A Philosophical Compass: My Agreements and Compromises

Introduction: The Journey Through Philosophical Thought

When I ponder on what philosophers I most agree with, the journey through their respective philosophies reveals a kaleidoscope of perspectives and doctrines. Some resonate deeply, while others might only partially align with my own views. This exploration is a personal reflection on some of the most influential thinkers in history and their impact on my understanding of the world.

My Philosophical Foundations and Challenges

I must admit that my views are not entirely well-informed, especially about the full extent of the truths that elude us. The process of seeking wisdom is fraught with the challenge of compartmentalized knowledge and the subtle mediation of truths that might be concealed or sabotaged. As such, my tastes for the truth are still developing, and there is much left to discover.

Note: Here, I refer to the challenges and complexities in understanding and trusting the truths that surround us, which often seem to be partially hidden or distorted. This is a common frustration shared by many learners of philosophy.

Diverse Agreements: From Plato to Nietzsche

The philosophers who most align with me include some of the most prominent names in Western philosophy. While my agreement with some of these thinkers is nuanced and often partial, they still occupy a significant place in my intellectual landscape.

Plato and Life's Comic-Tragic Nature: In my assessment, Plato offers a unique and profound perspective on life and death. He sees life as comic and death as tragic, reflecting the drama of discourse as evidence of an indissoluble bond between the two. This duality challenges me to view life from a more holistic and transformative angle.

Other Influences: While I am most aligned with Plato on this point, I also resonate with the works of Thomas Aquinas, who provided a bridge between philosophy and theology. However, my agreement with him is close to 50/50, as different aspects of his philosophy appeal to me in different ways. Additionally, the influential ideas of Friedrich Nietzsche, Diogenes, Epictetus, and Marcus Aurelius are among my favorite philosophers. Although I do not fully align with Nietzsche's philosophy, he stands out as one of my intriguing mentors. Nietzsche's teachings on the will to power and the death of God are particularly compelling to me.

I also add other philosophers: Plato, Aristotle, Socrates, Nietzsche, Aurelius, Seneca, and Jung, along with Epictetus. This list represents a diverse and eclectic collection of philosophical thinkers who have shaped my understanding of the human condition and the nature of existence.

Pragmatism and Governance

In my relatively recent journey with philosophy, I have found value in pragmatic thinkers such as Machiavelli. His governance advice is not only effective but also provides fascinating insights into human nature. I find his ideas about people being like sheep to be particularly insightful, offering practical tools for understanding and navigating social dynamics.

Process Philosophy and Trusting the Self

Among the modern thinkers, I am drawn to Alfred North Whitehead and his “process philosophy.” Whitehead's concept that processes underlie everything we know, think, and feel is both intriguing and profound. His work challenges my conventional thinking and encourages me to view the world as a constantly evolving series of processes.

Personal Agreement and Trust: Finally, I find myself in agreement with my own thoughts and perspectives. I trust myself to a core and do not rely on idols. I am committed to being true to myself, striving to be the philosopher I wish to be rather than emulating others. As I reflect on my origins and the nature of the world around me, I remain grounded and true to my beliefs.

“I agree with myself – because I trust myself to a core. I don’t have idols – the only thing I am is not them. I won’t be them, since it's better to be me then I will be the philosopher I wish to be. I am philosophically devoted to the fall, I am reminded where I come from, this time, I will write more of what I wish to have written if I had the power, and that at a young age, seeing the nature around me.”