"O philosophy, life's guide! O searcher--out of virtue and expeller of vices! What could we and every age of men have been without thee? Thou hast produced cities; thou hast called men scattered about into the social enjoyment of life." - Cicero
Philosophy is a very broad topic covering a wide range of ideas and belief systems. On this page you will find many different topics regarding many things. However, the major theme of this page will be Hermetic Philosophy and other philosophical explorations of the nature of reality. We seek to understand reality, to understand the Universe so that we may better understand ourselves and our purpose in the Universe. We do not, however, seek to over complicate and ponder useless ideas such as 'why' reality is the way it is. Such pursuits are vain because such things are unknowable. It is okay to spend a little time considering these things and even to come up with a theory or belief but it is wise not to let 'why' dominate your mental planes. So then, let us focus upon understanding reality how it is rather than WHY it is.
Some great philosophers...
Below are some videos that cover the basic ideas of many of the most popular philosophers. Pondering different viewpoints and ways of thinking can lead one to great revelations and new insight. It is important to think of things in as many ways as possible to be sure we have arrived at the best answer we can in all situations. As a spiritual seeker, it is even more important to be able to think about things in different ways and to understand the many schools of thought that humans have created. These videos are short yet they do a terrific job explaining the main points and ideas of these philosophers.
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THE DANGERS OF SOLIPSISM
Solipsism is a common idea among the New Age Movement and similar spiritual movements. Many are content to believe and teach that only the subjective reality of the individual is real. Many are happy to believe that we simply can't know anything outside of ourselves and that any objective truth is still relative and still unsure. This line of thought is used to dismiss sound scientific knowledge and to resist rational and logical reasoning. Solipsism may seem innocent enough but do not be deceived. This philosophy is dangerous for the spiritual seeker. While we should most certainly rely on our own understanding when it is sufficient, we must never convince ourselves that we can believe whatever we choose because there is no objective reality. This is a sure path to delusional thinking and blind faith. This is just another reason why self-education is important and why increasing our understanding is important. We must constantly improve our ability to understand by grasping new concepts and deepening our understanding of old concepts. This allows us to determine what is objectively true. We may not be able to be certain of many things outside of ourselves and our subjective realities but we can find objective truth even within ourselves if we have the proper understanding. Do not forsake science in favor of faith simply because you are unsure of the objective nature of the Universe. Rather, increase your understanding so that you may become sure of the objective reality from within your own subjective reality. Once you understand truth, it cannot be denied. This holds true for objective truth as well. By actually understanding science and mathematics, we can truly understand the truth of the objective Universe around us. There is no place for solipsism within the spiritual seeker. We seek truth and truth must transcend boundaries. If it does not then how true can it really be? If your truth is only true for you, then it must not be a very true truth.
Hermetic Philosophy
A Look at the Big Bang through Hermetic PhilosophyThe Kybalion
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General Philosophy
What is the Nature of Truth?
Plato
The Allegory of the Cave
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