A Simple Man Speaks of Philosophy

             Regarding the subject of philosophy, I'll say that its study has been the preoccupation of much of my life, both in formal university settings, and in the philosophic observation of the wondrous occurences that constitute our every day lives.  Recent renewal of that study has brought me joy and confusion.

             I will first state that I am quite sure that I am a human soul: I do not know if this is my last life, but I know it's not my first...  and my life has not limited to the material.  I'm not quite sure what a philosopher like Sartre means when he claims that he's an atheist: If he's saying simply doesn't believe in spirits that can cross through walls, or that 'heaven' can send lightning storms for or against us...  I'm afraid he's simply incorrect.  

            However, if he's saying that the world is imperfect and does not contain a perfect authority, then he's correct.  Nonetheless, as a practical and spiritual matter, there is a time to bow to what authority there is, as a means of retaining influence.  However, there is also a time to stand one's ground, even if it means death: else to be regarded as slavish and contemptible, and thus not to be honored or reborn.  It is something of a tight-rope walk avoiding the hubris of unwarranted rebellion and also the sycophantic worship of a slave.  We are all spirits, playing a role on this important Earth.

              I find Nietzche's ideas rather inspiring if tending toward the amoral.  And Plato also penned many gems, but he tends toward the reactionary.  

            I agree with Hegel that historic progress is non-linear, and that we have not outgrown past ages, but rather have much to learn from them.  Napoleon wrote that: "History is the only true philosophy..."  making an excellent point, though probably not with literal correctness.

            In conclusion,  I believe that to study the great events and ideas of today and of history is a most worthy pursuit...  and that it can be a practical source of influence.  I also believe that we are all like Socrates, that there are important aspects that we do not know and should not claim to know...  and this is a cause for spiritual reverence toward the totality of things.  When I say God: this is, in part, what I'm referring to