Become Wise

If you keep on saying things are going to be bad, you have a good chance of being a prophet.   - Isaac Bashevis Singer

Begin to be the speaker of all good things. Dismantle negative talk, words and attitudes in the world around you. Create your own reality. Speak into existence all of the good you want to see and be a part of.  Become the positive energy people look forward to being around.

Esse est percipi

Esse est percipi (To be is to be perceived). ... All the choir of heaven and furniture of earth - in a word, all those bodies which compose the frame of the world - have not any subsistence without a mind. -George Berkeley

Any substance, thought, idea or concept does not exist without the mind believing it does. How real was the monster under you bed as a child? Perhaps not in reality, but we made it our reality and thus it scared the hell out us. Their reality was our perception of them. Our perceptions and our created realties make up our existence. Most things in life, I find, are very much like the monsters under our childhood beds.

This is not to say that concepts and notions do not exist outside of our comprehension- they most certainly do. New technologies are always proof of this. The Gilded Age proved notions of concepts people at that time never believed existed or could exist. This leads to the age old question, did the concept exist amidst the nothingness, or was it born into existence when our mind stumbled upon the capability of recognizing it?  A bit of both perhaps- there are many concepts and notions that we have just not stumbled upon yet that we need to attune our minds to be open for.

We are all limited to our own thoughts. We do not believe a concept or thing exists unless we have some sort of experience or familiarity with the notion. If I discuss a chair with most individuals on the planet, most everyone has a grasp of the concept of a chair- its form and its function. However, take a notion that most of us are not aware of- does this mean it does not exist? To be is to be perceived, we believe we are what we perceive ourselves to be, and in this there are limitless possibilities for what we could be. Just because it does not exist in the now, does not mean it will not in the future. Just as we are not a certain form of ourselves that we aspire to be, does not mean it does not exist and will not exist.  Just as the latest technology does not exist right at this moment, does not mean it is not moments from being discovered and being brought into our reality perspectives. Without the substance that the mind accounts for, the thing cannot exist.

The concept and thought is what is important, thus it can be created and brought into reality, bringing on the manifestation of the thing. Anything is possible, there are no limitations. The only limitations are those that we put on ourselves and others. Removes these negative images and only the best can manifest where there is space for it to do so.

Be loving and kind to those you meet. Flourish as a member of society. Make this day count for all that it can be!

By J. Brochu

On Love

"To love a person is to learn the song that is in their heart, and to sing it to them when they have forgotten." - Anonymous

A Truth

Existence. What does it all mean and what does it imply? Why are we here? What is the purpose of life? These are things that no one can answer in one universal truth. I have pondered these things since early child hood as far as I can remember. I can recall lying awake in my be at around the age of seven pondering what it meant to exist and questioned reality. How do you know you exist? How do you know what reality is? What will happen when I cease to exist? What if every life form as we know it ceases to exist? What If our universe imploded and suddenly it was all over? What if nothing existed? What if the thought of existence never existed? These are the thought’s that have terrified and kept me pondering since then. Some of these thoughts are enough to send one over the edge. They certainly sent me into bouts of hysteria at age seven, twenty-seven and even still at the age of almost thirty-two.

Most days I simply wish that these thoughts did not consume me. I might be better off living more simply spending my days in front of the television with a big swirly lollipop while twirling my pigtails while accepting the notions of whatever organized religion was handed to me. I might even prefer it. Not that organized religion is bad- but it does answer many questions for you- which may relieve one of further ponderings… But my mind just has never operated that way. It never has.

The 17th century, the French philosopher René Descartes came up with the following: "I think, therefore I am". We know we exist, at least in our own minds because we can, and do think about it. This leads me to the next question. What kind of life are we living? Are we merely existing? And if we exist in our own minds- is it a passive existence or a conscious existence? I am convinced we live most of our existence on auto pilot passive awareness. Yes- we are here….present and accounted for, but are we actually here? Are you present in your own mind? How do we start our days? I am sure for most of us it is passive….You get up, brush your teeth, get ready, drive to work, bla bla bla…same as yesterday and the day before that. The mind is like a computer setting and can work just fine on auto pilot. I can function just fine in a day of passive existence in the mind. I have done it for years at a time. Now let’s consider how it is different from active existence in the mind. Active existence is like a really cool computer program that scans the computer for how it can perform optimally. Are you doing that? Chances are you’re not. Why exist if you’re not doing what you love and want to do. You are here anyway. Why just passively exist?

