Tag: philosophy

The moments when the mind turns to the past and risks a synthesis of what endures from all that it has done and lived are always fruitful: it is often here that apparently useless works prove their worth; it is also here that routine futilities are exposed in a patent way. Then it is possible to notice that there is little that is truly resistant to the effects of time, and thus to reinvigorate priorities that may have been neglected. But beyond that: it is when the mood weakens and hope is shattered that such an exercise proves most useful—and the mind sees in it something that justifies persistence.

The posture of the wronged who remain silent is truly beautiful. Faced with a patent injustice, with all the reasons to rebel and fight back, he responds with silence. It seems to us, who observe him, that such an attitude is a moral lesson. This haughty stoicism, this detachment from pride and indifference to the outcome has a certain tacit grandiosity; of which exploitation or not is often the brightness or flaw of many tragedies. In life, such a spirit deserves from us nothing but respect.

There is a curious vacuum that follows cruel, passionate, thoughtless acts, in which man extrapolates the limits of ethics. Conscience seems to emerge questioning reasons, when it is no longer possible to undo what one has done. A vacuum is imposed, usually resulting in regret for the unnecessary excesses. The comparison with the despot who, in a fit of rage, commits an injustice as undue as it is unnecessary, is fitting. Then it is noted that, for some, such a vacuum is instructive; while, for others, it seems to legitimize immorality and foreshadow even worse excesses.

It is always a pleasure to reflect on those moments when expectation crashes at high speed into a concrete wall, completely destroying itself. There are few moments so favorable to a fair reflection, to a sensible examination of reality as those in which the present is disappointing and the future discouraging. Perhaps this is why pessimism is, in philosophy, the most consistent posture: because when it is based on such strong and obvious experiences, it is almost irrefutable. Moments like these have the power to impose, all at once, humility and silence.