Towards the end of his life, the main protagonist of Hermann Hesse's novel Siddhartha, the wise man, shared one of his thoughts with a friend: “When someone seeks," said Siddhartha, "then it easily happens that his eyes see only the thing that he seeks, and he is able to find nothing, to take in nothing because … Continue reading Hermann Hesse’s “Siddhartha” on Seeking and Finding
Heraclitus on Wisdom
Heraclitus is a pre-Socratic Greek philosopher still known more than 2,500 years after his days for such utterances as "All things change" and "You cannot step in the same river twice" (the latter is the most famous translation but perhaps not the most precise one). He held the view that reality is One, all is … Continue reading Heraclitus on Wisdom
Spreading the Word: Philosophy of Tea
This Friday I share with you a short video on the surprising connection between philosophy and tea. Something as simple as a cup of tea can play a significant role in a balanced and wise life, according to Japanese philosopher Sen no Rikyū. Best enjoyed with your favourite tea! Link to the video: Philosophy of … Continue reading Spreading the Word: Philosophy of Tea
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Spreading the Word: What is Hermeneutics?
This Friday I share with you a short video that introduces hermeneutics. A fascinating field of philosophy as well as a method of study in the humanities, hermeneutics is all about interpretation. It brings to the fore the importance of how we interpret our experiences and that we are never really fully free (objective) of … Continue reading Spreading the Word: What is Hermeneutics?
Being Great to be Good Enough? Philosophical Exploration
Is 'good' good enough? Or is 'great' needed to qualify for being good enough? Although it sounds absurd if taken from a purely logical perspective, it is yet another proof of our inherent complexity that often contains outright contradictions. I know what it feels like to expect and demand greatness from myself simply to feel … Continue reading Being Great to be Good Enough? Philosophical Exploration
Revolutions, Omelettes, and Philosophy
What on Earth can revolutions, omelettes, and philosophy have in common? A lot, as it turns out! At least if you think about it from the perspective of Isaiah Berlin (1909-1997). He was a philosopher, a thinker, a historian of ideas, and, according to many (I agree with them), one of the most fascinating, capturing, and creative … Continue reading Revolutions, Omelettes, and Philosophy
Spreading the Word: Philosophy for Tough Times
One day later than usual, but still. Today, I share with you a short but, hopefully, inspirational video. It is a collection of uplifting philosophical quotes to give you extra bit of belief in your inner strength to deal with any problems you might be facing. Enjoy and keep well! Link to the article: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M_ZCZx6EzDc … Continue reading Spreading the Word: Philosophy for Tough Times
Spreading the Word: Reality Needs Fiction
Today, I share with you a very interesting article. It tells about maintaining one's humanity in extreme circumstances. Perhaps surprisingly, fiction helps us deal with reality. Imagination. Hope. The 'as-if' philosophy. Enjoy the read! Link to the article: https://psyche.co/ideas/how-emil-utitz-salvaged-his-humanity-in-a-non-human-world Keeping up the "Spreading the Word" tradition, every Thursday I hope to share with you an … Continue reading Spreading the Word: Reality Needs Fiction
Spreading the Word: Day of Philosophy & Post No 100!
This is a special post on a special day. It is the annual World Philosophy Day, celebrated by UNESCO with a dedicated programme on the 19th and 20th November. What a great occasion to share with you the 100th post on the humanfactor.blog! "Philosophy is an inspiring discipline as well as an everyday practice that … Continue reading Spreading the Word: Day of Philosophy & Post No 100!
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