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Monday, September 28, 2009
Metaphysics and the Examined Life
The theme this month, metaphysics,
is an ethereal one. The technical definition is the philosophical study of being and knowing. So, to know thyself is true power. Or, as Socrates said, “The
unexamined life is not worth living.”
From the Socratic view, we must assess our morals to truly examine life. And that he who is virtuous is happy.
Sometimes asking tough questions of ourselves is painful, but the journey of self-discovery is worth it. I wrote in my journal
once, “Ignorance isn’t bliss. The quest for morality is the highest priority, even if it makes us uncomfortable.”
Some questions to ask when
examining a life include: What is my most significant virtue—and how did I acquire it? What is my most significant vice—and
how did I acquire it? By looking truthfully at our vices and virtues we may better understand ourselves.
The articles this month focus on metaphysics,
and various ways to examine your life—whether through hypnosis, color, self-examination or living without regrets. Because
with self-knowledge comes the ultimate purpose in life, “a love of beauty, truth and goodness.”
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