passions
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On the Mystical
A Philosophical Happy Hour on the mystical, the esoteric, the unknown—the traditions of secret learning, their dangers, their refutation, and the true good of mystical contemplation “I believe the universe is a great symphony of numerical correspondences, I believe that numbers and their symbolisms provide a path to special knowledge”, says the antagonist of Umberto…
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On Perseverance: The Virtue of Resolution
A Philosophical Happy Hour on establishing and maintaining the virtue of perseverance and carrying through our resolutions. We often begin our new years, whether explicitly or not, with an intention to better ourselves. The old year almost invariably, upon reflection, provides us evident opportunities for self-improvement. Sometimes, this intentions are not only explicit, but grand:…
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On Having a Good Time: Festivity and Contemplation
A Philosophical Happy Hour on the possibility of festivity in a darkened world, including its intimate relationship to the capacity for contemplation. Do you know how to have a good time? What does that even mean? For many people, no doubt, it entails some combination of entertainment, camaraderie, joking, laughing, imbibing, and eating. But more…
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On Pity and Resentment
A Philosophical Happy Hour on pity, resentment, mercy, justice, vengeance, and the multitude of human weaknesses. The two titular terms here present a conflict we have all doubtless encountered at one point or another: one person pitying another, and the pitied person reacting with resentment. Much could and ought to be said about resentment and…
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On the Philosophy of Boredom
Who does not dislike the experience of boredom? To be bored is to feel one’s time, one’s energy, one’s capacities are wasted, withering away on nothing. But, at times, the boredom that seizes us disregards even our greatest loves: no matter the diversion attempted, boredom takes sway. We might pick up a favorite book, only…
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Ravaisson on the Formation of Second Nature
As soon as the soul arrives at self-consciousness, it is no longer merely the form, the end or even the principle of organization; a world opens within it that increasingly separates and detaches itself from the life of the body, and in which the soul has its own life, its own destiny, and its own…
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Lyceum Schedule [7/26-7/31]
The last week of Summer Seminars – Elementary Latin sign-up still available -and stop by the Happy Hour if you can!
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This Week [6/6-6/12]
Summer Seminars! Still time to sign up!