06 AUG 2012 by ideonexus
Definition of a Philosophe
Reason is to the philosopher what grace is to the Christian. Grace causes the Christian to act, reason the philosopher. Other men are carried away by their passions, their actions not being preceded by reflection: these are the men who walk in darkness. On the other hand, the philosopher, even in his passions, acts only after reflection: he walks in the dark, but by a torch. The philosopher forms his principles from an infinity of particular observations. Most people adopt principles witho...Folksonomies: enlightenment philosophy
Folksonomies: enlightenment philosophy
Quoted in its entirety, this short essay capture the full essence of what it means to be an Enlightenment Scholar, to study the world and cherish civilization as sacred above all else.
12 JUN 2012 by ideonexus
Curiosity is More Important Than Doing Good
The value the world sets upon motives is often grossly unjust and inaccurate. Consider, for example, two of them: mere insatiable curiosity and the desire to do good. The latter is put high above the former, and yet it is the former that moves some of the greatest men the human race has yet produced: the scientific investigators. What animates a great pathologist? Is it the desire to cure disease, to save life? Surely not, save perhaps as an afterthought. He is too intelligent, deep down in h...More good has been done through curiosity.