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Tuesday, December 1, 2020

Final essay- Ammar Idris

Ammar Idris

Dr. James P. Oliver

Phil 1030-010

12/1/2020 - 12/8/2020

Final Essay


                                                                Final Essay

        The wind howled across the empty fields and the trees responded by waving their branches horizontally; and under a tall and shady tree laid four individuals- one being me of course. Among the group the first was Susan Neiman, She wore a a light jacket which was appropriate for the weather. She didn't wear anything flashy or something that would catch the eye it was very plain and cooling to the eye. Across from her was John Kaag, unlike Susan he was dressed very luxuriously and as if he a wealthy man. He had on a black suit and tie, and was known as a man of very high status because of his clothing. Lastly,  they're sat Aristotle, calm, cool collected. You can see him slowly fading into his own world and ideas. He was wearing one long piece of fabric that he wrapped around his body to cover himself. It was as white as the clouds and as soft as silk! I turned to Aristotle and asked, " What does it mean to grow up, and why should we? 



            Aristotle turned his head towards me slowly; it seemed as if he had just woken up from a nap. He took a moment to think and stated that, " Growing up means that you have acquired another virtue to you'r portfolio. The more you grow in age the wiser you become and you also become a step closer to achieving all 11 virtues." The older you get the better you become in doing things in moderation or the golden mean; such as courage or witness. If one is too shy they can not express themselves and will be left out in social conversation. On the other hand, if one is shameless they have no modesty and they have no borders or limits, but being modest is perfect. Thus, the reason for growing up is to better ourselves and grow as individuals.

  I sat there and pondered over his statements for a brief moment. I then asked then what makes life worth living?

He didn't hesitate to answer, "to find happiness" he claimed. Finding that eternal joy is the reason we continue to live.


https://www.history.com/topics/ancient-history/aristotle 

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=csIW4W_DYX4

     We all stayed quiet and listened to the wind howl. Then I asked the same question to Mr. John Kaag.

    John Kaag states that life is worth living only if you have the "right liver". If your life is a living hell why would you want to endure that suffering? Would your only purpose of life be to suffer? If you are blessed with decent living conditions and are able to get access to education then life would have meaning. However, if you are constantly enduring pain maybe it's better to cut it short and end the pain. As for growing up, likewise to Aristotle he believes that it's about growing and maturing as an individual.The fundamental principles of growing up are developing good habits. Which identical to Aristotle's beliefs of good habits lead to happiness.

https://www.theguardian.com/books/2020/may/07/sick-souls-healthy-minds-by-john-kaag-review-can-william-james-save-your-life


    Aristotle nodded his head in agreement to his claims and Susan and I followed did the same. we all smiled and soaked in the cool wind. Susan then proceeded to announce her ideas on the matter; we all turned towards her and listened intimately.

    She states that growing up is becoming mature and being able to handle responsibilities accordingly. We become mature by getting an education and seeking knowledge. Responsibilities are given to those who are mature enough for that task. That is what separates a child and an adult; you don't expect kids to pay the bills or get groceries, but you do expect them to clean up after themselves and pick up their toys. Life is worth living when you stack on so many responsibilities and you know people are relying on you.


http://www.susan-neiman.de


    

     

                

2 comments:

  1. Aristotle's a nice addition to the conversation. But, I'm pretty sure he knew some old fools as well as wise elders.

    Please make the long URLs disappear (see previous comment).

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    1. Also... you make John Kaag sound a bit too eager to endorse suicide. When he says it all depends on the "liver" he means each of us as a life-opportunity to make our lives worth living... not that it's a crap-shoot as to whether our lives are destined to be a "living hell."

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