The Body Electric

abandoned thread. screwed it up

What can I say? The mightly Longhorns have fallen. The hope of excellence is dashed. I am driven to cliffs where I stand peering. Longing.

What do you think about this pairing of words: small philosophy?

What do you think about this pairing of words: small philosophy?

I associate that pairing of words with "school(s) of philosophy." I remember checking out Duquesne University as a possible place to do a PHD program in philosophy. I was talking with one of the middle aged grey beards about pursuing several areas of philosophy... he responded in a very negative terse way, "your interests would not be entertained nor welcome here." You either do Phenomenology or Existentialism at Duquesne or you hit the highway! That was too narrow for me, especially after my experience at AU where the faculty was very diverse and more open.

What do you think about this pairing of words: small philosophy?

I associate that pairing of words with "school(s) of philosophy." I remember checking out Duquesne University as a possible place to do a PHD program in philosophy. I was talking with one of the middle aged grey beards about pursuing several areas of philosophy... he responded in a very negative terse way, "your interests would not be entertained nor welcome here." You either do Phenomenology or Existentialism at Duquesne or you hit the highway! That was too narrow for me, especially after my experience at AU where the faculty was very diverse and more open.

Yes exactly! I believe that philosophy should be open, inquisitive, embracing, daring. living! This nostalgic photograph is all that remains of my fist attempt at philosophy:



In the horrific aftermath that ensued, it was suggested to me that my approach should be varied and perhaps involve different avenues, and this was wise counsel. The power of philosophy courses down innumerable paths, challenging the philosopher to be ever alert, to be brave, to develop the ability to approach all things with a duty to peer from multiple angles. I would hope to find a philosophy alive in the moment, embracing all and relishing in all (except for those damned geese! Those ruinous monsteres!)

What do you think about this pairing of words: small philosophy?

I associate that pairing of words with "school(s) of philosophy." I remember checking out Duquesne University as a possible place to do a PHD program in philosophy. I was talking with one of the middle aged grey beards about pursuing several areas of philosophy... he responded in a very negative terse way, "your interests would not be entertained nor welcome here." You either do Phenomenology or Existentialism at Duquesne or you hit the highway! That was too narrow for me, especially after my experience at AU where the faculty was very diverse and more open.

Yes exactly! I believe that philosophy should be open, inquisitive, embracing, daring. living! This nostalgic photograph is all that remains of my fist attempt at philosophy:



In the horrific aftermath that ensued, it was suggested to me that my approach should be varied and perhaps involve different avenues, and this was wise counsel. The power of philosophy courses down innumerable paths, challenging the philosopher to be ever alert, to be brave, to develop the ability to approach all things with a duty to peer from multiple angles. I would hope to find a philosophy alive in the moment, embracing all and relishing in all (except for those damned geese! Those ruinous monsteres!)

Yeah, there's our intrepid Spry attempting to jettison into the stratosphere to look down upon everything with a lofty sense of self made bravado!

Yeah, there's our intrepid Spry attempting to jettison into the stratosphere to look down upon everything with a lofty sense of self made bravado!

That, or it could be my inner Texan yearning forever for meaning thru rodeo adventure. In either case, I landed in the drink along side what were very probably my very own golf balls, Grendelish reminders of my other futilities!

Testaments to my various schemes for excellence that were dashed are all around me in this room where I sit. My cello and guitar, my golf clubs, my political tokens, even my pinewood derby car that was widely mocked.

Though I keep all these things as momentoes, I've abandoned all those pursuits. But not with any resignation or sadness, but because I no longer have the time and I no longer feel the pressing need. Instead I?ve found a way of looking at things that is not a consolation but is participatory, embracing and, dare I say it, 'fun'.

Yeah, there's our intrepid Spry attempting to jettison into the stratosphere to look down upon everything with a lofty sense of self made bravado!

That, or it could be my inner Texan yearning forever for meaning thru rodeo adventure. In either case, I landed in the drink along side what were very probably my very own golf balls, Grendelish reminders of my other futilities!

Testaments to my various schemes for excellence that were dashed are all around me in this room where I sit. My cello and guitar, my golf clubs, my political tokens, even my pinewood derby car that was widely mocked.

Though I keep all these things as momentoes, I've abandoned all those pursuits. But not with any resignation or sadness, but because I no longer have the time and I no longer feel the pressing need. Instead I?ve found a way of looking at things that is not a consolation but is participatory, embracing and, dare I say it, 'fun'.

Why it sounds like you are all growed up now and no long needing any more scholarships, awards or promotions to make you feel worthy of Being! Welcome to the Being Club!

Why it sounds like you are all growed up now and no long needing any more scholarships, awards or promotions to make you feel worthy of Being! Welcome to the Being Club!

Well, by golly, it does seem so, and thanks for the welcome!

But now, John, suppose I wanted to 'take it to the street' with regard to philosophy. I don't think you'd be opposed to that idea, correct me if I am wrong, but the urge seems very much of a piece with things I've heard you say before.

I think that I should need something to give it some initial appeal. At its core my idea involves a process of continual self reflection and evaluation, no? It?s not easy to get people going down this path, because the easier choice is always to carry on as usual. Am I wrong to try to use tools of hyperbole and absurdist humor towards that end? These are the ones that most readily come to me -- my inventory of social skills is, shall we say, non-robust. When I created a welcoming Evel Knieval School of Philosophy to counter those gray beards at Duquesne who spurned you, did it make you laugh? That was a large part of my aim.