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Use Ancient Philosophy To Enhance Personal Development

Jason Cooper — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 11:11:58 +0000

As I continue to laud these wise men of ancient times, I share with you an inspiring post that support my claims that ancient philsosophy can do much to help your self-development in all areas of modern life.

Read the following excerpt from the post ‘Ancient Philosophy and Modern Personal Development’ written by Stephen Cox:

“It is a common occurrence when someone is trying to take a step up in terms of their diet or exercise regime for unexpected saboteurs to appear. Most often the source of the sabotage is those who we had expected the greatest support from. This includes our partner, our mother or our best friend. Usually they do have our best interests at heart. Regardless, they often advise against what may appear to them to be an extreme or unusual path that we have chosen.

The result of this sabotage is doubt. We begin to question our own decisions. Perhaps I shouldn’t push myself quite so hard when I exercise. Maybe it is ok to break out of my dietary plan every now and again. Do I really want to continue with this fast? I’ve seen it happen and experienced it myself on numerous occasions. The disapproval of others, particularly those closest to us, however misguided and uninformed, can take the wind right out of our sails.

While this issue rears its head most often along the path of physical health it is also not uncommon on the journey of personal development. If you have experienced this problem you should know that you are neither alone nor is it a new problem. The ancient philosophers in their love of wisdom (the definition of philosophy) observed its occurrence in their own time.

It was Epictetus who said, “If you want to improve, be content to be thought foolish and stupid.” This is because many people are simply being swept along with the flow and the direction of the flow is dictated by popular opinion and “common” sense. Alain de Botton in his book The Consolations of Philosophy elegantly stated that, “the approval of others often forms an essential part of our capacity to think we are right.”

Personal development and growth often does not fit so well into the mold of consumerism, materialism and rat race work ethic that is currently prevalent in society. Quit your secure 9 – 5 job for something that pays less, is more work and looks risky and others will not only think you’re crazy, they’ll tell you so as well.”

Please take the time to read the rest of this post here.

Why We Should Not Forget The Ancient Philosophers Of Days Gone Past

Jason Cooper — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 10:07:10 +0000

Row (Busts) of Ancient Greek Philosophers: Socrates; Antisthenes; Chrysippus; Epicurus (Picture taken at the British Museum by Lawrence OP)

I hereby issue a plea to everyone to embrace the wise thinkers of ancient times, and for posterity not to ever forget these men we like to call philosophers.

Let’s pay homage to these ancient philosophers who are inexplicably forgotten by the modern generations who live in a realm of superficiality, conflict, celebrity worship, technological dependency and general ignorance of themselves.

The wisdom to be found from reading the philosophical works of these men could, if we wished, serve an important function in guiding us all towards peace, unity and common sense which can make this world a paradise of joy and reason – but as things stand today, maybe that is a dream only Utopia can conjure up.

Most importantly, we must not forget the teachings that these philosophers provided, as they dived head first into the deep oceans of thought and attentiveness towards observing themselves, humanity and nature. Through their own self-learning they ceaselessly sought Truth so to provide us with the foundations to build a impregnable wall of wisdom for ourselves.

However, we choose to neglect these past thinkers and their teachings at our peril (collectively and individually), instead of making their thoughts compulsory reading within the school curriculum.

If you were ever touched in some way by these beneficent men the following names, and more, should roll off the tongue with ease:

Socrates
Marcus Aurelius
Epicurus
Epictetus
Confucius
Lao Tzu
Seneca
Plutarch
Plato

But alas! I can hazard a guess that most (young) people wouldn’t have any knowledge of most, if not all the aforementioned sages.

Some people may very well ask, “why should we remember these men who are long since past?” Well, these ancient philosophers all taught the invaluable lessons on the art of living – imparting their knowledge and wisdom in the form of, in my opinion, the greatest self-help books known to man. Despite there being a million and one books written by “Gurus” available today on the subject, none can touch the integrity and truth that can be found in these ancient teachings.

However, one must aim to learn from these men and not worship them. In fact, they actually encourage us to remain independent and to develop knowledge of ourselves, as well as challenging us to partake in the greatest challenge of them all – and that is to achieve self-mastery.

And as far as I know, the past philosophers of yesteryear did not teach so to make a quick buck or to gather a huge following as what’s been shown to be the case with certain individuals and organisations in the 21st century.

They (philosophers) seemed to live with authenticity and integrity whilst remaining indifferent to materialistic pursuits. So why not follow their example of cultivating inner richness and ridding oneself of ignorance in the process? You will find that it would provide one to live a more tranquil and happier life. What more would one wish to achieve in this apparent short and brutal life?

