Philosophy begins when one learns to doubt - particularly to doubt one's cherished beliefs, one's dogmas and one's axioms.
--- Will Durant (The Story of Philosophy)
I agree. That's why I collide so much with people. I like to think for myself and I doubt what others want to force feed on me. By the same token, I "believe"that others can feel differently and think differently. Open mindedness. It is hard to find these days.
That's one way to look at philosophy. yunyi. The way of Socrates. Another is as a search for the good life, peace, tranquility, happiness. The way of Epicurus and the Stoics.
You are right, Marty. I think Epicurus believed in happiness but not Stoics. And I suppose that Durant means Socrates kind of philosophy, the kind that questions life other than just enjoy life (I forgot exact context but I seem to remember he said this when he was writing about Socrates).
And there is an importance in the attitude of doubt: if no one does that, we would be doomed to repeat our mistakes, thus there's no chance for happiness. I think China is a perfect example.
I agree.
ReplyDeleteThat's why I collide so much with people. I like to think for myself and I doubt what others want to force feed on me. By the same token, I "believe"that others can feel differently and think differently. Open mindedness. It is hard to find these days.
Me too. It's impossible for an honest mind not to collide with majority because they live lies.
DeleteI agree with Will Durant’s quote. To doubt or question cherished beliefs is healthy and necessary, and that’s when philosophy begins.
ReplyDeleteThanks Madilyn.
DeleteThat's one way to look at philosophy. yunyi. The way of Socrates. Another is as a search for the good life, peace, tranquility, happiness. The way of Epicurus and the Stoics.
ReplyDeleteYou are right, Marty.
DeleteI think Epicurus believed in happiness but not Stoics. And I suppose that Durant means Socrates kind of philosophy, the kind that questions life other than just enjoy life (I forgot exact context but I seem to remember he said this when he was writing about Socrates).
And there is an importance in the attitude of doubt: if no one does that, we would be doomed to repeat our mistakes, thus there's no chance for happiness. I think China is a perfect example.
Delete