Identify your goals, dreams and passions. Become everything you want to do and be. Nothing is impossible. The word itself says I’m Possible. If you cannot do everything you ever wanted, at least you have tried. You have actively existed. You can start this at any moment- to live and exist in an active consciousness and manifest it into reality. Or you can choose to live passively with life on autopilot and let it all pass you by.

I think, therefore I am. If you think you are something, fat, worthless, uninteresting…then you are.

If you think you are interesting and worthy, then you are interesting and worthy. You are attracting that vibratory force of being interesting and worthy.

Devil’s Advocate- If you think you are Napoleon, are you really Napoleon? Chances are you are not. But you are closer to it than someone who does not believe they are. On some level of existence in the mind, you are Napoleon.

The local town lunatic may think they are the Queen of France. They certainly are in their minds. And I would like to say that’s where it all counts, but one has to also be a functioning member of society with their thoughts about their existence. Otherwise you may not get as far as you hoped for, just a stint at the Georgia Regional Hospital.

Existence is subjective. Its finding “a truth.” Find the truth that works for you and that is the most functional and productive and that makes the world a better place. Use this existence to flourish and put a smile on your face and those around you. If you are going to exist, make it count.

Unmoved by Appearances

Unmoved by Appearances

By Jennifer Brochu

Faith is the substance of things hoped for- the evidence of things not seen. Faith holds the vision steady and the adverse pictures are dissolved and dissipated, and due season shall one reap, If one does not falter. Have faith in a perfect way. Do not be moved by appearance.  – Florence Scovel Schinn

I had always had the presumption that “faith” was synonymous with religion. - Thus an instant turn off for me. A lot of organized religion scares me. Since the beginning of time religions have been created at first to make people feel and do better, provide answers with the questions of creation and being. But Human egocentric tendencies lead to inevitable corruption and down the road these very same religions are used as means of politics, selfishness and control. Most great ideas of religions become lost in translation sadly. The claims of being religious spouted from the mouths of the masses over the years. I have heard more words than actions from those who claim to be religious.

 “Just going to church doesn't make you a Christian any more than standing in your garage makes you a car.” ― G.K. Chesterton

Nuff said. It was no surprise to me that when I brushed up against the subject of faith in a philosophy class a few years ago, I was not the least bit receptive. Add the fact that the example being used to convey the concept of faith was a Christian Bible story was enough to make my left eye twitch in distain. In all of my open mindedness on religion, philosophy and being, my first honest reaction to any Christian concept is to shut down immediately. It is the hypocrites I think of instantly and by blood starts to boil. Not a reaction I am proud of, but it’s the truth.  I am never pushing any religious propaganda here- just philosophical concepts that may better assist us all on the infinite quest of happiness and being.

So back to my philosophy class and the Christian Example- Faith and the story of Abraham and Issac.  REALLY? One of the dumbest stories I had ever heard of to date, in my opinion back then. (Yes- still closed minded in all of my open mindedness.) A brief recap of the story-

After year of Abraham not being able to have children with his wife Sara- they finally have a son in unheard of later years of life. After this miracle happens, God then tells Abraham that he must sacrifice his only son to him as a symbol of his faith and devotion. Abraham follows his instructions and takes his only son and prepares to do the sacrifice, down to the very last second with knife in midair preparing to stab his son. In which only seconds before this act was to be carried out completely, God recounted his request by stopping him.

My reaction: WTFF? What kind of shit story is this? What God would do that to someone? People didn’t even live to that age in those times- historically speaking. So that couldn’t be true. Second of all no one at that age….70s (if even still alive- fat chance) would ever be able to bear a child. And then after all of that to have a child then your God tells you to sacrifice it? What a doushebag! (Yes I just called that God a doushebag. The infinite and I will settle up on all of my opinions- right and wrong -when the time is right.) Then I am sure I ranted on the postings that we were required to respond to with my thoughts on the subject. I just could not break away from the ridiculousness of it all.

