Philosophy Archives

Perspective: What Stands in the Way Becomes the Way

Who said “What stands in the way becomes the way”? Do you agree with the statement? Why or why not? What do you think it means? The quote “What stands in the way becomes the way” is attributed to Roman Emperor and a die-hard Stoic Marcus Aurelius. It might sound paradoxical when you first hear it, but as you think about it more and more, the meaning will unfold before you; and it’s quite profound. Here are the meaning and a little backstory of Marcus Aurelius’ timeless quote “What stands in the way becomes the way.”

What Does It Mean to Be a Stoic Person?

What does it mean to be a Stoic? What makes a Stoic different from an average person? Stoicism is an ancient Greek personal ethics philosophy that teaches the development of emotional self-control and mental toughness as a means of overcoming life’s trials and tribulations. But what does it mean to be a Stoic person? What personal qualities do Stoics embody? Keep reading for the answer to the question: what does it mean to be a Stoic.

Blindness in Literature Is Usually Symbolic

What does it mean when an author includes a blind character in literature? How do authors sometimes include metaphorical blindness? Blind characters are difficult to write because the author needs to describe how that character will navigate the world. So why write a blind character? Because both literal and metaphorical blindness are important symbols in literature. Keep reading to learn more about what blindness means in literature.

Stoicism: Death Is the Gateway to Life

What is Stoicism’s take on death? How can Stoicism help us come to terms with, and even appreciate our mortality? In Stoicism, death is viewed as a constant reminder of the fragility and transience of life. In this sense, death is a gift as it helps us to appreciate what’s most important in life. Read about Stoicism’s take on death and mortality.

Stoicism: Acceptance Doesn’t Mean Surrender

What does Stoicism teach about acceptance? Isn’t acceptance the direct opposite of the Stoic approach to life? In Stoicism, acceptance isn’t about surrendering to life’s misfortunes. Rather, it’s about finding the strength to resist arguing about how things should be and to instead accept them as they are. Once you do so, you can very likely use the problem or challenge to your benefit. Read about Stoicism’s take on acceptance.

The Inner Citadel: Your Stronghold Against Adversity

What is the Inner Citadel? And what does it take to build one? The Inner citadel is a Stoic concept that refers to inner strength or resilience exercised in the face of adversity. Building your Inner Citadel means strengthening yourself both mentally and physically during good times so you have the strength you need during bad times. Learn about the stoic concept of the Inner Citadel.

Robert DeWeese: Artist Meets Pirsig and Son

Who is Robert DeWeese in Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance? What is his role in the story? Robert DeWeese is a friend of Pirsig who he meets in his travels. Deweese doesn’t have a large role in the story, but helps Pirsig explain the importance of art and of life. Read more about Robert DewWeese in Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance.

There Is No Self in Buddhism, Only Awareness

What does it mean to “go beyond self” in Buddhism? If we have no self, then how can we feel things like love and grief? There is no “self” in Buddhism. Buddhism teaches that each being is part of a universal presence rather than an individual being. It can be very difficult for people, especially Westerners, to go beyond the self because we’re raised to believe that the self is all-important. Continue reading to learn more about the “self”, Buddhism, and Radical Acceptance.

Religion and Morality: Can You Be Good Without God?

What is the connection between religion and morality? Is the belief in God necessary for morality and social order? Holy books such as the Bible and Quran try to draw the connection between morality and religion by conflating the cosmic God and the lawgiver God. But humans don’t need divine law or the threat of hell in order to act morally. Morality is baked into the DNA of humans and all social animals. Keep reading for more about morality and religion.

Science vs Art: Robert Pirsig’s Two Philosophies of Life

What is the difference between science vs art? What does Robert Pirsig say about these differences in his book Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance? In Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, author Robert Pirsig explains the two life philosophies in science vs art. He conveys these through his ideas, and through the differing ideas of fellow travelers. Read more about the difference between science vs art in Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance.