Nothing should be idolized, just the same as we should idolize nothing and if you fear what is unclear, it is unclear what you fear...

I thought this reading was really interesting and a little more fun than any previous readings so far. Also, I think Marcus Aurelius had some very true thoughts and ones that make me really think. Personally, I really liked, "Look within. Within is the fountain of good, and it will ever bubble up, if thou wilt ever dig.". Inside all of us good and sometimes you may have to search for the good of people, but it is always there. At least that's how I take it.

Proto-philosophy of life exercise

For today's blogging suggestion, try writing three "meditations" (exhortations/memoranda) in the same style as Marcus Aurelius -- one sentence or multiple paragraphs. Think about the things in your life you have trouble dealing with, and write reminders to yourself of ways you can deal with them better. Keep in mind Marcus' disciplines of perception, action, and will. I'm excited to learn from your words of wisdom!

47.

"Look round at the courses of the stars, as if thou wert going along with them; and constantly consider the changes of the elements into one another; for such thoughts purge away the filth of the terrene life."

This is my favorite of Aurelius' passages in "The Meditation". To me it means that life is constantly changes and effecting itself. It talks about the galaxy and it's movement. The galaxy is in constant ever changing motion just like life. The collision, combination, explosion and growth of stars is remarkable and spontaneous. Just like every instance of life, good or bad.

65

65. Take care that you don't treat inhumanity as it treats human beings.

The way this statement was worded was what made it shine more than the other meditations. It is saying something fairly simple, but important. We, as human beings, should not treat things that are not humans inhumanly. Whether it be nature or objects, human beings who hold morals and a brain capable of complex thought should reserve their aggression and cruelty towards things incapable of doing so.

ramblings about sir marcus aurelius.

i s'ppose i could go on about all of his meditations, but i feel i'd be regurgitating what you, the reader, already understand. so i'm not going to do that. (not to mention, it would make for a very long post. and bums go numb after a while, don't you know.) so, then, i'm only going to toodle about a few.

2. not so sure i agree with the first section of this section, for it seems to state that what happens outside the mind is completely irrelevant. i mean, is this simply your mind we're talking about? because that's completely silly. other ideas are really quite important to the growth of an individual if you ask me. and not to be a smartass, but everything happens in the mind, doesn't it? i don't think we'd be able to function without a mind.    the second section of this section, however, resonated quite well with me. ever'body gets the downs. but hey, it's not the end of the world. things still go on, with or without you. i think i wouldn't want to miss out.

12. disregarding the fact that he probably believes in nature over nurture, i'd say he's got a point with this one. no one but you is responsible for what you think. sure, it's hella easy to blame the other guy for your problems. but the problems exist in your head, and no one but you can fix 'em. i like this one quite a bit.

17a. this made me laugh. quite a bit, actually.

36. this one just made me angry with the world. basically what i got from this passage is that all most people ever do is focus on the negative. someone can work so hard for a very long time to get themselves to the "status of kings", but others will immediately shoot them down, either because of jealousy or their need to be cranky, for "if they're not happy, no one's happy". and this has made my respect for some go way down. BLAUGH. my feelings went on to be reflected in 38.

52. oh yes. this may very well be my favorite.

54. can't just treat someone bad because you're having a bad day. they don't know that!

 61. don't be a-floatin' through life like nothin', take notice of what's going on! you might miss somethin' if you be all dainty about it.

right-o. there ya go.

The Poetics of chick flicks

After reading what Aristotle said were the five traits of a tragedy I realized something: Aristotle also invented the chick flick. In most instances they serve as the perfect example of Aristotle's tragedies. A personal favorite of mine, The Notebook, seems to fit his definition particularly well. It's easy to but yourself in the main characters shoes, as you initially follow their summer romance. You feel pity and even fear when the young couple is torn apart by her parents. For the more tender-hearted you wonder if they will ever see each other again. The entire move is a display of human nature, it shows the desire to love and be loved, our sometimes impulsive and irrational thought processes and what the most important things in life boil down to. I would never want to ruin the ending for those who haven't seen this "classic" but I will say it has one of the most poetic and beautiful endings that leaves a viewer wonder in what the true power of love it. Cheesy and completely sappy, just have Aristotle had in mind, I'm sure.