In the Nicomachean Ethics, Aristotle sets out to examine the nature of happiness.
He argues that happiness consists in ‘activity of the soul in accordance with virtue’, for example with moral virtues, such as courage, generosity and justice, and intellectual virtues, such as knowledge, wisdom and insight. The Ethics also discusses the nature of practical reasoning, the value and the objects of pleasure, the different forms of friendship, and the relationship between individual virtue, society and the State. Aristotle’s work has had a profound and lasting influence on all subsequent Western thought about ethical matters.
About the Author
Aristotle was born in 384 BC, and studied in Athens under Plato. His writings were of extraordinary range, and many of them have survived. He died in 323 BC.
“Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Willing is not enough; we must do.”
~ Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Goethe starts this post with an apt quote which states, perhaps wisely, how one should apply the knowledge and experiences, they have accumulated in life, towards making the best possible decisions.
Therefore, by making a reasoned decision when called for, will not only make us more virtuous but will also put us on the true path towards goodness and happiness.
According to ‘The Art of Manliness’ bloggers Brett and Kate McKay, Aristotle’s philosophy of phronesis – which usually translates to ‘practical wisdom’ – best describes a more pragmatic life (rather than just contemplative) towards right action and virtue which deals, adequately, with all possible circumstances that may arise. Read more…
Toward Wisdom addresses the nature of wisdom, humanity’s need for it, and ways and means of developing it.
The situation the world faces today is extremely complex. Long-cherished values have begun to conflict with each other: material comfort vs. an uncontaminated world; economic growth now vs. economic well-being for our grandchildren. Toward Wisdom takes the position that the only way to make the world a better place is to make it a wiser place. Wisdom is no longer an option or a frill. We, and the world, need wisdom-based analyses of our problems followed by wisdom-based action.
In the past, becoming wise was left to chance; a few people became wise before they died, but most did not. This lackadaisical approach will no longer do. Wisdom can be developed intentionally, and Toward Wisdom shows us how. The book examines some of the key impediments to wisdom — what they are, how they work, how they came to be — and introduces us to techniques for getting beyond them.
About the Author
Copthorne Macdonald is a writer, independent scholar, and former communication systems engineer. He writes about wisdom, personal growth, the nature of reality, and creating a sustainable future. His published works include six books (two on the subject of wisdom) and over 130 articles, reviews, and column installments.
Cop is also the owner of the biggest Wisdom website on the net called The Wisdom Page which is a website dedicated to helping us better understand wisdom — that vitally important but poorly understood pinnacle of human functioning.
The following ten steps towards Spiritual Zen was taken from the Manly P. Hall lecture ‘Spirit of Zen’.
Each experience proves itself as we progress so that at no time are we required to accept any belief or idea that we’ve not already discovered to be true, thus we actually lead and guide ourselves.
All we require is sincerity and a little courage, and these will become stronger as we experience their benefits.
Our discovery of the practical values of Zen unfolds according to a pattern of ten steps:
Stefan Molyneux returns with more wise and practical advice for raising conscious, intelligent and peaceful children – he especially encourages us to speak truth always which provides the child the basis to learn and grow with freedom, as opposed to bullying them into believing untruths which will only produce the opposite but negative effect. “Hear, hear!”
As Manly P. Hall once wisely said,
“The child is not damaged by facts. The child is damaged by delusions.”
Now watch the following video ‘The Philosophy of Childhood’:
