I’m reading “One hundred philosophers: a guide to the world’s greatest thinkers” by Peter J. King.
Something which struck me while I was browsing the book: the fact that many people regard “the material” as inherently evil or the most degenerated state of being. They insist we have an eternal consciousness, which we hone through many lives until it’s so far developed it doesn’t need to materialize anymore but can go on to unite with the One. They insist mankind has a higher purpose.
When I look up at night and see the gazillion stars pinned against the velvet expansion, or I picture the huge seething orbs they really are, travelling the vast kosmos at high speed, I suppose I feel envious. These stars were there long before I was born, and will still be there long after I’m dead.
And then I wonder if it is this same feeling of envy, or perhaps longing or fear, which inspired people to invent the immortal soul. Just because they cannot imagine a universe in which their existence is fleeting, like snowflakes are. Nice to look at, intruiging from close by, but gone before you know it and replaced by thousands of other seemingly similar ones.
An image like this does not void my life of meaning. To me, it’s not that important if I live on for centuries to come or if my life ends with my last breath. Either way, to live and to think is fascinating in itself.
So, what I wanted to say is that I quite enjoy reading my book. Even only scratching the surface of some philosopher’s thoughts inspires interesting questions.
I’m looking forward to reading more in depth material, though it’s going to be difficult to decide where to start.
