My Love for Philosophy

If you get a chance, read Bertrand Russell's "On the Value of Philosophy." I feel like he phrased everything perfectly.

You won't find answers in philosophy. When I took my first philosophy class, and we read passages from Descartes, Spinoza, Locke, etc., I went in thinking, well, maybe I'll get all straightened out. Interestingly, I didn't get straightened out in the sense I expected, but I feel much more at peace.

Did you know the study of space was once part of philosophy? Did you know the study of the human mind was part of philosophy? So basically, philosophy is the study of the unknown, for which we don't have the answers. Once we find those definite answers to those questions, they become placed in science, such as astronomy and psychology. So, philosophy isn't really as obscure or mysterious or profound as most people believe it to be.

Here is one of my favorite passages from Russell:

"Apart from its utility in showing unsuspected possibilities, philosophy has a value--perhaps its chief value--through the greatness of the objects which it contemplates, and the freedom from narrow and personal aims resulting from this contemplation. The life of the instinctive man is shut up from within the circle of his private interests: family and friends may be included, but the outer world is not regarded except as it may help or hinder what comes within the circle of instinctive wishes. In such a life, there is something feverish and confined, in comparison with which the philosophic life is calm and free. The private world of instinctive interests is a small one, set in the midst of a great and powerful world which must, sooner or later, lay our private world in ruins. Unless we can so enlarge our interests as to include the whole outer world, we remain like a garrison in a beleagured fortress, knowing that the enemy prevents escape and that ultimate surrender is inevitable. In such a life there is no peace, but a constant strife between the insistence of desire and the powerlessness of will. In one way or another, if our life is to be great and free, we must escape this prison and this strife."

"Knowledge is a form of union of Self and not-Self."

Just some food for thought.

The Winding Down

If I could go back and start college over again, I would do things differently. Even though chemistry wasn't that bad, I don't think I would have majored in it.

I missed the registration deadline for seniors last weekend, so I'm registering with the juniors this weekend. It just hit me a few minutes ago, while I was trying to select my classes, that the fall is going to be my last semester. While I was looking at the writing classes, I realized how many classes I wish I could have taken and what I'm leaving behind. I wish I could stay here for another two years and take all the classes I want to try, from pottery to filmmaking to journalism to political science.

If I could start over, or even from the middle, I would major in philosophy and minor in theater or film. Or maybe I wouldn't. But I wouldn't worry about getting a double major or try to major in something that might help me later. I wish I could have tried more things. I wish I could leave school with a wider knowledge base than I have now.

I know I am going to miss college cause I miss it already and it isn't even over yet.

Theft Report

Police Report

Date: 12/23 - 12/30

Item: Many cans of Coors Light



I don't know who did it. I don't even mind really, just let me know who you are, so that next time, we can share them. I looked into my fridge today, looked into my 24 pack, and found only two left. I am in shock. Who would do such a thing? What's wrong with the world today?

My First Post

Ok, so back in middle school, I did the whole Xanga thing. I never really posted much, but once in a while, something would happen in my life worth writing about, and I would devote a couple hours of my life to pour out an entry. I kind of miss that. I don't keep up with a journal, so hopefully, this will be my outlet for those random, unexpected urges I get to write something down.

Today's entry is devoted to Tom Brady.

Is it wrong for a man to want another man? Even if it is Tom Brady? I think a million other men would be with me on this one, to say that wanting Tom Brady is the one exception, where a man can want another man without being gay. Tom Brady is freakin' sexy. I don't mean by looks, although he is a pretty good-looking guy, but holy shit, he is an amazing quarterback. When I watch Tom Brady in the pocket, it illuminates my life and the whole TV set, the beer, the peanuts... the entire room around me. It must be love.

Oh Tom Brady, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways...

TOM BRADY

1. You are an incredible, spectacular, larger-than-life quarterback:
Three-time Super Bowl Champion (soon to be 4), Two-time Super Bowl MVP (soon to be 3), Four-time Pro Bowler (soon to be 5)

2. You are sexy.


3. You always have smokin' hot girlfriends.


4. You are humble, a man of God.


5. You love animals.

Did I mention I want to be you? I can't believe the Patriots went 16-0. Tom Brady is simply aamzing. What a stud.