Intro Plato’s Republic consists of ten “books,” each reflecting on his beliefs, such as the allegory of the cave, the ideal society, and the philosopher-king. The Republic is written in dialogue involving Plato’s mentor, Socrates. Plato explains his reasoning through the Socratic method of finding answers through questioning. I read a decent portion of thisContinueContinue reading “Philosopher-Kings: Ancient Term for the Modern Era”
Category Archives: Personal Essays
Beast or God: Self Sufficiency in the Modern Age
Aristotle wrote in Politics that “the man who is isolated, who is unable to share in the benefit of political association…because he is already self sufficient, is no part of the city, and must therefore be either a beast or a god” (1253a25). He was born over 2,400 years ago. Yeah, we’re talking the BCs.ContinueContinue reading “Beast or God: Self Sufficiency in the Modern Age”
Early Morning Philosophy
I woke up early today, at least for me. At 5:15, I escaped from a dream that offered nostalgia and a pinch of regret, if only briefly. I considered going back to sleep and even closed my eyes in this effort. However, my mind was awake and my eyelids preferred to be open. I startedContinueContinue reading “Early Morning Philosophy”
Christmas Memories
Written 27 December 2024 Christmas comes and goes, it seems. I’m reminded of my grandparents’ house where the tree stayed up year round. Whether you start humming holiday tunes on November 1st or not until the 24th of December, the sought after holiday seems to last as long as it takes a nine year oldContinueContinue reading “Christmas Memories”
On Feeling Lost: A non-Buddhist’s Take on Buddhist Philosophy
“I feel so lost,” said the student. “In general or somewhere specifically?” I asked. “Both,” the student replied. We chuckled at that. “Well, that never changes really,” I say. On my way to supper, I realized that my wording cast a poor light on life. Indeed, I have yet to feel truly settled, at leastContinueContinue reading “On Feeling Lost: A non-Buddhist’s Take on Buddhist Philosophy”
Pictures on my Phone
I’m having a hard time removing the pictures on my phone. Pictures of happy, smiling, in-love people. While the smart move is to delete as many as possible and let my memories dissolve, I’ve chosen to occasionally look back. I get sad and I even cried once. I know you’re off looking for someone elseContinueContinue reading “Pictures on my Phone”
Mortality and Gratitude in the Bathroom
Plans I had planned a productive afternoon. Instead, I spent hours resurrecting the Holy Roman Empire in Hearts of Iron IV. Relaxing, yes. Productive? Not quite. By the time I pulled myself away from my screen—well past the 8 pm deadline I’d set for myself—I remembered how easily I let myself get swept away byContinueContinue reading “Mortality and Gratitude in the Bathroom”
Naked Birches at Night
I wonder if the white birches feel naked next to their pine neighbors who shed no leaves in the fall. While the birches lose their cover, pines keep their needles. Are the birches jealous or perhaps resentful? I’ve walked past these pines regularly for several weeks. They stand out, white and narrow in the fuzzyContinueContinue reading “Naked Birches at Night”
Rediscovering My Creative Drive Through The Springwood Current
Introduction I had this idea two weeks ago that I would design and create a newspaper based on a game I was playing. Cities: Skylines. The game allows you to run a city, adding infrastructure, and watching as the traffic impacts the city services like fire and police. You’ve read, perhaps, some of the “history”ContinueContinue reading “Rediscovering My Creative Drive Through The Springwood Current”
My First French Lesson with Italki
I just had my first French lesson with Mika on italki. We spoke in English and French, often with her correcting what I thought she was saying. I learned that my pronunciation and enunciation need improvement. I thought my main struggle was listening, but I think it’s confidence. I don’t always feel confident with French.ContinueContinue reading “My First French Lesson with Italki”