The theory practised throughout history of ‘Memento Mori’- Remember Death. Do we still have a relationship with our own mortality? Quotes from Seneca, Tolstoy & more.
Category: Exploring Philosophy
Friedrich Nietzsche and ‘Amor Fati’
Friedrich Nietzsche said that the formula for greatness is ‘amor fati’, a Latin phrase meaning ‘love of fate’. With quotes from Nietzsche and Epictetus.
Introducing Prudence
Prudence isn’t something we hear much about these days. When we do, it’s usually loosely associated with cautiousness- hardly a virtue. Why then, was it believed to be a cardinal virtue for all those centuries? Quotes from Aesop, Eliot, Cicero & more.
The Philosophy of Forgiveness
In 1835, Rev. C. C. Vanarsdalen wrote an article entitled ‘The Philosophy of Forgiveness’. He looks at the possibility in forgiveness and the limitations of resentment.
R. W. Emerson on True Friendship
In his 1841 essay ‘Friendship’, R. W. Emerson looks at two basic elements that go into the composition of true friendship. With quotes from the essay.
Epictetus on Resolution-a Virtue or an Illness?
In The Discourses, Epictetus discusses the two potential sides to resolution; a virtue or an illness. Are we willing to change our minds to be closer to the truth?
Seneca on the Fallacy of Travel
In Letter XXVIII of ‘Letters from a Stoic’, Seneca discusses the fallacy surrounding travel; what it achieves, and what it simply can’t. “A change of character, not a change of air, is what you need.”
Rainer Maria Rilke and the Inexplicable
If we supposedly have all the answers, what kind of relationship can we have with the inexplicable or the mysterious? Rainer Maria Rilke discusses possibility in the unknown and danger in the absolute.
Rainer Maria Rilke on Letting in Sadness
In late 1902, a young officer cadet began corresponding with poet Rainer Maria Rilke. ‘Letters to a Young Poet’ is a collection of Rilke’s letters to the young aspiring writer. In Letter No. 8, Rilke addresses the transformative nature of sadness.
The Philosopher King
Marcus Aurelius was once the most powerful man on earth- a Roman Emperor. ‘Meditations’ reveals ‘The Philosopher’; a king concerned with being a good man. Including quotes from Meditations.