Without getting into the economic or political side of Karl Marx, I will mention an important contribution he made to philosophy, which was to emphasize the importance of action. He said, “Philosophers have only interpreted the world in various ways, but the real task is to alter it.” His idea was that the truth of a thought must be … Read more

There are generally three types of philosophies. There are philosophies of feeling, inspired by the love of happiness; theoretical philosophies, inspired by the love of knowledge; and practical philosophies, inspired by the love of action. Among philosophies of feeling, there are those that are optimistic and those that are pessimistic, those that offer salvation and … Read more

Karl Marx claimed to have made Socialism scientific, and did more to create the powerful movement that has dominated the recent history of Europe. Russell does not discuss his economic or political work, but only his philosophical work. In one way, he a rationalist, an opponent of the romantics. And he is also a materialist, … Read more

Nietzsche was the successor of Schopenhauer, but was superior to him in many ways, especially in the consistency and coherence of his doctrine. Schopenhauer’s oriental ethic of renunciation does not match his metaphysic of the omnipotence of the will. In Nietzsche, the will has both metaphysical and ethical primacy. Nietzsche was a professor, but he … Read more

Morals stave off chaos. Social order needs discipline, and often is reinforced through religious belief.

There is no growth or security without rules based on morals. Moral codes are not the same, one may conclude, after a provisional reading of history, but more knowledge of history suggests the opposite – that moral codes are universal and necessary.

The vices that exist today were probably virtues in the past – relics of his rise. Sin has flourished in every age. Dishonesty and corruption have always existed, even more so in the past than today. Man has never really followed the Ten Commandments.

Schopenhauer is peculiar among philosophers because he is a pessimist while almost all of the rest are optimists. He is not fully academic like Kant or Hegel, but not wholly outside the academic tradition. He prefers the religions of India, Hinduism and Buddhism, while he dislikes Christianity. He is free from nationalism and his appeal … Read more

The idea that you should tailor the way you learn to the learning style that you naturally gravitate towards has become increasingly popular over time. The Onion poked fun at the idea. They ran a story about parents who were upset their child, a nasal learner, who wasn’t suited to learn new information through traditional … Read more

Good people don’t get rewarded, they don’t get special favors. The only thing that matters is who can survive. If there is a theology that history supports, it is that the world is made up of two opposing spirits: good and evil. Zoroastrianism, Manicheanism, and Christianity all preach that good and evil forces exist, and … Read more