What is Greatness? (Was Lennon Wrong?)

This is John Lennon: 

       He once said that he was the Walrus. The later corrected himself and said Paul McCartney was the Walrus. It now appears that he is wrong once more. In reality, Friedrich Nietzsche was the Walrus:

       A question which comes up in all our busy brains at one point is the following: what is greatness? This same question tickled by brain as if I had consumed a Pan Galactic Gargle Blaster. So tell me, what is greatness? I've heard that Lennon was great (he was also wrong). I've heard Jesus was great. I've seen mugs labeled: World's Greatest Mom. So I wonder, what is greatness? Nietzsche, being the mathematical type, developed a formula. Thank you Nietzsche! His formula for greatness in a human being is Amor Fati. 

 Pan Galactic Gargle Blaster

A potent drink invented by Zaphod Beeblebrox. The effects have been likened to having your brains smashed out with a slice of lemon wrapped round a large gold brick.

There are many voluntary organizations which will help to rehabilitate you after you've had one.

Source: The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy 

What Does Socrates Teach Us?

This ugly man below is Socrates: 

Yet don't let his appearance distract you. Socrates teaches us to be intelligent non-conformists. What is an intelligent non-conformist? This terms refers to a person who does not submit him/herself to the rules of society. We should avoid acting like mindless sheep in a herd and instead act upon what we feel is just and appropriate. We should not acquiesce to the norms established by our peers if they contradict what we believe to be correct. 

Socrates also provides us with a method to practice philosophy. This is the Socratic Method: (1) present thesis, (2) provide a counterexample, (3) refine thesis and repeat until no counterexample can be utilized. 

Through the Socratic Method, one attain a clearer understanding of the argued topic in the pursuit of establishing a concrete conclusion or answer. Moreover, this method allows us to question the social conventions of society, avoiding the "herd" mentality.

What Does Philosophy Look Like?

The basic stuff of philosophy is essentially beliefs. 
One engage in philosophy through meaningful conversation, discussion, reflection, etc. 
The ultimate goal of philosophy is to find truth which will leads to happiness. 


These are the basic characteristics of philosophy.  


But why do we need philosophy?


1. We live like sheep! We always follower the leader mindlessly and rarely do thing of our own conviction. 


2. We are lazy. We need motivation and reflection to improve our lives in our pursuit for happiness. 


3. Happiness. Philosophy will ultimately make us happy as we experience truth. 


These are just some reasons. 

What Is Philosophy?

     I am very particular. I only like things done in a certain manner. Is this reasonable? I have Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Consequently, I live a very predictable life. I perform actions which I feel I must do. This tends to be a very difficult for myself and others. 

     

For example: 

I place similar objects of varying sized in ascending order. 

     On Monday wear a bright blue polo. On Tuesday I wear a navy blue polo. On Wednesday I wear a white polo. On Thursday I wear a brown polo. On Friday I wear a black polo.

     I perform rituals such as turning the light switch on and off three times before I go to bed at night. 

    I fear uncleanliness. In fact, once I went over to a friend's house and had to clean his entire living room because I felt uncomfortable. I swept, vacuumed, dusted, organized, etc. He was very happy.

     I believe that I must do these things in order to have control over my life. I feel that if I fail to perform my rituals bad things will happen to me. 

     Is this life style reasonable? No. Philosophy is a tool. It allows me to question my beliefs. It provides me with the chance to direct my thought and behaviors on a rational pass to better myself and my life.    

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