October 11, 2004
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I sit in the dark, with my hood up over my head. A pipe glows red in my right hand as I contemplate the arguments of Socrates by the light of my computer screen.
What kind of image do I project? Sometimes I think it’s not quite me. I tell anyone I meet that I’m a philosophy major, because I think it reflects better on me; transitions is a ministry program that is associated with the college, not the university.
The concept of the wandering sage: this man who does nothing but love philosophy and seek knowledge with others. It seems like such a good image to me, I can’t help but think I take it on to the misleading of others.
I am not really wise. I could list the things I do not know all day. I find myself torn on many issues: able to convince one person that men are robots, and another that their beliefs make God and Satan look comparable. Well, at very least they can’t counter my assertion of it. But what do I believe, when the discussion ends and my arguments are laid out?
You see, I look smart to the person I talk to, but feel less so. I create an image.
What is this nonsense that has possessed you for so long, Socrates?… If you truly want to know what the just is, don’t ask and gratify your love of honour by refuting whatever someone answers - you know that is easier then to answer - but answer yourself say what you assert the just to be.
- Thrasymachus, Plato’s Republic
Comments (2)
Aye, but wisdom far surpasses a handle on arguments and knowledge, my friend. I consider you one of the wisest people I know, and it isn't because of how persuasive you are in debates or how logical your ideas come across... it's because of how you live and what you emulate across to others. It's evident in your search for truth, your gestures, your careful consideration of that which is good/bad, and your thoughtful wit.
I think you just need to remember that how you perceive the image you give to others is quite different than the actual one you give. And although you are quick to say you create an image, also take notice that it may not necessarily be entirely false. Just because you don't know what you believe when it comes to arguing different points and theories, doesn't mean you are any less wise or knowledgeable. Isn't that part of what a wandering sage is? Having a genuine quest for these things saught after? You don't just buy into shit. You're 19, Aron. You aren't expected to hold the answers to the universe yet, even though I would argue they are not that far from your grasp.
Forgive me if this comes across as shallow. But I believe I am justified in saying this, because I like to think I know you better than the average passerby. But.. maybe this is not so.
Rest assured, you do in fact know me better then most. And I'm past the days of trying to create an image for you. I guess it does specially qualify you to speak to this post, eh?
Thank you. You seem to have more faith in me then I have in myself, and probably a better perspective for judging it.
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