Philosoffee

People generally wish to seem both smart and wise. This is forgivable, as both intelligence and wisdom are good things. However, what many who seek out this appearance don't realize is that they are simply enacting an appearance, and nothing more ; they are not actually being smart and wise. They're chasing an image. For example, during times of extreme political strife, this desire to stand out as a true beacon of intelligence and reason will frequently manifest as bland appeals to things like "civility", "objectivity" and "hearing both sides". Now, let me forestall any misunderstanding as much as I can. I am not saying that civility, objectivity, and equal consideration of claims are not important . As a fan of philosophy, I think these things are absolutely necessary. I won't waste any more time qualifying my belief that civility, objectivity, and equal consideration are vital, as I take it to be self evident that these are necessary vir...

I take it as a matter of course that what we desire is some sort of open and honest communication. Such a thing is enshrined both in our popular culture, and in our formal culture. Popularly, we speak of a desire to "really get to know" someone, which of course implies clear and open communication with them. It implies that they speak to us without any deception, and that we understand them without our own biases getting in the way. There is also a desire that others "really know us", which would imply that we desire to speak clearly and honestly, and that others listen to us seriously. We want to be known, and to know others. Going in either direction, there must be communication that is honest, frank, and clear. We must challenge ourselves not to lie, bother to others and to ourselves. Much more could be said of this existential desire for open communication on an interpersonal level. Indeed, at a later time, I would like to say investigate these things more cl...