It was by all accounts, the most Absurd thing I have ever heard of.

ab·surd

[ab-surd, -zurd] adjective

1.

utterly or obviously senseless, illogical, or untrue; contrary to all reason or common sense; laughably foolish or false: an absurd explanation.

I never understood the point of that story and the very existence of that story bothered me for many years.  Fast forward to more recent times, and my second round at the study of metaphysics and philosophy- when it hit me. What in my opinion that story is actually about. When I was able to remove my resentment of the origin of the story and remove my over logical thinking for a moment, I saw that the story was not about an unfair god or circumstances such as age that would never happen- but it was indeed a story about faith and being unmoved by appearances.

With the stresses of our daily lives, it is most difficult to maintain a positive attitude or any type of faith in anything. We may start out with these thoughts of positivity and faith- but as time progresses within a situation- appearances adverse to our wishes, hopes and desires being to manifest all around us. We may be able to keep up the faith in the beginning with a few things that begin to falter our faith and positive thinking…but when everything around us points to that very unwanted outcome, fear and anxiety instantly replace any thoughts of positivity or faith that ever existed.   We all become moved by the appearances around us. Logic paired with fear and anxiety leads us to believe in the events that surround us. How can it not? All arrows lead to the unwanted or feared result. We become consumed with worry and prepare for our defeat.

This story is about unwavering faith- that even in the midst of the worst possible situation- God directly asking him to kill his own son as a sacrifice- Abraham kept his faith and kept it unwavering until the very last moment- even though ALL APPERANCES were against what he truly wished for and wanted. Now of course this would rationally and logically never happen to us- but we can apply it to any of our stressful situations.

When appearances around us suggest something, it’s difficult to be unmoved by these appearances. It’s almost illogical to ignore them. This is the reality of the present situation- we think to ourselves.  We might as well accept the reality check- and set aside fantasy land and move on in our utter disappointment and distain.  Playing with this concept has been quit fun and a great learning experience-especially when you a person of extremely low patience and demand instant results, such as myself.

I have personally applied this concept to quite a few things lately. I admit some have proved most difficult.  However, it’s  been quit the intriguing thing watching situations go down to the last minute, with no evidence of the thing desired anywhere in sight, in fact- all evidence to the contrary. It is a pure mind over matter concept. I suggest you try it out with a little thing. And move upward with many little things and move this act of faith on to bigger and better requests. This way of thinking works for me in the following ways:

1.   Things are what they will be. If something is mine by divine right, it will come to me no matter what. No matter how much I worry or how much anxiety I get over a subject matter, I will get what is intended for me.

2.   Wasting my minutes worrying and doubting a desire only attracts the opposite of that desire. An unwavering faith changes the energy of the situation and has much better chances of any desire to come to fruition.  You may not get it 100% of the time- but the odds are much better.

3.   Time will elapse from the beginning of the situation to its end. How I choose to spend my time in-between is entirely up to me. I can choose to have a bad time with it and let doubt, fear and constant worry overrule my existence and be move by appearances. OR- I can choose to keep positive, remain unmoved by appearances, and decide that I will attract the right result meant for me. Even if I do not end up with the result I want and think is right for me, there may be a better result for me.

 

4.   I choose to keep a faith in what is right for me. When we become over pushy with a desire, we let that desire overrule our emotions and thoughts and may be interrupting the “what’s right” for us to find its way to us.

  

5.   Give thanks for the right situation to come to fruition.

6.   Being unmoved by appearances is the best advice I can take or ever give. I used to be entirely moved by appearances and become terribly upset and revel in it, endlessly sometimes it seemed. Nowadays I just have a faith in the infinite good knowing it will always find me. It may not always come to me exactly the way I wanted it or thought I wanted it- but it always ends up being what I needed or even better than the thing I wanted.  Now when appearances are adverse- I smile instead of cry- knowing that my endless good is always on its way.

“The man who leads the orchestra must turn his back toward the crowd.”

– Unknown.

 

In the midst of my dabbling in esoteric things, I wanted to find out what my personal number in numerology was. I was convinced that it must be a 7. 7 is my favorite number by far- and the meaning- even better: the eternal student/philosopher/quest for knowledge/The thinker….  Totally me! Upon researching it- turns out- I’m not a 7 at all. Sniff Sniff. In fact, I’m a 6. Meehhh. OK- so what’s a six and why am I telling you this? I think there is an important lesson that needs to be learned by a 6-and I think at some level- we all are a little 6.

