We need first to ‘define our terms’ when engaging others on our journey in life. We need to clarify the meaning of what we are talking about. We need to classify things. We also need points of comparison. Then we can begin to work on those things before us. This way we go from small to big, from general to more specific. This is how we begin to grow, mature and learn about the people and the things in the larger world around us.
Now, if I compare myself only by myself of course I will learn ‘some’ things. Yet I will be greatly limited in what I do learn. Instead, I should compare myself by others in order to measure what is going on.
We must learn to doubt in order for philosophy to begin. Yet we also need to have faith in order that we will keep stepping out and accomplish things beautiful and new things with our life.
There is a danger of mindset where we hold only those things in front of us right now as being important.
There is ‘chaos’ in the garden of the heart of those where there has been no crucifixion.
Clever minds are useful. Yet intelligence undisciplined and un-humbled is not.
Yes, we all look through a glass darkly. Though the light is shining very bright for you. Only there may be some things obscuring our sight, at present.
This is known as ‘Present Mindedness’
What we need to become the more is Historically Minded.
Morality begins with learning to make associations between different things.
Don’t waste your words with those with no ear. Woe to men who teaches men faster than they can learn.
In the 1970s the Soviet Union began to beat the United States in the Space Race. As a result the school system was re-tooled to teach students physics, chemistry and math. The consequence was a shift away and serious reduction on the teaching of the Classics in the American classroom.
From these changes the last two to three generations have grown up unaware of Classical Understanding where the young learn how to reason and sort facts. These rudiments which used to be learned by American students in either home or schoolroom. This is no longer the case. This is one of several major reasons why we’ve seen such a deficiency in thinking skills among our young people today.
Every extreme is a half – truth. The One Who died for us to gather us in the Golden Middle. “Everyone who is against me – scatters.” Every philosophy or political position man has concocted or invented is a limited picture attempt to correct a flawed set of curcumstances. The aim should be to returned to the middle. The middle is actually the Davar, Logos Word of God which holds all things together.
Political parties on the Left will dissolve if the continue on their path without combining themselves with the other side.
Political parties on the Right with crystalise into non movement and coldness is they avoid an application of mercy towards all people regardless of belief or creed.
Some of your neighbors have resources. Yet need to be persuaded to do things.
Whereas others are willing to grow. Yet need to be enabled.
Wisdom (insight) alongside the concrete busyness of life (application) is the combination we need to be balanced.
Justice is having and doing what is ones own. No food stamps. No Putting ones hands in another’s pockets (that’s you politicians) who work long hours, and often more than one job, in order to feed and clothe their families.
If you are pulchritudinous on the outside be the same to those around you in character. This believing the best of them and for them.
Every nation has its own national idols they lift up and follow. If takes a higher vision to separate oneself from these idols. Most will not separate themselves yet will conform.
All societies collapse from living in excess of its basic principles.
Courage and intelligence are the only ways into the future. Yet we need a model to do this. For we are mortal and finite. We can only go so far on our own whims and by our hand.
Complaints about government and politicians? In order to have better societies, we first must have better people. So will you offer up yourself as that person?
Don’t repeat what your rulers tell you. Yet pray for all of them.
What is my state? Your debt has been paid in full. What shall I do? Now give freely to others (a free will thing).
There is a Living God. If you have had family members die, do not despair. Remember that you will be raised to life again.
We are twice armed ‘if’ we proceed in faith.
(Pascal)
Eternal Birthright vs Temporary Porridge 