Before I take my leave, let me reiterate for you to never forget the ancient philosophers nor their enlightening lessons that can help elevate our souls and minds to the very heights of heaven – something which we are all desperately in need of on this most ignorant and misguided of planets – this, I think, is what it means to find “God”.

So let us be as gods by living simply and becoming as wise as they no doubt were.

Why not visit the knowledge Library containing many books written by these men of wisdom.

Destroy The Illusion of Heroism To See The Truth About Our Masters Of Deception

Jason Cooper — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 13:49:24 +0000

For some reason this particular post makes me want to break out with a bit of a sing-song…

“…And then a hero comes along,
With the strength to carry on,
And you cast your fears aside and you know you can survive,
So when you feel like hope is gone,
Look inside you and be strong,
And you’ll finally see the truth that a hero lies in you.”

I think that’s enough of the Mariah Carey imitation – thank you very much.

Now watch the following thought-provoking videos from Stefan Molyneux to get the gist of what lies behind the lyrics.

Heroism Part 1:

Heroism Part 2:

History Lessons of Truth (Part 2): Untold Black History – The Moors And Black Americans

Jason Cooper — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 10:47:20 +0000

Read part 1 of the series: ‘History Lessons of Truth (Part1): Nat Turner – A True Revolutionary Slave’.

Continuing the series of posts regarding History that they do not teach (or teach adequately enough) us in the educational system, we come to perhaps the most crucial parts of the history of so called “Blacks” Americans that “they” seemingly don’t want us to know.

The videos included in the ‘UNTOLD BLACK HISTORY: The Slavery Myths & Moors’ series are:

1. UNTOLD BLACK HISTORY: Intro
2. UNTOLD BLACK HISTORY: Myths
3. UNTOLD BLACK HISTORY: “Blacks” were the 1st Americans pt.1
4. UNTOLD BLACK HISTORY: “Blacks” were the 1st Americans pt.2
5. UNTOLD BLACK HISTORY: The Black Chinese
6. UNTOLD BLACK HISTORY: Black Indi-Americans pt.1
7. UNTOLD BLACK HISTORY: Black Indi-Americans pt.2
8. UNTOLD BLACK HISTORY: The Slavery Myths & Moors pt.1
9. UNTOLD BLACK HISTORY: The Slavery Myths & Moors pt.2

View the following series range of short videos and learn the real truth about The Moors And Black Americans.

UNTOLD BLACK HISTORY: Intro

UNTOLD BLACK HISTORY: Myths

UNTOLD BLACK HISTORY: “Blacks” were the 1st Americans pt.1

UNTOLD BLACK HISTORY: “Blacks” were the 1st Americans pt.2

UNTOLD BLACK HISTORY: The Black Chinese

UNTOLD BLACK HISTORY: Black Indi-Americans pt.1

UNTOLD BLACK HISTORY: Black Indi-Americans pt.2

UNTOLD BLACK HISTORY: The Slavery Myths & Moors pt.1

UNTOLD BLACK HISTORY: The Slavery Myths & Moors pt.2

The Information found in this series was compiled by Robert H. Strongrivers and Commitee.

Robert H. Strongrivers is The President of the National Olmec American Heritage and Research Committee [N.O.A.H. A.R.C.] , as well as the founder and creator of the Lost Feather Black Indian Website were the original Manuscripts for all of the information can be found.

Manly P. Hall’s Lessons of Self-Unfoldment (Part 2): Truth-Seeker’s Lonely Path To Wisdom

Jason Cooper — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 11:40:50 +0000

Read part 1 of the series: ‘Manly P. Hall’s Lessons of Self-Unfoldment (Part 1): Personal Growth’.

I wish to share with you selected passages from the book ‘Self-unfoldment by Disciplines of Realization’ written by Manly P. Hall.

This book contains many wise lessons and practical instructions on how we can penetrate deep within ourselves so to understand the Truth of who we are, and how we fit into this universal existence.

The ultimate aim is to attain the self-knowledge for us to grow effortlessly towards wisdom and a blessed life.

I am still in the process of reading this fascinating book, and will endeavor to post more enlightening and insightful passages as I go along.

From ‘Chapter 1 – Theory of Disciplines’:

II

Metaphysical disciplines are not to be regarded as competitive exercises in which one vies with another in the magnitude of his imaginings, or yearns toward some metaphysical aristocracy. All metaphysical exercises worthy of the name are an unfolding of self into the light of virtue, beauty, and wisdom.

The illustration for this lesson is taken from the Zen school of Chinese art. It is the “lone traveler,” a solitary monk standing on the edge of a great cliff gazing out into the mist. Far beyond rise dimly the shadows of high mountains in the ageless contrast to gnarled and broken trees in the foreground.

