Crimson 786’s Reviews > The Story of Philosophy > Status Update

The road to Kant...
In philosophy, as in politics, the longest distance between two points is a straight line

Gautier came, but refused Voltaire absolution until he should sign a profession of full faith in Catholic doctrine. Voltaire revolted; instead, he drew up a statement which he gave to his secretary, Wagner: Hyde adorning God, loving my friends, not hitting my enemies, and detesting superstition.

Spinoza has been an absolute pleasure. His conception of God, Freewill, Virtue, Desire, Ideas, Instinct, Passion, Mind & Material is fascinating; even though i may not agree with all.

Blessedness is not the reward of virtue, but virtue itself

Men in great place are thrice servants; servants to the sovereign or state, of fame, and of business, so as they have no freedom, neither in persons nor in their action, nor in their time...The rising unto place is laborious, and by pains men come to greater pains; and it is sometimes base, and by indignities men come to dignities. The standing is slippery, and the regress is either a downfall or at least an eclipse.

Philosophy includes 5 fields of study, but so dismembered it loses beauty & joy. We shall seek it not in shrivelled abstractness, but clothed in the living form of genius. We shall study not merely philosophies, but philosophers; spend time with the Saints & martyrs of thought, letting their radiant spirit play about us & shall partake of what Leonardo called "the noblest pleasure, the joy of understanding".

O Socrates!!! The martyr of philosophy, hero of young, master of Plato.. you believed in God and that death couldn't destroy you..

Indeed you have lived on some 2500 years after your death.. i hope those who don't share your other belief, will soon learn how true you were about God.

You are pure wisdom... especially your last words; "Crito, i owe a cock to Asclepius..,:"