 

Traits of a 6:

The Life Path 6 suggests that you entered this plane with tools to become the ultimate nurturer, and a beacon for truth, justice, righteousness, and domesticity. Your paternal, or maternal, as the case may be, instincts with a 6 Life Path exceed all others by a considerable margin. Whether in the home or in the work place, you are the predominant caretaker and family head. While the 6 may assume significant responsibilities in the community, the life revolves around the immediate home and family, for this is the most domestic of numbers. Conservative principles and convictions are deeply ingrained and define your character.

You are idealistic and must feel useful to be happy. The main contribution you make is that of advice, service, and ever present support. You are a humanitarian of the first order. It is your role to serve others, and you start in the home environment. You are very human and realistic about life, and you feel that the most important thing in your life is the home, the family and the friends.

This is the Life Path related to leadership by example and assumption of responsibility, thus, it is your obligation to pick up the burden and always be ready to help. If you are like the majority with Life Path 6, you are one who will willingly carry far more than your fair share of any load, and you are always there when needed. In doing so, you take ownership and often become an authority over the situation.

In romance, the 6 is loyal and devoted. A caretaker type, you are apt to attract partners who are somewhat weaker and more needy than yourself; someone you can care for and protect. The main ingredient that must prevail in the relationship is complete harmony. You don't function well in stressful relationships that become challenges for you to control. It is the same with friends, you are loyal and trustworthy. But there is a tendency for you to become dominating and controlling.

It's likely you feel compelled to function with strength and compassion. You are a sympathetic and kind person, generous with personal and material resources. Wisdom, balance, and understanding are the cornerstones of your life, and these define your approach to life in general. Your extraordinary wisdom and the ability to understand the problems of others is apt to commence from an early age. This allows you to easily span the generation gap and assume an important role in life early on.

The number 6 Life Path actually produces few negative examples, but there are some pitfalls peculiar to the path. You may have a tendency to become overwhelmed by responsibilities and a slave to others; especially members of you own family or close friends. It's easy for you to fall into a pattern of being too critical of others; you also have a tendency to become too hard on yourself. The misuse of this Life Path produces tendencies for you to engage in over-expansiveness and self-righteousness. Modesty and humility may not flow easily. Imposing one's views in an interfering or meddling way must be an issue of concern.

The natural burdens of this number are heavy, and on rare occasions, responsibility is abdicated by persons with this Life Path 6. This rejection of responsibility will make you feel very guilty and uneasy, and it will have very damaging effects upon your relationships with others.

In the midst of needing to be this caring helpful soul- there is that fine line between helping and interfering – or loosing yourself in the battle of trying to help. There is nothing more in the world I love doing than helping someone else. Especially those close to me. I am a natural born problem solver and if I can’t help someone, it just frustrates the hell out of me, especially if there is an easy solution-but people choose not to resolve their issues. It took me a while to realize that some people do not want your help- no matter how much they complain and grip about their situations or circumstances.

Even more mind boggling- I truly believe that some people THRIVE on having something to complain about or being the perpetual victim of life. How could this be? It makes my eye twitch and keeps me up at night. That is one thing I cannot fully wrap my mind around. Solutions everywhere but not one step in the right direction to take any of them. Some people prefer to stay lying on the ground when life knocks them down. The difference is to recognize those who actually do need your help ask those ask for it from the ones who don’t want your help and never asked- a concept that has never occurred to me until recently. EEEkkkkkk. So what now?  Let people live their lives and learn their own lessons. By attempting to interfere in someone’s problems, you may be robbing them of a very important lesson they are intended to learn on their own and very much need.

Have a flourishing Day! Be kind, do your best, smile because you woke up to one more day! New opportunities all around you!

 

What number are you??

http://www.astrology-numerology.com/num-lifepath.html#lp7

Eudemonia

Happiness does not consist in pastimes and amusements but in virtuous activities.
~Aristotle

 

The question of “what is happiness?”  has eluded most scholars and sages since the beginning of time. In my own personal quest for happiness and the eluding comprehension of what it is, I have always enjoyed the Aristotelian concept of Happiness- as it seems to make more logical sense.

