“He who knows himself has insight.”

Wisdom of the ages. I have been seeking this self knowledge. Traveling and exploring the depths of my mind.

Can I know myself by the answers I give to questions?

Q: Distinguish the difference between refined utilitarianism and simple utilitarianism.

A: simple utilitarianism as Jeremy Bentham’s philosophy is understood by me is, that people and society at large would be more agreeable and generous toward well-fare and state support for the needy and unfortunate if they realized that it would benefit them in the long run as well.

Where as refined utilitarianism as coinciding with Jhon Stuart Mill’s philosophy go, is one that people or society should act as best they can for the greatest amount of people not because it is good for them but because it is best for the society as a whole.

There. Maybe that helps. Helps me in my philosophy class, but where else?

Some small warm glow sinks through as I read.

“Superior evaluations create superior lives” I think that was Socrates, or maybe that was Anthony Robins. Anyways, It is interesting.

The old School of Stoicism taught that suffering is not the absence of luck, but the blessing of God. Explained further because they said that God only tests the strong. Not the weak. Why should he test the weak. He knows they will fail. Quite a positive outlook on suffering. It reminds me of the Buddhist teaching. You know, life is suffering and we suffer because of our greed and selfishness. There is much truth to be found in these words.

How can I embrace my suffering and see the positive influence? Its not hard months or years after the matter. It is the present.

Suffering. We can not know joy without it. There is no Heaven without Hell. I have this little question for the cosmos. If levels of pain are linked to levels of pleasure, then does it not make sense to seek a high level of pain in order to reach a higher level of pleasure? I mean it sounds idiotic to cause pain to yourself, but if you look closer we do it al the time. Take a look at any physical activity. It always involves a level of pain in order to gain, Or do away with weight or just to get in to better health. This of course is a short term example and one that is easy to see. I think it is the long term suffering that we will avoid at any cost.

“Of great struggle a great character is produced”

Old hip hop daddy Acey Alone has a song that goes something like,”Hardship belong to me, I will never give it away or sell it for a fee, I regret to inform you of how hard it can be.” Cause hardship teaches you to be strong and humble and never crumble.

I feel open as a book to the cool wind, flowing over my pages, caressing the hills, mountains, deserts and traveling to the sea. I am in a constant flux, continually consuming and producing and contemplating this eternal reflection.

Thinking long term, evaluating a future that is not.

Words have power. I realize I must choose them wisely.