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Quarryman
Stranger


Registered: 07/29/07
Posts: 806
Loc: Tennessee
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Philosophy's Effect
#7975362 - 02/03/08 09:13 PM (15 years, 11 months ago) |
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I sometimes think I would be a happier person if I had never been interested in philosophy. It is such a difficult subject, and it seems to be unending. It is something you can't ever completely figure out. I seem to get lost in it, not being able to forget the seriousness of life and enjoy silly things with my friends.
I'd especially like to hear from people who think studying philosophy has helped them enjoy life more.
Edited by Quarryman (02/03/08 09:28 PM)
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NiamhNyx
I'm NOT a 'he'



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Re: Philosophy's Effect [Re: Quarryman]
#7975433 - 02/03/08 09:27 PM (15 years, 11 months ago) |
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Philosophy has improved the quality of my life immensely. Without thinking through some of the bullshit I absorbed as a child, I'd probably still be miserable, insecure and guilt ridden. Get into Phenomenology and Existentialism.
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evolprim
human



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Re: Philosophy's Effect [Re: NiamhNyx]
#7976216 - 02/04/08 12:40 AM (15 years, 11 months ago) |
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i love philosophy. i can talk and think about that stuff all day.
and i also enjoy doing the "silly" things with my friends, although some might argue that philosophy is really the silly thing 
maybe trying to "figure it out" is whats bogging you down.
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andriusain
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Re: Philosophy's Effect [Re: evolprim]
#7999108 - 02/09/08 04:08 AM (15 years, 11 months ago) |
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Philosophy is the art of questioning life, of destroying for instance all of its conventionality. It starts, for example, when you look at the stars at night and you think all of those questions. Where am I? What is up there? who am I? etc.. without it life would be quite routine and boring. I agree that it is very obscure in some areas but on the whole the ones that are able to transcend it are the ones equipped with most sense of humor. I think as well that it is an alternative way to science for explaining the universe. Science is based in matter, philosophy is perhaps based in logic. Both things have reached the same conclusions. The latter many times several thousands of years earlier than the former.
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Neanderthal
Philosopher


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Re: Philosophy's Effect [Re: andriusain]
#8098546 - 03/03/08 05:12 PM (15 years, 10 months ago) |
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"Give the people contests they win by remembering the words to more popular songs or the names of state capitals or how much corn Iowa grew last year. Cram them full of non-combustible data, chock them so damned full of 'facts' they feel stuffed, but absolutely 'brilliant' with information. Then they'll feel they're thinking, they'll get a sense of motion without moving. And they'll be happy, because facts of that sort don't change. Don't give them any slippery stuff like philosophy or sociology to tie things up with. That way lies melancholy." -- Ray Bradbury
-------------------- "I will give you consciousness expansion that will turn your blood to ice water." -- Terence McKenna
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vigilant_mind
unfazed



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Re: Philosophy's Effect [Re: NiamhNyx]
#8098819 - 03/03/08 06:00 PM (15 years, 10 months ago) |
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Quote:
NiamhNyx said: Philosophy has improved the quality of my life immensely. Without thinking through some of the bullshit I absorbed as a child, I'd probably still be miserable, insecure and guilt ridden. Get into Phenomenology and Existentialism.
Same here. Except I've not yet delved into phenomenology and existentialism. In that vein, I've only scratched the surfaces of Heidegger and Nietzsche.
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MarkostheGnostic
Elder


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Re: Philosophy's Effect [Re: Quarryman]
#8099068 - 03/03/08 06:48 PM (15 years, 10 months ago) |
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After several acid trips I left bio-medical studies ('pre-med' at the time) to change my undergraduate major to philosophy. My advising professor, John Pavlidis, a Greek who taught pre-Socratic philosophy said to me: "You're gonna starve, man!" I didn't care. I felt that I could work on a loading dock for the rest of my life if only I had internal freedom to think about the things that now fascinated me beyond any scientific enterprise that I had ever studied. Moreover, becoming a medical doctor had been more the desire of my culturally Jewish parents and it was the source of attraction to many of the doctor-seeking (gold-digging and similarly indoctrinated) Jewish-American Princesses (J.A.P.s) that infested my college. I rejected the entire social trip that I was programmed for. I have not regretted my decision to pursue philosophy and I remain today with the intellectual identity, not defined by my professional practices, but by philosopher. Once again, I think of myself as a philosopher.
-------------------- γνῶθι σαὐτόν - Gnothi Seauton - Know Thyself
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DHJH
Lurker

Registered: 09/14/03
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Loc: On a mountain
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I am just starting out in philosophy myself, but I can say one thing, I have always had a philosophical nature and it's showing the more I study.
Richard Rorty is a contemporary philosopher and said that the point of philosophy is to keep the conversation going rather than to find objective truth.
Quarryman, philosophy should do quite the opposite that it's doing to you. The more you study, I think the more questions you will have. The questions are fun, and should be welcomed, what "truth" is it that you are seeking? When you find that "truth" will you be satisfied?
I suppose you could even think of it this way, your perception is your reality. If you are having a hard time having fun with your friends and forgetting the seriousness of life, maybe you should have fun with your friends and not take life so seriously. I know it's a simpleton response, but think about it.
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Neanderthal
Philosopher


