The man loves coffee. For years, for his entire life, he has drunk it every morning and enjoyed it. He loves the warm sensation on his tongue, the flavor that lingers in his mouth, and the obvious mental boost he relies on to work. He considers himself a connoisseur of the drink, just as he believes in the real benefits it brings to his daily life. In short: coffee makes him happy. Then comes the day when he tastes a superior-quality coffee that leaves his palate in ecstasy. When he returns to the old coffee he used to drink, he clearly realizes it is rubbish. He investigates the matter and discovers that it is indeed rubbish, in which real coffee, though made from lower-quality beans, is mixed with a wide variety of impurities, including some too unspeakable to name, and the whole lot is over-roasted to mask its defects. From that day forward, the same coffee, the drink he once cherished so much and which had brought him pleasure his whole life, will never satisfy him again. And philosophy, as it always does, poses the question: is knowledge worth it?
Tag: philosophy
The Visual Arts Possess a Special Capacity to Shock
The visual arts possess a special capacity to shock—instantly, unexpectedly—which, from the very first encounter, can create a memory that will never fade. This is, for example, what can happen to someone standing before a sculpture by Aleijadinho for the first time. The moment the eyes fix on the work and grasp its drama, it is as if it pierces them like a bolt of lightning; there is a startle, and that instant of bewilderment is etched forever in the mind. Afterward, one admires the details and reflects on the impossible feat; but from then on, it is that sudden shock that the mind will first recall whenever it evokes the name of the brilliant creator.
Old Age Seems to Call for Serenity
Old age seems to call for serenity just as youth calls for passion. However, a young man who goes against the nature of youth seems to us to be superior to it, whereas an elderly man who does the same seems to us to be out of step with his age. It is strange because there are countless cases in which conflict seems to be ingrained in an individual’s nature, so that to abandon it would be, for him, to die. Thus, we observe those who, with white hair, remain fierce, passionate, and always embroiled in some struggle. Certainly, it is not for other men to judge them; but old age seems more authentic when it cultivates and radiates peace.
It Is Unjustifiable for Reason to Point…
It is unjustifiable for reason to point to an example, to know that envies it, to acknowledge the desire to emulate it, and yet do nothing to achieve it, giving up before even trying. Now, if there is one thing that is certain, it is that merit is often imperceptible to the one who possesses it; that is, the person cultivates it, refines it, and perseveres while sincerely believing to be doing nothing out of the ordinary. But the main point is this: this same person knows to not possess the highest merit; knows of examples better than his own. Thus, he can be humble and move forward with calm and modesty. If he wanted everything right away, he would end up empty-handed; but with the right attitude, he ends up creating something of value. And so the example is doubly useful: to serve as a model, and to demonstrate that this desire to always be the best is, above all, foolish.