Perhaps happiness is not something that is attainable all of the time. Sometimes, for whatever reason, you wake up and it’s just not there. Logically, it should be; if your life is viewed as a whole and one took into account everything that currently is and has been great. How fortunate we have been to be so abundantly blessed with the things we have had, currently have, and the masses of opportunities available to us.

In the day and age of science and medicine to keep us healthier, and prolong our lives and health- we should be a happier society.

In the age of information to keep us better educated and informed- we should all be happier. 

In the day and age that we celebrate the most social freedoms we ever have in history, we should be a happier society.

But what keeps us from a permanent state of happiness?

Perhaps it is not meant to be. Or perhaps- the term of what happiness means is not actually what we all think it means. The current concept may be inaccurate, or at the very least, misunderstood.  

The translation of Happiness in the Greek Language is Eudemonia.

The word actually translates in Greek to “Human Flourishing” 

Etymologically, it consists of the words "eu" ("good" or “well”) and "daimōn" (a type of supernatural being/the spirit of man/infinite spirit).

As “Eu” is taken from the meaning “GOOD”- one has to consider what “the good” is.

In his Nicomachean Ethics, Aristotle states that eudemonia is the highest good for human beings. The goal of life and the attainment of happiness lie with living a flourishing and virtuous life. Living such a life will have been considered at the end of one’s life- as have lived a happy life. This thought suggests that happiness is not a “thing” to be chased after moment and may not be a feeling to be possessed - but an end result of living a good/virtuous/flourishing life that one can look back at an be proud of.

Now this may be a program I can get behind- doing “good” just so happens to lead (most people) to feeling of happiness almost instantly. Doing good is gratifying- and should be- as long as the good was done in and of itself and for the sake of good. Doing good for the sake of an ulterior motive is not really doing good.  So if one leads a “good” and virtuous life- by choosing good and virtuous acts- it may lead to more feelings of momentary happiness and end in Eudemonia at the end of life.

 

            Eudemonia//Happiness//according to ancient Greeks:

Personal growth (intellectual cultivation/spiritual growth), human flourishing, purpose in life,  positive relations with other, adhering to civic duty, Golden Rule for the highest good, honesty, being a person of Virtue, displaying generosity, practicing  forgiveness. Displaying kindness, living in truth, being loyal, justice seeking, progressive self development and assistance of helping others develop to their fullest potential (when that help is wanted), being trustworthy,  and being ethical in all circumstances.

On the Enlightenment

Immanuel Kant

John Locke

"Mankind's final coming of age, the emancipation of the human consciousness from an immature state of ignorance and error."

- Immanuel Kant

An analysis of the enlightenment via English Philosopher John Locke and German Philosopher Immanuel Kant- originally for my European Expansion History Class. I highly suggest each individual develop their own enlightenment by reason and empirical thought. It is only through reason and cultivation of the mind that one can become a virtuous person and educate those around you by example.



I hope everyone has a wonderful day filled with positive energy and good things!




The Enlightenment was a much needed breath of fresh air for the eighteenth century. It was a mass cultural and intellectual movement motivated by the concept of reason. The Enlightenment was a radical revolution promoting knowledge, science, and personal responsibility to create a virtuous society. It was a movement against superstitious motivated thought and behavior that encouraged people to look for facts before making unsupported assumptions. The enlightenment was a break away from the corruption of the church and state movements. The movement was by all accounts, according to Philosopher Immanuel Kant, in one of his famous quotes, "Mankind's final coming of age, the emancipation of the human consciousness from an immature state of ignorance and error." Thus the enlightenment sparked a positive movement within society, allowing everyone in every class of social stature to comprehend and most of all, make a positive contribution.


The enlightenment gave rise to some of the world’s most renowned philosophers and thinkers. One of the most renowned was Doctor John Locke, who in response to a friend’s concern for his son’s education, responded to him in a manuscript entitled Some Thoughts Concerning Education. Here Locke advised some of the best concepts that truly capture the spirit of the Enlightenment. He believed that education of children was extremely important and needed to be executed from early childhood so that children would develop good habits in behavior. If a child was taught good ethics and morals from the beginning, they would surely develop good values and would become valuable and productive members of society.


