A lot of good arguments are spoiled by some fool who knows what he is talking about.
Miguel De UnamunoRead
And usually [the philosopher] philosophizes either in order to resign himself to life, or to seek some finality in it, or to distract himself and forget his griefs, or for pastime and amusement.
Interpretation
Philosophy serves various purposes for individuals, including coping with life's challenges and seeking meaning.
In this quote, Miguel De Unamuno suggests that people engage in philosophy for a variety of reasons, such as to come to terms with life's difficulties, to find a sense of purpose, or simply to entertain themselves. Philosophy can be a tool for self-reflection, distraction from grief, or a pursuit of knowledge and understanding in the quest for meaning in existence.
In practice
During a lecture on existentialism, I quoted this passage to illustrate the diverse motivations behind philosophical thought.
A lot of good arguments are spoiled by some fool who knows what he is talking about.
Suffering is the substance of life and the root of personality, for it is only suffering that makes us persons.
Only he who attempts the absurd is capable of achieving the impossible.
Only in solitude do we find ourselves; and in finding ourselves, we find in ourselves all our brothers in solitude.
If it is nothingness that awaits us, let us make an injustice of it, let us fight against destiny, even without hope of victory.
Spiritual Love is born of sorrow. . . . For men love one another with spiritual love only when they have suffered the same sorrow together, when through long days they have ploughed the stony ground buried beneath the common yoke of a common grief. It is then that they know one another and feel one another and feel with one another in their common anguish, and so they pity one another and love one another.
Ah," said Mr Pin. "Right. I remember. You are concerned citizens." He knew about concerned citizens. Wherever they were, they all spoke the same private language, where 'traditional values' meant 'hang someone'.
The avoidance of taxes is the only intellectual pursuit that still carries any reward.
Whether, therefore, we receive what we ask for, or do not receive it, let us still continue steadfast in prayer. For to fail in obtaining the desires of our heart, when God so wills it, is not worse than to receive it; for we know not as He does, what is profitable to us.
I cried over beautiful things, knowing no beautiful thing lasts.
Reality! But what does this word mean? Each has his own reality. I draw upon my personal reality upon the dark side of myself, my unconscious.
I cannot agree with those who think of the Bill of Rights as an 18th century straitjacket, unsuited for this age...The evils it guards against are not only old, they are with us now, they exist today.
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