Don't stop
"The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing. One cannot help but be in awe when he contemplates the mysteries of eternity, of life, of the marvelous structure of reality. It is enough if one tries merely to comprehend a little of this mystery every day. Never lose a holy curiosity."
"There is no conclusion. What has concluded, that we might conclude in regard to it? There are no fortunes to be told, and there is no advice to be given.--Farewell!"
There is a lot of power in these quotes, and I feel they capture the essence of the course, because philosophy necessitates curiosity. Sometimes in the daily grind of life, I fall into a false sense that I know all there is I need to know, but philosophy is so much more than that. Nourishing my sense of curiosity is what keeps me wondering about high-level concepts like existence and the universe, but also more down-to-Earth ideas like how to best live my life. While I like to think that I've always had this profound curiosity, this course has allowed me to learn about a wide variety of ideas, which I have definitely benefitted from. I love the way this course was structured, because it encouraged me to develop my own opinions on the long history of philosophers instead of merely memorizing their beliefs. Anyway, thanks, Dr. Oliver! I look forward to your 'Atheism and Philosophy' course next semester.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the good words, Steven. You get it: the point is to think for yourself, taking encouragement from the example of so many bright minds who've gone before us. The conversation continues...
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