Locke believed that children should be addressed as competent and rational creatures, and that only addressing them in this manor would allow a rational mind set to manifest. His logic in the natural disposition of children and how it should be handled was superior than most anything that had been thought of before this time. He believes that if they were addressed as rational creatures from the beginnings of life, they would naturally respond in a rational manner. Locke did not believe in the rash or physical harm to children as punishment. He rather believed in a logical set up of rules by the parent in which the child would follow, keeping in mind that a set of too many rules for a child to remember was unreasonable due to their young minded disposition and the limited memory of such. Locke believed that if one “burdened him with many rules, one of these two things would necessarily follow, that either he must be very often punished, which will be of ill consequence, making punishment too frequent and familiar; or else you must let the transgressions of some of your rules go unpunished, whereby they will of course grow contemptible, and your authority become cheap to him. Make few laws, but see that they be well observed, when once made.” Thus by establishing reasonable rules, an individual could expect reasonable results from the child, who would later grow into a reasonable adult.


Locke believed that it was in virtue that education should be aimed. He believed that children should be thought by early example on how to be moral and virtuous individuals, noting that “virtues and vices can by no words be so plainly set before their understandings as the actions of other men will show them, when you direct their observation, and bid them view this or that good or bad quality in their practice. And the beauty of unseemliness of many things, in good and ill breeding, will better learnt, and make deeper impressions on them, in the examples of others, from any rules or instructions can be given about them…” He states that educating by example will have a far more profound and lasting effect on a blooming mind.


Locke believed that it is in our own actions that children, as well as adults, learn the most. He notes that our actions “more by self love than reason or refection, it is no wonder that in children they should be are very apt to deviate from the just measures of right and wrong, which are in the mind the result of just measures of right and wrong.” He goes on to say that we should ourselves make examples to children of how to be virtuous people within our own actions. That is not only we who teach the children how to become individuals of virtue, but that the children then have the ability to extend those very teachings to others, passing the virtue on through even more example when demonstrated by the child. Locke makes an example in regard to sharing, “as to having and possessing of things, teach them to part with what they have, easily and freely to their friends; and let them find by experience, the most liberal has always the most plenty, with esteem and commendation to book, and they will quickly learn to practice it. “ Lock suggests that this will make siblings kinder to each other and as a result, kinder to others, more so than “twenty rules about good manners” ever would and reiterates that “such freeness be always repaid, and with interest, and let him sensibly perceive that the kindness he shows to others is no ill husbandry for himself; but that it brings return of kindness, both for those that receive it, and those who look on.” This concept alone is enlightening, as it is a most rational and reasonable set of ideals where the course of actions that could greatly benefit society as a whole, once demonstrated would produce a chain reaction.


Locke knew that to create a virtuous society, it was up to the family at the individual level to create educated little minds that would thus grow up into virtuous adults and better society as a whole, leading by example. Another phenomenal spokesmen of the Enlightenment was German Philosopher Immanuel Kant, who like Locke, knew the importance of one’s thoughts and actions and how when applied correctly could lead to a virtuous and enlightened society. Kant spent much of his life teaching and writing about the balance of self interest and benevolence. He felt that human beings were different than any other creature in the animal kingdom because they “possessed an interior moral sense that can be refined, a knowledge that could be translated into behavior. “ He believed it was our duty as human beings to engage in our rational mind, and if an individual were not engaging in his rational mind, that it was a disservice to the individual themselves and society as a whole.


Kant believed that true enlightenment was only possible with the cultivation of one’s own mind. An individual has to step beyond one’s own boundaries and limitation that society has taught us, and that laziness, cowardice and contentment of letting others think for us was a dangerous handicap that did not allow the individual to tap into their own reason. Kant argues that most individuals of this time were never really allowed to tap into their own source of reason and that they relied too heavily on “guardians” such as pastors, doctors, and authority figures. Kant compares society to docile cattle being herded by the said guardians, stating that “these guardians make their domestic cattle stupid and carefully prevent the docile creatures from taking a single step without the leadstrings to which they have fascended them. Now this danger is really not very great; after stumbling a few times they would, at least learn to walk. However, examples of such failure intimidate and generally discourage further attempts.” Kant believes that only the free use of one’s own reason can bring about true enlightenment and one should step away from the spoken words of such guardians, and learn to question their ideas, and motives.


