PHIL 3160 – Philosophy of Happiness

What is it, how can we best pursue it, why should we? Supporting the study of these and related questions at Middle Tennessee State University and beyond. "Examining the concept of human happiness and its application in everyday living as discussed since antiquity by philosophers, psychologists, writers, spiritual leaders, and contributors to pop culture."

Thursday, October 21, 2021

Convivial humanism

 LISTENHow to live? More suggestions today in Happiness...

9. Be convivial: live with others. 10. Wake from the sleep of habit. 11. Live temperately. 12. Guard your humanity.

Introducing children to the art of conversation, Montaigne thought, brings them out of their private worlds and engenders indispensable social graces. The graceless and rude incivility of so much of our recent public discourse would seem to vindicate that view. He was a humanist in the fashion of Kurt Vonnegut, "trying to behave decently without any expectation of rewards or punishment" in a post-human paradise or hell. "We owe justice to men, and mercy and kindness to other creatures that may be capable of receiving it." 

Or as Kurt put it, addressing our newest humans: "There's only one rule... God damn it, you've got to be kind." (continues)

 



1 comment:

  1. Responding to the quote, I believe the Creator of the universe has been made known to us through Jesus. Like the Stoics and Epicureans found Paul outlandish in Athens for his similar remarks, I do not expect to be affirmed in my belief of the resurrection. The proof is there, and as a result, it completely changes how we see the world. I believe humanists can be some of the most religious people in the world, yet they lack belief. They realize the need in their societies. With this being said, I affirm humanists in their deeds, but they lack Christ.

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