But
I think, by Hercules, that in philosophical speculation it is better to view
things as they are, and to speak of them on their own account, and as for
words, to trust to things for them, and to let one's speech, simply follow where
they lead.
"Why
do you want to construct a fabric that will endure for ages? Do you not wish to
do this in order that posterity may talk of you? Yet you were born to die, and
a silent death is the least wretched. Write something therefore in a simple
style, merely to pass the time, for your own use, and not for publication. Less
labor is needed when one does not look beyond the present."
The world of academia is largely one
of big words and hot air. This is especially true in the field of philosophy,
which so easily becomes disconnected from the real needs of life. I say this
not with a sense of accusation and resentment, but with a sense of shame and
guilt, for having spent far too much of my life playing along with those very
games.
At first, I assumed it was just the
philosophers. Then I saw it with the sociologists, the political scientists,
the historians, and the psychologists. Then I saw it in law, in medicine, in
religion, and in finance. Then I saw it in the day-to-day world of business, of
politics, of entertainment, and of social services. The rot ran so terribly
deep.
What are so many of these people
saying, and why are they saying it? They use fancy concepts, attuned to the
shallow fashion of the day, to become self-appointed experts. They do this in
order to give themselves a sense of superiority, of being important, and to build
up a name.
The typical academic who might be
reading this is gritting his teeth right now. He wants to refute such
ridiculous claims, and assure us that all is well. He will ridicule the
whistleblower, the fellow who points out that the Emperor has no clothes.
Yet inside of himself, he knows the
claims to be quite true. He would prefer you not recognize that, as it might
expose the vanity of all he has worked for. He has published articles, after
all, with titles like “The Esotericism of Being
Qua Being: Confronting the Pan-Sexuality of False Ontology” to gain the
respect of his venerable peers.
What is so funny is that you have no
idea if that is a real peer-reviewed journal article, do you?
Tell the truth in its most direct
form, keep it simple, and care nothing for your legacy. We are all dust, and to
dust we shall all return. In the meantime, we can try to live with character,
and help others to do the same. We have done well if we have given love, and
treated others with justice and kindness. All the rest is a wasted effort.
It is best to do good, regardless of
whether you are remembered for your cleverness. It is best to speak your wisdom
quietly, and to expect no recognition for it. It is best to practice compassion
for all, instead of deliberately making ideological enemies of others. There is
never any need to pick a fight.
Nature will be as she will be.
Follow her, and speak of her with reverence and clarity. That is not only a much
better life, but also a much easier life.
Written in 4/2011
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