Beginning with the death of Socrates in 399 BC, and following the story through the centuries to recent figures such as Bertrand Russell and Wittgenstein, Bryan Magee’s conversations with fifteen contemporary writers and philosophers provide an accessible and exciting account of Western philosophy and its greatest thinkers.
The contributors include A.J. Ayer, Bernard Williams, Martha Nussbaum, Peter Singer, and John Searle, so that the documentary is not only an introduction to the philosophers of the past, but gives an invaluable insight into the view and personalities of some of the most influential philosophers of the twentieth century.
The series are little bit dated but I think they’re real treasure and food for thought.
When watching the following lecture, please endeavor to do so with an open mind and do not take everything Michael Tsarion has to say as the Gospel truth. The information and unconventional knowledge being presented by Tsarion should provoke you to pursue your own research towards educating yourselves and discovering your true purpose in life.
The aim of this unconditioning of the mind is to be aware of these external machinations (and they do exist) which wish to manipulate us for their own personal gain (power and money), not to mention our own self-imposed ignorance which only helps them to achieve just that.
Hopefully, as we continue to take the necessary but liberating steps towards self-knowledge, wisdom and peace, we may or may not edge ever closer to this elusive “Truth” that we seek. However, this truth is to be surprisingly found where most of us dare not to look – within oneself.
So, the goal of Tsarion’s “Age of Manipulation” lecture is to at least help us expand our minds towards discerning a world that we think we know with hopefully a more clearer perspective, or at least an objective reality of what’s really going on within these corrupt man-made societies in which we live.
Although most of the information being presented in the lecture will no doubt be automatically labeled with the usual ignorant responses such as “conspiracy theory” or “new age nonsense”, does not make it completely untrue or something you cannot learn from.
This is what this blog is all about – forget what you think you know. We are all in need of a huge awakening dose of a knowledge reform, which will hopefully improve the individual and the world for the better.
Watch this fantastic lecture given by professor Michael Sugrue of Princeton University, as he presents an overview on the life and stoic ideals of none other than Plato’s “Philosopher King” himself – Roman Emperor, Marcus Aurelius.
“Virtue makes the goal right, practical wisdom the things leading to it”
~ Aristotle
Is wisdom really the key for our world to progress? Maybe. Although I have created this blog encouraging everyone to embrace this seemingly rare thing, I have to remain realistic to the fact that it cannot be easily taught. One must discover wisdom for themselves and put it to good use whenever they come across any obstacles that threatens their own awareness and progress in life.
Maybe if one had common sense to begin with, it would help one to become wise. But unfortunately, as is most obviously the case, “common sense is the most uncommon thing in this world.”
In the following video, Barry Schwartz sheds some light on the problem of permeating a society with “practical wisdom”. Schwartz offers solutions on the teaching of wisdom and for institutions to revolutionise themselves towards embracing “practical wisdom” instead of “impractical bureaucracy”. This will more than likely sound somewhat Utopian to most people in the cold light of day.
‘Barry Schwartz makes a passionate call for “practical wisdom” as an antidote to a society gone mad with bureaucracy. He argues powerfully that rules often fail us, incentives often backfire, and practical, everyday wisdom will help rebuild our world.’
~ ‘Barry Schwartz on our loss of wisdom’ appearing on TED Talks
Please watch the following insightful talk by Barry Schwartz:
As I’ve kept on saying incessantly since starting this blog, I think that the only way for progress and a change for the better to happen globally, is if we all, through self-knowledge, develop wisdom within first – which unwittingly sounds more Utopian than Schwartz’s suggestions.
I do love a challenge…any suggestions on this “imparting wisdom” conundrum?
Manly P. Hall again demonstrates his inexhaustible knowledge and wisdom as he gives an educational talk on the Search for the Essential Meaning of Life.
For human beings to grow we must learn to understand our divine and true purpose in life; and where we fit in the universe.
Please enjoy and learn from the following talk on video:
A fascinating and educational talk given by the much celebrated Astronomer, Carl Sagan who discusses how the brain functions and how it has evolved from the natural instincts of reptiles, to the inventive and critical thinking skills of modern Man.
I wonder what the next stage of human evolution will give us? Wisdom and common sense perhaps? If only…but there is no reason to wait that long to attain such virtues.
Please enjoy the following fantastic video by Carl Sagan:
A Wisdom blog sharing a beneficial resource of inspirational words of wisdom, philosophy, and enlightening knowledge for the truth seeker. Containing the author's own philosophy of life as well as wisdom-related links to articles, free ebooks, videos and documentaries to educate, liberate and improve one's mind.
