Why do it?

"Every science begins as philosophy and ends as art." - Will Durant

Everyone thinks about life. Everyone contemplates, to varying degrees, their own experience. Few seem to take it out of the confines of a long, hot shower or the occasional conversation with a friend after a few glasses of wine. Even fewer write it down.

I don't think my ideas are particularly original, but perhaps in sum there is some originality. And to quote Will Durant again, if there is some originality, it's probably an accident. But when the whole mess is subject to the scrutiny of the page, when it is forced into the organizing structure of language, blended together and spit back out, there might be something worthwhile and--more importantly--helpful in the mix.

As I begin this project, I have some vision of how I would like it to be, even if it is rather nebulous. I see myself not at all as a philosopher, but an observer of what "works." And I would like to express my view of that, stripped of limiting factors like the prevailing political climate, current academic research trends, or biases, or whatever else it is that may cause people to turn away from what's right in front of them.

Of course I do have my biases. Sometimes they are glaring. I've always found the women in my life will clue me in to them, as annoying as it may be at times. And it usually takes me a day or two to admit to myself they were right. Nevertheless, the problem with being objective is that it makes you a hypocrite eventually. No one lives the way they think, though there is honor in trying.

Inspirations

Like anyone, my influences come from three places: what I've read or consumed in some way, who I've known and interacted with, and my own anecdotal experience. It would be a worthy project to catalog all of that, and would take more time and thought than I'm willing to dedicate. At 37 years-old, I've been fortunate enough to have read, known and experienced more than I probably deserve. Nevertheless, a few things spring to mind.

Naseem Taleb's book, Antifragile is perhaps the single book that has had the greatest impact on me. It seems to be as close to correct as any book could be. Furthremore, it aims to offer something actionable to its readers without being self-helpy.

The work of Will Durant (surprise, surprise as I've already quoted him twice in this post) has left a deep impression on me. His is the broadest of perspectives. There are few writers who can be as eloquent while maintaining such objectivity. In a few words, Durant can distill the wisdom of an entire epoch--an epoch he would have thoroughly done justice at some point in his vast explorations of human history. And his own musings on life are decidedly common sense and given his knowledge, decidedly well-informed.

I was fortunate enough to have been employed by (at the time of writing, he's getting up there in age these days, and still employs me to the tune of a few hundred dollars a year) an incredibly clear thinker by the name of Warren Kinston. His domain is that of human endeavor, which if you were to explore his Taxonomy of Human Elements in Endeavour (That could easily take a lifetime!), it would become clear is a massive topic indeed. However, Kinston is not a communicator and for six years or so, I was tasked with learning the Taxonomy and communicating it to the world in a more digestible format. I can't say I succeeded, but there is a body of work there that I now read with some embarrassment (thought there are a few gems) if anyone is interested.

Beyond that, I've read widely European philosophy (dabbled in Eastern philosophy), maintained a healthy interest in scientific developments, been always captivated by pop culture, dabbled in the social sciences, always kept an eye on the past and have never shied away from a "deep" conversation. My professions have ranged from line cook at a brewpub to journalist to musician to (currently) marketing professional. The latter has afforded me some luxury. I've experienced poverty and debt. I've been married and divorced. I've been on the wrong side of the law, imprisoned, been forcibly removed and subsequently banned from entire nations, lead minor revolutions... And I'm a dad. All of these experiences and endeavors have left a mark no doubt.

But again, why?

I dunno, it's better than watching Netflix after work every day.