We can trace back statements about “the masses” in the works of classical Greek philosophers like Plato, who states that an ignorant mob ought not to make decisions, as it would lead to chaos and anarchy, and that the best approach is to pursue justice so that everyone gets what they need and deserve. PlatoContinue reading “Mass Society – A Warning to The World”
Category Archives: Philosophy
The Underground Man – Fyodor Dostoevsky’s Warning to the World
Russian novelist Fyodor Dostoevsky wrote Notes from Underground in 1864 which is considered to be one of the first existentialist works, emphasising the importance of freedom, responsibility and individuality. It is an extraordinary piece of literature, social critique and satire of the Russian nihilist movement as well as a novel with deep psychological insights onContinue reading “The Underground Man – Fyodor Dostoevsky’s Warning to the World “
Mental Illness as a Crisis of Meaning in Modern Society
Modern society is characterised by many things, but perhaps most notably by the remarkable scientific and technological advancement, as well as capitalism, individualism and hedonism. We are wealthier than our ancestors, we live in more safe and comfortable environments, we have more access to food and other basics needs, why then have we seen aContinue reading “Mental Illness as a Crisis of Meaning in Modern Society”
Nihilism – Friedrich Nietzsche’s Warning to The World
“What I relate is the history of the next two centuries. I describe what is coming, what can no longer come differently: the advent of nihilism… For some time now, our whole European culture has been moving as toward a catastrophe, with a tortured tension that is growing from decade to decade: restlessly, violently, headlong,Continue reading “Nihilism – Friedrich Nietzsche’s Warning to The World”
KIERKEGAARD: The Knight of Faith
The knight of faith is one of Kierkegaard’s most important concepts, which he discusses in Fear and Trembling in the “Preamble from the Heart”, written under the pseudonym Johannes de silentio. There are three spheres of existence in Kierkegaard’s philosophy: the aesthetic, the ethical and the religious. In Fear and Trembling he analyses the contradictionsContinue reading “KIERKEGAARD: The Knight of Faith”
What is the Meaning of Life?
“Man cannot stand a meaningless life.” Carl Jung, BBC “Face To Face” (1959) The world is a terrifying place and suffering is inevitable. We need a meaning to survive, to live properly – and we are ready to suffer and undergo sacrifice in order to preserve this meaning. “He who has a why to liveContinue reading “What is the Meaning of Life?”
What is the Meaning of Death?
Death is the unequivocal and permanent end of our existence. Most people unconsciously repress the idea of their death, as it is too horrifying a notion to think about. Some are perhaps not so horrified of the idea of death, but rather the pain associated before one’s death, or the death of loved ones. WeContinue reading “What is the Meaning of Death?”
What is the Meaning of Self Realisation?
Life is a journey of self-realisation, of understanding and discovering who we truly are, and of maximising our potential. While this might be a life long journey, one can be closer or further from one’s true self. Søren Kierkegaard: The Self Søren Kierkegaard was a theologian and a philosopher, considered to be the father ofContinue reading “What is the Meaning of Self Realisation?”
What is the Meaning of Suffering?
“The fact that there was no answer to the question he screamed, “Why do I suffer?” Man, the bravest animal and most prone to suffer, does not deny suffering as such: he wills it, he even seeks it out, provided he is shown a meaning for it, a purpose of suffering. The meaninglessness of suffering,Continue reading “What is the Meaning of Suffering?”
KIERKEGAARD: How To Avoid Boredom and Maximise Happiness
Most of us strive for happiness in life, whether it be by seeking it directly through pleasures or by seeking it indirectly doing one’s duty, or a combination of both. In the first part of Either/Or, containing the papers of an anonymous aesthete, Danish philosopher Søren Kierkegaard dedicates a chapter on the problem of boredomContinue reading “KIERKEGAARD: How To Avoid Boredom and Maximise Happiness”