Much has been said of the loneliness of wisdom, and how much the Truth seeker becomes a pilgrim wandering from start to star. To the ignorant, the wise man is lonely because he abides in distant heights of the mind. But the wise man himself does not feel lonely. Wisdom brings him nearer to life; closer to the heart of the world than the foolish man can ever be. Bookishness may lead to loneliness, and scholarship may end in a battle of beliefs, but the wise man gazing off into space sees not an emptiness, but a space full of life, truth, and law.

What can we learn from the previous passage?

One must remain independent of mind to find Truth, and by not allowing any other supposed trustworthy individuals, organisations and political systems to provide all the answers. In other words, question everything to keep your mind awake and attentive.

This should eventually prompt one to seek the true answers themselves, instead of accepting what is Truth propagated by an authority which we are conditioned to believe dogmatically.

One is indeed alone when questioning popular beliefs, but they will find by removing ignorance in the form of conditioned man-made divisions and falsities they will then develop the insight to see that we are all part of this universal stream of existence – how can one then feel alone once they are aware of all this?

That is the reason why it is so important one conquer fear and show the courage to stand up for truth. Stand up against these evil maniacal and devious (but also human) forces which try to divide and destroy us!

However, there comes a time when one must be completely alone (not isolated) with themselves so not to be disturbed when the need for total introspection is called for. This is what I call an important exercise of quiet time to gather one’s thoughts and to observe freely, without distraction, their inner kingdom and its place in the outer world. This should be done in earnest and with sincerity – that’s if one wants to ever come close to Truth and Wisdom.

The Truth-Seeker’s lonely mission is to:

turn off the TV and radio
dispose of the newspapers
question everything you have been told and taught to be true
inquire for yourself to discern what the truth may be – in other words, educate yourselves
Seek and gain the practical and beneficial knowledge that can actually help you to become conscious beings, self-reliant, self-determined, pragmatic and wise
Look within yourselves for the true answers towards achieving your aims in life – the truth and wisdom is within you to use to your advantage
Take responsibility for your own health, income, and general well-being

Manly P. Hall’s Lessons of Self-Unfoldment (Part 1): Personal Growth

Jason Cooper — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 08:29:29 +0000

I wish to share with you selected passages from the book ‘Self-unfoldment by Disciplines of Realization’ written by Manly P. Hall.

This book contains many wise lessons and practical instructions on how we can penetrate deep within ourselves so to understand the Truth of who we are, and how we fit into this universal existence.

The ultimate aim is to attain the self-knowledge for us to grow effortlessly towards wisdom and a blessed life.

I am still in the process of reading this fascinating book, and will endeavor to post more enlightening and insightful passages as I go along.

From ‘Chapter 1 – Theory of Disciplines’:

I

Growth is natural to man. No one thinks of a flower trying to bloom, or of a tree trying to grow. The blossoming of the flower is a manifestation of universal law flowering through the plant; it is the will of the Infinite made manifest in the finite. Illumination is the blossoming of the soul in man; it is just as natural, simple, and inevitable as the flowing of the rose. The wise man does not try to be wise; wisdom is as natural to him as folly is common to ordinary mortals. Man does not have to try to be himself.

Effort is evidence of inconsistency in the individual. Most religious organizations impose strict rules and regulations upon their members. These rules and regulations consist principally of “thou shalt nots, ” the purpose being to force man into a state of grace by inhibiting and limiting him. Any individual who tries to crush out with brute force of will the vices within himself, achieves only inhibition and neurosis.

What can we learn from the previous passage?

You cannot force growth, or more-so, no person or religious organisation (or any other type of ideological organisation for that matter) can teach you how to grow through discipline – in fact, they will instead constrict or stunt your opportunity for growth in life.

You must be absolutely independent, free and rational to plant the seed of wisdom within so that you can then, for yourself, sprinkle the invigorating water of self-knowledge, which is most needed for the seed to burst forth.

How does one then break into blossom? To encourage continuous growth, you must try to learn from every encounter and every experience in life – good or bad. Also, I highly recommend you to heighten your awareness and attentiveness to everything around you as much as possible. The illuminating lessons that can be learnt from this exercise of gaining self-understanding and elevating consciousness will be most rewarding.

This all will ultimately help to strengthen the roots of your mind and spirit in preparation for whatever the unpredictable winds of change brings.

Use your personal growth in a positive way towards:

learning to understand yourself so that you have better insight and can become a little more wiser
developing maturity of mind
improving relationships and connecting with others and nature
being able to deal with trials and tribulations in a positive way
discovering total contentment and joy

Read part 2 of the series: ‘Manly P. Hall’s Lessons of Self-Unfoldment (Part 2): Truth-Seeker’s Lonely Path To Wisdom’.