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Re: Philosophy's Effect [Re: DHJH]
#8099415 - 03/03/08 08:20 PM (15 years, 10 months ago) |
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Quote:
DHJH said: I am just starting out in philosophy myself, but I can Richard Rorty is a contemporary philosopher and said that the point of philosophy is to keep the conversation going rather than to find objective truth.
Yes, but Rorty is a [neo]pragmatist; he isn't going to champion any objective truth. For a counterargument, perhaps investigate the scientific realism of philosophers like Paul Churchland.
-------------------- "I will give you consciousness expansion that will turn your blood to ice water." -- Terence McKenna
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vigilant_mind
unfazed



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Re: Philosophy's Effect [Re: Neanderthal]
#8099442 - 03/03/08 08:29 PM (15 years, 10 months ago) |
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Or read Kuhn if you really want a fun time.
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Ginseng1
Elegant Universe



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red pill blue pill...
-------------------- Flowing through beginningless time since time without beginning...
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Quarryman
Stranger


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Re: Philosophy's Effect [Re: DHJH]
#8099627 - 03/03/08 09:21 PM (15 years, 10 months ago) |
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Well I'm surprised to see this thread again. I actaully completely disagree with my original post now.:) Questioning big questions is such a huge part of my daily thinking I can't imagine life any differantly. I just get in ruts sometimes where I am very frustrated by the fact that you can never be sure about anything in philosophy, but I geuss that keeps it fresh.
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MarkostheGnostic
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Re: Philosophy's Effect [Re: Ginseng1]
#8099636 - 03/03/08 09:23 PM (15 years, 10 months ago) |
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Red pill was clearly my choice, like Neo's Silver mirror-touching (Lunar consciousness) turning to liquid Mercury (Pure Consciousness). I remember the metallic taste of my first Windowpane LSD experience which shattered the Matrix of my mental constructs, bent space-time to my perceptions, showed me the 'rainbow body' of my friend and showed me the 'peace that passes all understanding' after my ego had sufficiently been laid to rest.. MY GOD! I am so grateful that I am who I am and that I'm not praying for a more expensive Mercedes-Benz in order to feel whole!
-------------------- γνῶθι σαὐτόν - Gnothi Seauton - Know Thyself
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publicenemy1
Dr. Funkenstein



Registered: 11/27/07
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Philosophy is a very frustrating subject from time to time. Sometimes i feel like I'm going in circles but when you can clear your head and let the thought come to you you feel so much better. Philosophy has given me some pretty bad headaches but you don't want philosophy to control you, once you let go, you find that you really do have the power. I find that once my mind is opened, I can leave my mind and have these moments of clarity or truth and they are so rewarding. Basically Philosphy is like a trip for me, theres the low parts and the high parts but in the end it's all just an amazing rewarding experience. Stay positive on it.
-------------------- BE HERE NOW
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TacticalBongRip
Curious Observer



Registered: 08/20/05
Posts: 527
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Re: Philosophy's Effect [Re: Quarryman]
#8101968 - 03/04/08 03:58 PM (15 years, 10 months ago) |
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Thats part of the beauty of it, it doesn't really end. Theres always more to learn and or ponder. If you feel like you get lost in it, just remember it is unlikely that you will ever 'figure it all out', you can just get a few pieces of the puzzle and if it gets frustrating trying to put together the next piece, give it a rest for awhile and just be.
Edited by TacticalBongRip (03/04/08 03:58 PM)
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Icelander
The Minstrel in the Gallery



Registered: 03/15/05
Posts: 95,368
Loc: underbelly
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Re: Philosophy's Effect [Re: Quarryman]
#8102128 - 03/04/08 04:37 PM (15 years, 10 months ago) |
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Quote:
Quarryman said: I sometimes think I would be a happier person if I had never been interested in philosophy. It is such a difficult subject, and it seems to be unending. It is something you can't ever completely figure out. I seem to get lost in it, not being able to forget the seriousness of life and enjoy silly things with my friends.
I'd especially like to hear from people who think studying philosophy has helped them enjoy life more.
Once you're in you Kant get out.
-------------------- "Don't believe everything you think". -Anom. " All that lives was born to die"-Anom. With much wisdom comes much sorrow, The more knowledge, the more grief. Ecclesiastes circa 350 BC
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OrgoneConclusion
Blue Fish Group



Registered: 04/01/07
Posts: 45,414
Loc: Under the C
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Re: Philosophy's Effect [Re: Icelander]
#8102270 - 03/04/08 05:07 PM (15 years, 10 months ago) |
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OK, now say something clever using 'Socrates'.
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Icelander
The Minstrel in the Gallery



