Thought Salad
I have entitled this blog Thought Salad because I have a little to say about a lot and it may get a bit choppy. Hold on tight it's about to get messy.
First of all, I was both confused and fascinated by the way Augustine describes misery and mercy in book 3. He describes them as two sides of the same coin and that "Mercy cannot exist apart from suffering". It seems in this context that he is referring more to empathy. If that is the case then why do we feel empathy for those we do not know? Why does tragedy make such a good story? Is it because we see ourselves in the characters, relating to their misfortunes or enjoying their "company"? Why is the story arc so effective? What does that say about humans? Is it evil that we prefer three parts suffering to one part resolution?
Later on, in book 4 Augustine makes an interesting logical point. he says "Not everything grows old, but everything dies. So when things emerge and arise into existence, the faster they grow to be, the quicker they rush towards non-being". I take this to mean that Augustine believes that things should be taken slowly and enjoyed because they will not be around forever. This sort of thought is quite similar to Henry David Thoreau in that life is too short for worry and work. Augustine goes on to describe death and how it may be painful it is not bad. While death is commonly portrayed as Satan or a demon, death is a good thing. we as humans are horrible at dealing with death and loss. While it is sad we shouldn't brush it off or make it pleasant. even Jesus cried at the tomb of Lazarus knowing that he would return to life. He did not tell Mary to stop crying. We need to learn from this example that loss isn't a bad thing, its how we portray and deal with it that's wrong. Everything has its time and that time should not be wasted.
Another interesting point Augustine brings up in book 4 is that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. This can be seen in ants. ants are known for their intelligence however they aren't that smart. when they are put together they can overcome great obstacles to keep the colony alive. Let's say for example that a bunch of worker ants are killed. Every time an ant meets another they exchange pheromones and when an ant detects few ants giving off worker pheromones that ant will become a worker.
Lastly, in book 5 Augustine has many questions about Christianity and Manicheism. I admire his persistence and determination in finding the truth. He has his doubts about Manicheism but does not wish to convert to Christianity until fully sure that they are truthful and can answer his questions.
I commented on Gray and Will's blogs.
Note from Owen: Hi all! As you know I am new to honors and am trying to get a feel for things. If my blog is choppy or oddly worded formatted I am sorry it is my first one, I will get better. I am so glad to finally be a part of the class, y'all are such fun people. Your energy and curiosity are easily seen in the class by your presence and participation. I hope to have a great time and learn a lot in my personal quest for truth.
I have enjoyed reading Confessions even though it can be fairly boring sometimes. It tickles my fancy because of the philosophical, spiritual and moral questions brought up. I love philosophy and the hard hitting questions that come with it.
That's all I have to say, blog ya later ;).
First of all, I was both confused and fascinated by the way Augustine describes misery and mercy in book 3. He describes them as two sides of the same coin and that "Mercy cannot exist apart from suffering". It seems in this context that he is referring more to empathy. If that is the case then why do we feel empathy for those we do not know? Why does tragedy make such a good story? Is it because we see ourselves in the characters, relating to their misfortunes or enjoying their "company"? Why is the story arc so effective? What does that say about humans? Is it evil that we prefer three parts suffering to one part resolution?
Later on, in book 4 Augustine makes an interesting logical point. he says "Not everything grows old, but everything dies. So when things emerge and arise into existence, the faster they grow to be, the quicker they rush towards non-being". I take this to mean that Augustine believes that things should be taken slowly and enjoyed because they will not be around forever. This sort of thought is quite similar to Henry David Thoreau in that life is too short for worry and work. Augustine goes on to describe death and how it may be painful it is not bad. While death is commonly portrayed as Satan or a demon, death is a good thing. we as humans are horrible at dealing with death and loss. While it is sad we shouldn't brush it off or make it pleasant. even Jesus cried at the tomb of Lazarus knowing that he would return to life. He did not tell Mary to stop crying. We need to learn from this example that loss isn't a bad thing, its how we portray and deal with it that's wrong. Everything has its time and that time should not be wasted.
Another interesting point Augustine brings up in book 4 is that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. This can be seen in ants. ants are known for their intelligence however they aren't that smart. when they are put together they can overcome great obstacles to keep the colony alive. Let's say for example that a bunch of worker ants are killed. Every time an ant meets another they exchange pheromones and when an ant detects few ants giving off worker pheromones that ant will become a worker.
Lastly, in book 5 Augustine has many questions about Christianity and Manicheism. I admire his persistence and determination in finding the truth. He has his doubts about Manicheism but does not wish to convert to Christianity until fully sure that they are truthful and can answer his questions.
I commented on Gray and Will's blogs.
Note from Owen: Hi all! As you know I am new to honors and am trying to get a feel for things. If my blog is choppy or oddly worded formatted I am sorry it is my first one, I will get better. I am so glad to finally be a part of the class, y'all are such fun people. Your energy and curiosity are easily seen in the class by your presence and participation. I hope to have a great time and learn a lot in my personal quest for truth.
I have enjoyed reading Confessions even though it can be fairly boring sometimes. It tickles my fancy because of the philosophical, spiritual and moral questions brought up. I love philosophy and the hard hitting questions that come with it.
That's all I have to say, blog ya later ;).
Very good blog, man. Most people say a lot about a little, but that is by no means the rule. Make this blog your own!
ReplyDeleteWhile I doubt Augustine would have endorsed Thoreau’s ideology, I can see where you’re going with that. The question is, if death is a good thing, why do we wrestle with it? Why did Jesus Himself cry? I remember this topic coming up a very long time ago, and we decided that death is hard because it’s unnatrual. We weren’t meant to be in a state of mortal decay—Eden wasn’t like that. It has that beautiful silver lining in that it unites us with God, but even that fact represents that we were severed from God in the first place.