Tag: philosophy

Life would be fairer if it were possible to plan it, or better yet, if we knew in advance its length. Then it would be infinitely simpler to balance, with intelligence, prudence and daring, detaching once and for all a possible cowardice from the first and an irresponsibility from the second. This is, in any case, a childish dream… and we have to live in the dark, so that the very words prudence and daring often become meaningless when viewed in perspective: I mean, how can we call prudent, for example, someone who saves money on the eve of death? We must, again and again, live in the dark, and this means that our ignorance can simply cancel out the effects of our reason.

The affliction of the intellectual is to find himself powerless against the natural course of thought of his time. Even if he decides to do something, it will be useless and frustrating. The qualities he needs to impose and influence are often opposite to those he cultivated to become himself. But it should not be regretted, because in the end the “thought of his time” only matters as raw material for his reflections. Fads fall as they arise, taking their ideologists and enthusiasts with them. One should not and cannot expect anything but a few isolated individuals who make intellectual life gratifying.

It is always beautiful to dedicate oneself to lost causes, but it is unwise to allow oneself to fry one’s nerves for them. To dedicate and expect nothing in return; to dedicate in spite of inevitable failure: that is enough. And for the rest, let things go as they should, worrying only as one worries about whether the day will be rainy or sunny. To do what is worthy and comfort in conscience; and the rest, let it be as it has to be…

It is better a philosophy that, instead of extending indefinitely into new themes, goes around in circles, enriching itself as it gives new forms and new nuances to half a dozen essential themes. Everything else seems but a distancing from these, and consequently a directing of attention to less and less important questions, to the point where reflection loses its meaning and takes place for the mere pleasure of reflecting. At this point, the true philosopher is dead.