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.
Tag: philosophy
It Is Always Beautiful to Dedicate Oneself to Lost Causes
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…
Essential Themes
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.
Despite the Pessimism
Pessimism is justifiable; what does not seem sensible is, despite the pessimism, to allow oneself to live a life whose days are not filled with enthusiasm. Screw the circumstances! If not for enjoying them, let there be motivation to change them! Let there be at least one opportunity in waking up, and a lesson in the failure of the day before. If it is to live, let it be with courage and energy! The man who, sitting on his own rationality, denies himself this minimum, will do more and better for honor by ceasing to be.