A Philosophical Debate
Hey Blog! This week is a subject for those who have a little time on their hands – and in their head – and it’s all about phylos sophia or Lovers of Knowledge: Philosophy!
I study philosophy with an excellent tutor called Jake. His business is known as Humanatees (the mascot is a manatee), and it teaches humanities. Last autumn, he started the first KS3 Philosophy course, this one on the Meaning of Life (the biggest subject EVER!). I joined in, so for six weeks we learnt about wacky, weird, and wonderful philosophers who had ideas ranging from “live like a dog” to “ask yourself whether you should kill yourself or have a cup of coffee”. This week, I started a new course, all about female philosophers, but it is my response to the last course that I am writing in for you today. Here it is:
What is the meaning of life?
Universally, I understand that the Meaning of Life must be subjective; all of the philosophers we’ve looked at have had different ideas; but my philosophy is not subjective – well, not necessarily.
- Be focused on something you care about, something that has the inspiration to encourage you to protect, remake and love it. This could be a project, your friends/family, but not your job. The only point of a job is to make money; if you love it then it’s an occupation.
- Don’t be too focused though. Find some relaxing “me” time. Be idle. Do creative thinking, as this kind of thinking can lead to a new focus, of philosophy. Without stepping back you will become the focus, and not be able to climb out of it.
- Be passionate. Love something, enjoy it, kind of similar to point 1, but this is when you’ve finished it. Hold it to your heart. Revel in the joy it gives you, and keep it safe.
- However, be sensible in what you give your love to, as some things break, or disappear, or don’t return your love. Be cautious before choosing, but once chosen, don’t waver. Think before you act.
- Do big talk. Concentrate on big maters like Life and Death, climate change, and the Meaning of Life; think about these things so that you know what the world is like. It’s important you understand your place in the universe.
- Sometimes, though, big things are too much. Relax into the small things; what your friends are doing, where you’re going at the weekend. Be calm, don’t hurry. More hurry, the less time to the end. Do small talk.
- You can see now, we have pairs: 1-2, 3-4, 5-6. They balance each other out. To conclude, my Meaning of Life is…
Be Balanced.
How do you like it? I think it’s quite good. But please don’t blame me if it goes wrong while you’re following it – you chose to do it in the first place!
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