I've Been Thinking

Since contemplation is given so much importance, we should spend time examining just what it is. It is a unique kind of reasoning. Some try to say that all reasoning is contemplation, but Aristotle makes it clear that the reasoning attached to morality and life’s activities are of a different kind. He likens philosophical contemplation to what a god would think about and gives it a divine air. It is something animals don’t seem to have. Philosophers have gone in different directions to describe exactly what  contemplation is.  They all agree that it is our way to reach something higher than what sensory knowledge is capable to comprehend. The speculative part of our thinking; the what-ifs and the whys. You could almost say it is the “for no reason” part of our reasoning since it doesn’t have a practical basis. The Things we do under obligation can be good but things we dwell on for no reason and have no basis give us the most pleasure. We could call it pure leisure. The Odd thing is that it can turn out to have a practical benefit. Einstein’s mind exercises are an example of this. Religions have different takes on what contemplation means. Eastern thought would lean toward clearing one’s mind in a form of meditation. Christians use memorization of scriptures and prayer. Some lean toward memorized prayers and others  engage in normal conversation with God in their leisure time. But they all have in common that the mind needs focused on things that are higher than necessities. The more a person keeps his life simple and sacrifices his life, the more he has the ability to contemplate to enjoy life. It is as if practical reasoning is more of a distraction to them.  Aristotle makes the point however that success in practical things does contribute to happiness in a secondary sense. To be settled in one’s philosophy is primary and having freedom to do so is important. That is why freedom of religion is important. It is hard to categorize thought specifically since so much is interconnected; our morality is connected to our world view and our ability to reason properly in practical things can also be linked in the same way. Freedom is practiced when a person has the ability to question conventional thinking. No one wants to be trapped in their thinking to certain  dogmas. But dogmas do give a sense of security. Even in thought there can be adventure and risk taking.  Adventure, when connected to the arts, enables creativity. A Person needs to know art basics to be good, but those who abandon convention are refreshing to all. It is the same way in music. When commercial value is a consideration, it tends to dilute the meaning. There is nothing like just playing or singing for no reason. And to use one’s creativity without worrying about other people’s opinions also has a certain freedom to it. Giving gifts to others for no reason but you felt like it also has special meaning. Giving due to needs or a special occasion is good but not the same. It seems the best things in life are free because they always exist inside of us. If the thoughts give us practical benefits, all the better.  Sent from Yahoo! Mail for Windows 8