Registered: 03/15/05
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Soc it to me, Soc it to me.
-------------------- "Don't believe everything you think". -Anom. " All that lives was born to die"-Anom. With much wisdom comes much sorrow, The more knowledge, the more grief. Ecclesiastes circa 350 BC
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OrgoneConclusion
Blue Fish Group



Registered: 04/01/07
Posts: 45,414
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Re: Philosophy's Effect [Re: Icelander]
#8102762 - 03/04/08 06:48 PM (15 years, 10 months ago) |
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I didn't say "Simon sez"...
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Ped
Interested In Your Brain



Registered: 08/30/99
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Re: Philosophy's Effect [Re: Quarryman]
#8115028 - 03/07/08 07:18 AM (15 years, 10 months ago) |
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>> I sometimes think I would be a happier person if I had never been interested in philosophy. It is such a difficult subject, and it seems to be unending. It is something you can't ever completely figure out. I seem to get lost in it, not being able to forget the seriousness of life and enjoy silly things with my friends.
Sincere puruits in to philosophical understanding are entertaining because they strip away your comfortable platitudes and replace them with unanswerable the questions. This gives a feeling very much like a rollercoaster. The long-term effect of this high, however, is a persistent and unnerving feeling of tension, as though you are constantly falling.
Quick. Grab on to something, anything. You'll not see the ground before it hits you.
--------------------
Dark Triangles - New Psychedelic Techno Single - Listen on Soundcloud Gyroscope full album available SoundCloud or MySpace
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Icelander
The Minstrel in the Gallery



Registered: 03/15/05
Posts: 95,368
Loc: underbelly
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Re: Philosophy's Effect [Re: Ped]
#8115388 - 03/07/08 09:51 AM (15 years, 10 months ago) |
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-------------------- "Don't believe everything you think". -Anom. " All that lives was born to die"-Anom. With much wisdom comes much sorrow, The more knowledge, the more grief. Ecclesiastes circa 350 BC
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origami.octopus
Mycoporn fanaticin training


Registered: 11/17/07
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Re: Philosophy's Effect [Re: Icelander]
#8115975 - 03/07/08 01:00 PM (15 years, 10 months ago) |
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Quote:
MarkostheGnostic said: After several acid trips I left bio-medical studies ('pre-med' at the time) to change my undergraduate major to philosophy. My advising professor, John Pavlidis, a Greek who taught pre-Socratic philosophy said to me: "You're gonna starve, man!" I didn't care. I felt that I could work on a loading dock for the rest of my life if only I had internal freedom to think about the things that now fascinated me beyond any scientific enterprise that I had ever studied. Moreover, becoming a medical doctor had been more the desire of my culturally Jewish parents and it was the source of attraction to many of the doctor-seeking (gold-digging and similarly indoctrinated) Jewish-American Princesses (J.A.P.s) that infested my college. I rejected the entire social trip that I was programmed for. I have not regretted my decision to pursue philosophy and I remain today with the intellectual identity, not defined by my professional practices, but by philosopher. Once again, I think of myself as a philosopher.
Quote:
MarkostheGnostic said: Red pill was clearly my choice, like Neo's Silver mirror-touching (Lunar consciousness) turning to liquid Mercury (Pure Consciousness). I remember the metallic taste of my first Windowpane LSD experience which shattered the Matrix of my mental constructs, bent space-time to my perceptions, showed me the 'rainbow body' of my friend and showed me the 'peace that passes all understanding' after my ego had sufficiently been laid to rest.. MY GOD! I am so grateful that I am who I am and that I'm not praying for a more expensive Mercedes-Benz in order to feel whole!
Holy hell, am i glad theres still people like you in the world.
If theres one thing that psychedelic substances have to offer to the world, its the ability to shatter all the horrendous conditioning we face all of our lives. What we are told to seek, what we are told to want, what we are told will make us happy.
Anyway. Keep thinking man. Keep on thinkin.
-------------------- I like to look at mushrooms the way most people like to look at flowers. this is an amazing game http://www.kongregate.com/games/customlogic/sprout
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MarkostheGnostic
Elder


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Well, thank you origami.octopus for your vote of confidence! When I corrosponded with Albert Hofmann for a short time in the 80s, and related much of this, he seemed to feel badly for me in his response. Dr. Hofmann never left the scientific mind-set for the purely philosophical and so, I see him perceiving my life as somewhat tragic. I do not see it that way. Life is not a scientific endeavor, death is not an illness to be cured or a problem to be solved. The physical reality of life merges into the metaphysical Mystery of existence-non-existence and the transcendence of these opposites. "To be, or not to be..." I have never sought after wealth, power, or fame. I only want to Know the Truth, the Real, here and now.
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Neanderthal
Philosopher


Registered: 03/02/08
Posts: 57
Last seen: 15 years, 10 months
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You really are amazing. I'd bestow even more compliments, but you've already done such a great job yourself!
-------------------- "I will give you consciousness expansion that will turn your blood to ice water." -- Terence McKenna
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