Philosophy as Guide?

There are days I wonder about the state of the world and shake my head. I hear interesting and poignant quotes from various individuals. Then I read or are reminded of other apt quotations from people who lived long ago. Good thoughts. Ideas that cause us to take time to think a little longer on something.  

We work with these ideas to help us live with complexity of daily life. We strive to make the complex simple. Sometimes the old philosophical phrases are helpful; like this one from Arthur Schopenhauer, a German philosopher who lived from 1788 to 1860:

            “All truth passes through three stages: First, it is ridiculed, second it is

                     violently opposed, and third it is accepted as self-evident.” 

Those are good points. Most ideas are not readily accepted at first. They are mulled over, poked and jabbed; finally we get comfortable with them and consider their value. Or, if we don’t see the value, we ridicule the idea unmercifully. It takes time. If opposition develops toward the idea, then groups get riled and fight the idea even to the point of violence. Eventually, if the concept makes sense and holds up over time, it is accepted and we wonder years later why there was such a struggle over it in the first place.   

Doubt that paragraph? Think about the women’s voting rights struggle. Remember the civil rights movement of the 1950’s and 1960’s. Think of the violent times working towards workers’ rights – unionism. On the latter I offer this quote from the Internet:

            Labor Unions: The folks who brought you the weekend. Child labor laws,

            overtime, minimum wage, injury protection, workmen’s compensation

            insurance, pension security, right to organize, etc.” 

We ought not make light of labor unions. They accomplished much good for many millions of people and generations of their families and co-workers. Along the way there were excesses on both sides of this fight. But the overall good is of immeasurable value to our society.

Here’s another one, this time on gay rights; Paul Newman stated:

            “I’m a supporter of gay rights. And not a closet supporter either. From

            the time I was a kid, I have never been able to understand attacks upon

            the gay community. There are so many qualities that make up a human

            being…by the time I get through with all the things that I really admire

            about people, what they do with their private parts is probably so low on the

            list that it is irrelevant.”

And yet the ludicrous public debate goes on about the gay community, gay agenda, political wedge issue management and family values. Silly isn’t it? A tempest in a teapot? A distraction from real issues in need of our attention and resources? At some time in the future we will wonder what all the fuss was about! Many of us wonder that today! 

Each of us has a life to live. It is done day by day among many people. Co-workers in many cases, fellow commuters (whether on the train, bus or expressway), family members for sure, neighbors as well. The broader public is with us by way of classrooms, media reports, shared cultural events and happenings. We have others to get along with; and they with us. We rub shoulders with one another figuratively and literally. We are not alone. And we do get along mostly just fine.

When others determine it is in their best interest to manipulate happenings to their advantage or egos, we encounter problems. Enter the press release and advertising age; witness the shenanigans of political parties. And yet all of these activities are added to the basic daily routines we already manage. And mostly well managed!

Why then do we not screw up the courage to oppose these time and energy wasters? 

I still stew over this point but lesser so these days; why? Because I think the American people get it, are smarter than others think they are, and they actually ignore the manufactured issues. Voter turnout is low unless issues of importance are pending on the ballot. Church attendance is down unless we face enormous troubles whether personal or national. People still give to charities. People still volunteer their time and talent to local organizations and projects. People still tutor underprepared students. Food pantries are at the ready to feed the hungry. And emergency housing is made available to the homeless. 

I noticed this quote from Mary Anne Rademacher the other day: “Courage does not always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, ‘I will try again tomorrow’.”  

What a great way to end this day’s blog. Courage as quiet voice, as determination to try again tomorrow. Yes we do. Live with intent and courage. Because it accepts the reality of today and the hope of tomorrow.  

Which ideas are we ridiculing today? Which are we violently opposing? And which are we accepting readily, adopting in our daily living? Like our small voice of courage moving forward, rely on it and keep the rhythm alive and well.

Have a great day!

April 24, 2012