182 Results with the "Philosophical" genre


    • LETTER–To Robert Burns Cover
      by LovelyMay Letter to Robert Burns begins not with solemn tribute but with the familiar cadence of fondness, both for the man and the myth he became. You were not just Scotland’s poet—you were its pulse, its raw nerve, its laughter after loss. Your name, once printed in Kilmarnock, echoed far beyond the fields of Ayr, finding kinship in places where hearts break and songs rise to meet the pain. When Scots raise a glass in your name, it is not just nostalgia. It is recognition of something unshaped by…
    • Chapter 17 — Etiquette At Home and Abroad Cover
      by LovelyMay Chapter 17 - Etiquette At Home and Abroad begins by examining a cultural blind spot that many Americans and even some English people share: the undervaluing of politeness in everyday life. Unlike in certain parts of Europe where ceremonial respect is practiced even toward children, American families often neglect small courtesies at home. In St. Petersburg, the Grand Duchess Olga’s upbringing reflects how consistent respect shapes a person’s dignity and presence. The narrator contrasts this with the…
    • Section 17: How the Sphere, having in vain tried words, resorted to deeds Cover
      by LovelyMay Section 17 begins with a moment of mounting tension between the narrator and the enigmatic visitor known as the Sphere. No longer relying on explanations or logic, the Sphere resorts to action to make his point. The narrator, still trapped in the rigid perceptions of Flatland, violently presses his angle against the mysterious guest, only to find that the stranger slides away—not to the sides, but upward, vanishing into a realm beyond his comprehension. This physical impossibility deepens the…
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      Inspiration

      Inspiration Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Inspiration often arrives unexpectedly, striking the mind with a sudden surge of clarity and creativity that seems almost magical. It is an elusive force that appears to come from nowhere, yet profoundly influences the way we think, create, and perceive the world. The concept of inspiration is deeply rooted in history, with its origins tracing back to the Latin inspirare, meaning "to breathe in." This linguistic connection suggests that inspiration is much like air—we must create space for it to flow…
    • Shades and Degrees Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin In Shades and Degrees, the text explores the intricate and often unpredictable nature of artistic creation, emphasizing how different sources of inspiration and varying levels of effort can yield vastly different results. The chapter begins by contemplating how two seemingly identical sparks of creativity can lead to entirely different outcomes—one may develop into a substantial body of work, while the other might produce little to nothing. This unpredictability mirrors the creative process itself, where…
    • Chapter 6: The Pooh Way Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Chapter 6: The Pooh Way, In Taoist philosophy, Wu Wei is often described through the metaphor of a stream that, as it grows and transforms into a river, learns to flow more smoothly and without effort. This principle mirrors what Hoff calls “the Pooh Way,” where things are done effortlessly, without force or struggle. Wu Wei emphasizes acting in a natural, calm manner, avoiding egotistical or combative effort. For example, water naturally flows around obstacles without trying to force its way through,…
    • Chapter V — The Problem of Consciousness. Duration and Liberty Cover
      by LovelyMay Chapter V invites readers into Henri Bergson’s original vision of inner experience, a philosophy that reshapes how we understand thought, time, and freedom. He departs from the prevailing view of consciousness as a collection of separate parts. Instead, he argues that mental life flows like a melody, where each note influences the one before and after. Bergson sees consciousness as layered and continuous, not mechanical or static. This movement, which he calls “duration,” cannot be sliced into…
    • Chapter 28 — Inconsistencies Cover
      by LovelyMay Chapter 28 - Inconsistencies offers a thought-provoking encounter between two men from vastly different cultures as they observe the unfolding of a formal American social event. One, a Westerner used to the ebb and flow of local customs, casually lights a cigar on the piazza to escape dull conversation about sports. The other, a young Turk, carries himself with solemn curiosity, having expected the event to begin promptly, as written on the invitation. His confusion is met with calm explanation—the start…
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      Awareness

      Awareness Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin The chapter "Awareness" explores the profound nature of human perception, highlighting the distinction between deliberate decision-making and the natural, unforced experience of the present moment. While much of life is structured around achieving specific goals, solving problems, or planning ahead, awareness operates outside of these constraints. It is not about controlling or manipulating reality but rather about fully experiencing it without interference. This state of being is likened to an observer…
    • The Experimenter and the Finisher Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Creativity manifests in different ways for different people, often revealing a natural inclination toward one of two distinct approaches: The Experimenter and the Finisher. Experimenters thrive in the early stages of a project, reveling in boundless exploration, discovery, and the sheer joy of creation. They take pleasure in trying out new ideas, pushing boundaries, and letting their imagination roam freely without the pressure of committing to a final product. However, their enthusiasm for discovery can…
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