Kant believed that it is mans duty to implement his gift of reason and that it is his or her duty to question the nature of things, whether they are concepts or ideas. Only the questioning of the things that are already in place can lead to new ideas and improvement on society as a whole. An individual who is more educated has the capacity to not only improve him or herself, but bring society into the age of enlightenment. A continuation of the stagnation of human nature is dangerous as it only leads a few select guardians to think, reason, and make educated decisions for the masses. Old ideals may be the only ideals known, until another utilizes their reason to bring about a new and possibly improved ideal.


Kant goes on to say that to truly reach enlightenment, man must be able to question and criticize the institution that is already in place, whether it be government or religion. It is mans duty to obey the laws that govern him, but it is also his duty to be able to freely question those laws that govern him, both religious laws and political laws. Kant also believed that it would be ideal if rulers and monarchs to allow its citizens to engage in creative and free thinking, without it being viewed as a type of insubordination or a direct threat to the monarch. He believed if a ruler was first enlightened with rational thoughts and ideals, they would be confident enough to allow the public to think for themselves. This would allow the public to be a part of the ideal as well as the monarch or ruler, creating an enlightened government. If free thought is only applied by a few, there are less options available to mankind. It is only in this that stagnation can be lifted and civilization can move forward. It is only in the application of reason that mankind is truly free. Free to formulate thoughts and progress forward into the future with new thoughts and ideals.


Between Locke and Kant, both writers of the enlightenment movement agree on one thing: education. The educated mind leads to a more productive and moral society and ends stagnation of the human condition. Education opens the mind of an individual by learning to watch those around with virtuous qualities. It is with these qualities, when paired with using ones reason, can make a positive impact on society as a whole. Educating young children and adults by virtuous example and allowing them to use their reasoning is the only way that society can become enlightened and move forward onto bigger and better ideals and philosophies. It is only with the application of reason and education that society can escape from the mental prison that they have been held captive in for centuries.



1  Jacob, Margaret. The Enlightenment: A Brief History With Documents. Locke, John. Some Thoughts Concerning Education (Los Angeles: Bedford/St. Martins, 2001), 81.                       
2 Jacob, “Some Thoughts Concerning Education”, 84

3 Ibid, 87
4 Ibid, 87
5 Ibid , 87
5 Ibid , 87
6 Jacob, “What is Enlightenment?”,202

7 Ibid, 203
8 Ibid, 203
 


Bibliography


Jacob, Margaret. The Enlightenment: A Brief History With Documents. SomeThoughts Concerning Education (Los Angeles: Bedford/St. Martins, 2001)


Jacob, Margaret. The Enlightenment: A Brief History With Documents. What is Enlightenment. (Los Angeles: Bedford/St. Martins, 2001)

By Jennifer Brochu

The Soul Mate

be'shert - Yiddish for destined to be your beloved.

Anam Cara- Gaelic for soul companion.

Soul mates- One who creates a divine spark when you meet and you know that person instantly.


I have always believed that a person has may soul mates in life. Not just the romantic assortment, but people who give you a certain sense of completion when you are around them. I am quite convinced that I have many soul mates. Some life long connections such as my wonderful Mother, and some that are instantaneous- and upon your meeting your entire energy changes when they are in the room. When they are not around you- you feel like something is missing and a part of you is not quite right.

Upon re-reading one of my favorite books, Sacred Contracts by Carolin Myss, I found a passage that really struck a cord. It was a wonderful reminder and I thought I'd share. From her book, Myss quotes another author John O'Donohue. In the Buddhist tradition, they view soul mates more as Kalyana-mitra----or "noble friends". O'Donohue says your Noble Friend-

 "will not accept pretension but will gently and firmly confront you with your own blindness. No one can see life totally. As there is a blind spot in the retina of the human eye, there is also in the soul a blind side where you are not able to see. Therefore you must depend on the one you love to see for you what you cannot see for yourself."

I am greatfull to all of my soul mates for being there and seeing what I am not able to see on my own. They are wonderful teachers, an I am lucky to have them in my life.