Welcome one and all to our discussion here today. We are at the lovely Central Park here in New York, NY. Today at the beautiful park we can hear kids laughing, birds chirping, and hobos fighting over a bagel in the distance. Today I am here with some philosophers who have wonderful minds to discuss today the topic of life. The inevitable questions of growing up and why we should or should not. Today, here with me, we have Dr. Aaron James, John Kaag, and Susan Neiman. All very well established philosophers and professors, as well as authors.
Me: Alright ladies and gentlemen, first question. What does it mean to grow up? And maybe even more importantly, why should we?
Susan: Growing up is important. It goes hand in hand with getting older. Growing up is also attributable to maturation. We as humans need to mature. How well we mature depends on many factors, but it is important nonetheless. We must learn what is right and wrong and attempt to be as ethical in our everyday and professional lives as possible. In this corrupt world, we need to revert back to ethics above all else.
John: I agree with you, Susan. Love is what helps us grow. The love of our parents or friends as we grow up. The mentorship or teachers or figures in our life that help us through situations others cannot.
Me: I agree John. My whole life my parents were not really attentive. Good people, but not made to be parents. If I can say I learned anything from them it is what not to do the day I have kids. But mentors are important. My best friend’s father always helped me and tried to steer me in the right direction for life. Words of wisdom unfortunately don’t stick like they should when you are young and hard-headed and think you will figure it out on your own. He tried to help me and while I did not not take his advice, I could have and should have listened more. I didn’t really listen, I just heard him.
Aaron: Well sounds to me Tom like you’re an asshole.
Me: Well Aaron, I have been called worse, but please do elaborate. I do not think you are just here to insult and listen.
Aaron: In my book Assholes: A Theory, I explain what they are. Now while I do not know enough about you to determine what kind of asshole you are or that you even really are one, what you just said would classify as such. First off, by definition, assholes can only be male. Secondly, I explain that they are people who determine not to listen usually based off of some sense of entitlement to do as they please. So while you may not be one, your statement qualifies so far.
Me: Yes I understand that fully. I just read your book actually and thoroughly enjoyed it. I do not feel as though I have a looming sense of entitlement, but I see where your head is at.
Aaron: Growing up is important. It can also be frightening. You have to deal with all these assholes and determine in what way to avoid or harness them. Not everyone will be one and not all the time, but nevertheless, growing up provides you with the opportunity to meet these people whether for good or bad.
Me: Now what makes life worth living? Is it the drive to fall in love and raise a family? Serve your country? Or just to learn and grow and make as many memories as you can on the highway of life that inevitably leads to the same unfortunate outcome?
Susan: I look at my life and relish in all the good memories. I did great things, went to good schools, raised a family, and made memories. I strived to be the best I can be and enjoy as much as i can. I raised my kids the same way. Live their life in the best way they know so that life’s buzzer sounds, they have no regrets.
John: Life is worth living. Having someone you love dearly to live it with makes it all the more enjoyable. Without my wife, my life would have less meaning and less enjoyment. I would be lonely and have to rely on my friends. My friends have their own lives and are busy, as am i. My wife being there is what drives me throughout each and every day.
Me: I like that John, but is that not maybe giving the wrong message? Are you trying to tell people that they will be miserable alone? Many people agree you must work on yourself first. If you cannot be happy alone, you have no happiness to share with someone.
John: I am not saying I wouldn’t be happy alone, just that it makes it all the better when you have someone to share it with.
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Me: Aaron what do the assholes have to say about this?
Aaron: Life is worth living. I have done great things and reached great heights. My books about assholes are just guides to potentially help mitigate your controversy with them which in turn is useful as a way to mitigate controversy within yourself and bring inner peace. At the end of my letter to the asshole, while reading it you almost believe you are one yourself As if I am writing to you and it makes you want to change your ways even if you are not one. Live your life. Do what you want. Don’t be an asshole to anyone who doesn’t deserve it.
Susan: Remember what Socrates said, “The unexamined life is not worth living.”
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Me: Ladies and gentlemen, I think these three have answered these questions of life in incredibly unique ways and I thank them all and you all for coming out today. I think I will contemplate these questions differently after having had this discussion here today. I’d like to thank you three for further expanding my mind’s eye and allowing me to discuss with you here today this topic.
"Again, remember to include bloggish content--especially embedded links etc"
ReplyDelete"...by definition, assholes can only be male"--pretty sexist definition, and in my experience inaccurate. Have you seen TN's junior senator, for instance?
"Life is worth living"--Don't forget John's "maybe"... But maybe you think that's too equivocal?
Some think Socrates was an asshole, you know.
Can you send me the link to your midterm blogpost please?
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