2,300 years after a ruined merchant named Zeno first established a school on the Stoa Poikile of Athens, Stoicism has found a new audience among those who seek greatness, from athletes to politicians and everyone in between. It's no wonder; the philosophy and its embrace of self-mastery, virtue, and indifference to that which we cannot control is as urgent today as it was in the chaos of the Roman Empire. In Lives of the Stoics, Holiday and Hanselman present the fascinating lives of the men and women who strove to live by the timeless Stoic virtues of Courage. Justice. Temperance. Wisdom. Organized in digestible, mini-biographies of all the well-known--and not so well-known--Stoics, this book vividly brings home what Stoicism was like for the people who loved it and lived it, dusting off powerful lessons to be learned from their struggles and successes. More than a mere history book, every example in these pages, from Epictetus to Marcus Aurelius--slaves to emperors--is designed to help the reader apply philosophy in their own lives. Holiday and Hanselman unveil the core values and ideas that unite figures from Seneca to Cato to Cicero across the centuries. Among them are the idea that self-rule is the greatest empire, that character is fate; how Stoics benefit from preparing not only for success, but failure; and learn to love, not merely accept, the hand they are dealt in life. A treasure of valuable insights and stories, this book can be visited again and again by any reader in search of inspiration from the past"-- Provided by publisher.


 
The final reflections, words, and wisdom of esteemed civil rights champion and late Congressman John Lewis, who continued to offer inspiration and hope to millions even while he battled the cancer that ultimately ended his life.
 


"The commencement speech is the most popular public address of our time, shared every spring and remembered for years. Here, in an anthology of some of the finest of the genre, brilliant creative minds in every sector offer their wisdom: David Foster Wallace on living a compassionate life, Debbie Millman on the importance of taking risks, Michael Lewis on the responsibility that good fortune merits--and so many other greats. Some of this advice is grand (belief in the impossible), and some of it is granular enough to check off a life list (donate five percent of your money or your time). All of it is universally uplifting. Handsomely packaged with a cloth spine and energetic typography throughout, this book is a smart, special gift for graduates and anyone embarking on a new adventure"-- Provided by publisher.
 

 
Here we can find out about irony and the meaning of life, the politics of the nuclear family, Marxism in Springfield, the elusiveness of happiness, popular parody as a form of tribute, and why we need animated TV shows. As if all that weren't enough, this book actually contains the worst philosophy essay ever.



Demystifies complex philosophical ideas and debates in a comprehensive format that introduces the major theories of such great philosophers as Socrates, Aristotle, Plato, Friedrich Nietzsche, Epicurus, and Thomas Aquinas.



Poor communication lies at the heart of most relationship problems. Everyone wants to be heard, to be understood, and to be treated with respect. But in our digital age of texting and social media, it's easy to distance ourselves from the words we put out into the world, and many times, we may not be aware of the negative impact our words can have on people, whether they are our friends, family, or coworkers. This is where the concept of Right Speech comes in. An important part of the Buddhist Noble Eightfold Path, Right Speech is the philosophy that what you say can positively or negatively impact your life, as well as the lives of those around you. Speech to avoid includes divisive speech, abusive speech, lies, and idle gossip. In addition, most of what we say fails to convey what we really mean in our hearts.



"Taoism for Beginners is a practical guide to applying the key notions, concepts and beliefs underlying Taoism's various branches and schools. Authors C. Alexander and Annellen Simpkins tap into their years of training and study in meditation, martial arts and Eastern philosophy to provide readers with a comprehensive introduction to the spiritual tenets and attainments that mark the holistic pathway to a life more in balance. This book offers readers: A clear explanation of what Taoism is and how to apply its most salient tenets and teachings to your daily life Simple exercises to enable you to lead a calmer and more mindful, connected life-taking in a range of practices that include meditation, breathing, chi kung and tai chi chuan An exploration of the origins and background of Taoism, including the various sects and schools of thought An informative discussion of key Taoist concepts, including wu-wei (nonaction), yin and yang, and the powerful way of De (the cradle of power, virtue and life) Taoist principles and concepts have guided people on the path to harmony, wholeness, balance and greater well-being for millennia. This beginning resource makes an ancient religion, its practices and history accessible for a twenty-first century reader"--. Provided by publisher.


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