If it won't matter by tomorrow that these eggs are undercooked, why does it matter now?
Category: Aphorisms and Observations
Dogmatists
Not content to seek the truth, they would possess it even if what they finally possess are mere convictions, and thus obstacles to truth. They value doxastic security over contact with reality.
The Knot at the End of the Thread
To philosophize without dogma is like sewing without a knot at the end of the thread. (Kierkegaard) But to philosophize with dogma is not to philosophize at all.
Unreasonable Disappointment
I cannot be reasonably disappointed if I fail to achieve what was never in my power to achieve.
The Realist Speaks
Most people are basically decent. Just don't put them under too much moral pressure.
Ockhamite Advice for Leftists
Do not multiply enemies beyond necessity! By libeling those who disagree with you, for example. Making enemies for no good reason is generally foolish. It can come back to bite you.
Can One Give Up Smoking by Smoking?
By smoking a generic brand, perhaps? Or a meta-brand, were there such a thing? As little is it true that one can give up philosophy by philosophizing. And yet some try.
Disgust With Others
How much of disgust with others is disgust at oneself for allowing oneself to be in their midst? And similarly with delight?
The Measure of Seriousness
Money is the measure of seriousness. And for most the only measure and the only seriousness. I tell myself to avoid misanthropy, but it is a moral challenge.
(I tend to alliterate even when I am not trying to: money, measure, most, myself, misanthropy, moral.)
Time To Be Unreasonable
It is not reasonable to be reasonable with everyone. Some need to be met with the hard fist of unreason. The reasonable know that reason's sphere of application is not limitless.
Avoid Misanthropy
The timber of humanity, though crooked, is nonetheless mostly sturdy and termite-free.
A Good Aphorism
A good aphorism should swim suddenly before the mind fully formed. If you have to piece it together it will show its seams. Grunts of effort rarely produce good ones. Bukowski's "Don't try" finds application here. The good ones are grantings — from Elsewhere. Be grateful for them, on Thanksgiving, and every day.
Aphorisms and Poems
Aphorisms and poems have this in common: neither can justify what they say while remaining what they are.
Embrace Life
One must embrace life if only to have grist for the analytic mill.
People
People judge falsely, by what we do, and what we have. They ought to judge by what we are. But they are nothing themselves, so how could they?