Kierkegaard meets Aristotle; An Unlikely Yinyang

Last updated on: November 28, 2021 at 5:08 pm By Andrew

Is truth subjective or objective; could it be both? What lies at the intersection of virtue theory and existentialism; does such an intersection even exist? For those that dig both ideas, but find tension in radical subjectivity vs. a more objective-based virtue ethic (living to one’s potential according to our nature as a social-rational animal); the Kierkegaard-Aristotle yinyang is the key. Actually, the fathers of virtue ethics and existentialism, especially in light of contemporary neuroscience, complement and balance each other. Allow... Read more

Aristotle (and the misattribution to him) on Excellence

Last updated on: November 21, 2021 at 8:14 pm By Andrew

That famous Aristotle quote… “We are repeatedly what we do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit” Well, that’s not actually Aristotle, it was Will Durant. Aristotle did say (bold my emphasis): “Virtue, then, being of two kinds, intellectual and moral, intellectual virtue in the main owes both its birth and its growth to teaching… Moral virtue comes about as a result of habit… None of the moral virtues arises in us by nature… We are adapted by nature... Read more

What Mixed Martial Arts Can Teach us About Truth Seeking

Last updated on: November 10, 2021 at 11:24 pm By Andrew

We’re a tribal species. Our way is THE way. To break from (or even doubt) our most cherished views and traditions is heresy. Depending on the particular tribe, you risk insult, financial livelihood, relationships, and even death. Most political and religious camps certainly follow this trend. You’re either all in or risk it all. Shun, cancel, and eliminate threats; heresy will not be tolerated. Given our evolutionary history, tribalism is not a surprise. But what are the odds that the... Read more

Deep Song Breakdown, “Unforgiven” by Metallica

Last updated on: November 4, 2021 at 4:19 pm By Andrew

“Unforgiven”, by Metallica. I’m not too into heavy metal, but I have to credit the lyrical genius of Metallica with this song. To be frank, it’s one of, if not THE, deepest songs that I’ve ever heard. I did recently did a post on Thoreau, Holmes, and William Wallace on truly living a meaningful life. To the themes of “the mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation” (Thoreau), “along for those that never sing, but die with all their music... Read more

Maya Angelou on Standing Up with Faith and Joy

Last updated on: October 17, 2021 at 3:19 pm By Andrew

In my trip to Savannah, Georgia this summer, I was once again amazed at the beauty of the south. But as you stroll down the historic Savannah River, there is an haunting duality you can feel – something in the pit of your stomach. It’s difficult to describe, but it’s a feeling somberness that is superimposed with terror – the ghosts of our nation’s past whispering to our souls – reminding us of the inhumane commerce that once took place... Read more

Jonathan Zimmerman on Free Speech and Some Big Ideas

Last updated on: October 6, 2021 at 7:52 pm By Andrew

Episode 8 is here! This episode features a conversation with Jonathan Zimmerman, Professor of History of Education at the University of Pennsylvania. A former Peace Corps volunteer and high school social studies teacher, he holds a Ph.D. in history from the Johns Hopkins University. His scholarship has focused broadly on the ways that different peoples have imagined and debated education across time and space. He has authored books about sex and alcohol education, history and religion in the curriculum, Americans who... Read more

Deep Song Breakdown, “Ordinary World” by Duran Duran

Last updated on: October 6, 2021 at 4:23 pm By Andrew

Duran Duran still rocks my world. On the Venn Diagram of deep lyrics, somber tone, and rock/pop fusion, I still rank them as legendary. It’s no surprise as their sound blends tones of Punk, New Romantic, New Wave, Rock, Pop, and Synth-Pop [1]. “Ordinary World” is an epoch song on loss from their Wedding Album in 1993. Give it a listen as you read, it will rock your world as well. Lead singer Simon Le Bon described it as “trying... Read more

Book Review: Free Speech and Why You Should Give a Damn

Last updated on: October 3, 2021 at 7:50 pm By Andrew

Free speech appears to be going in the wrong direction. Not just access to it, but the privilege to express it without fear, harm, or retribution. Not only an essential read, but a timely one – I’m loving what Johnathan Zimmerman is laying down in his book Free Speech: And Why You Should Give a Damn. Something incredibly stupid and weak happens when ideas and speech are censored: we remain stupid and weak. Perhaps its the philosopher in me; perhaps... Read more

Lincoln on Empathy & The Better Angels of our Nature

Last updated on: September 26, 2021 at 12:35 pm By Andrew

Another epoch quote from Lincoln: “Don’t criticize them; they are just what we would be under similar circumstances.” Make no mistake; this position is far from relativism; his legacy has clearly proven that out. And yet, despite his assertiveness on standing up for truth, there is an incredible tone of empathy for those on the opposite side of your views. From his 1st Inaugural Address: “We are not enemies, but friends. We must not be enemies. Though passion may have... Read more

McConaughey, Stoic Principles, and Green Lights

Last updated on: September 17, 2021 at 3:43 pm By Andrew

I’ve always enjoyed Matthew McConaughey’s performances. I became a fan of him personally after his Oscar Winning Speech for best actor in the Dallas Buyers Club. In his speech, he inspirationally described three things that he needs each today: “something to look up to”, “something to look forward to”, and “someone to chase”. When his autobiographical book Green Lights came out, I had to indulge. On the topic of adversity, here’s a gem from the book: “The problems we face today eventually... Read more

What meal did the Israelites eat before leaving Egypt?