Some Interpretations

In order for creation to happen, ruthlessness must be a part of the process.

A bellows is something that expands and contracts, like a lungs...

In order to gain success, we may have to tire ourselves out. There must be something negative for something positive. (No pain, no gain~)

We can't have both worlds: there has to be more of one thing than the other.

A person who knows a lot is always thinking. He knows so much that other people cannot understand, so he makes his intelligence more understandable to others. This makes his knowledge less powerful.

Meditating

So a few days ago, our class tried some meditation by sitting on desks and listening to a recording of a "Chi Master" as the lights were turned off. For the first few minutes, I was pretty into it, as I tried to follow all the motions that were instructed and I had no problem. But after staying still for a while, I began to become fidgety. Maybe it's just me, but I can't be still for too long, or else I become restless. But first, I sat still, put my hands in the positions instructed, and so forth. I think that I wasn't able to stay in the position for too long because I don't think I was doing correctly, and therefore wouldn't get anything out of the meditation. I felt as if I was not only becoming tired, but my back became sore from sitting in such a motionless position and I also didn't think that I was actually achieving anything. So for the rest of class, I sat on the desk with my feet dangling and stayed quiet. I would try meditating again, though, if I knew I was doing it right.

Philosophy And Wall-E

The first time I watched Wall-E in theatres, I was pretty disappointed. It just honestly seemed kind of boring to me.

But now that I've watched it in Philosophy class, and being more aware of philosophical ideas and contexts, I enjoyed it much more. 

I never noticed such small details, like how the robots seem to be even more human than humans themselves. Also, I found that the name "Buy 'n Large" signified how humans are used to living so excessively, and that we keep wanting more and more. And sure, the Axiom seems like a nice place to live (no working? EVER? Having everything done for you?), but really, it's not a utopic kind of place at all. What kind of world is it where you can't live and be human? You're pretty much just a blob that can't do much if you live on the Axiom.

Another thing that I noticed was that as he searches through the Avalanche of Detritus, he finds a box with a wedding ring, but throws away the ring and keeps the box. I think that this shows that people nowadays are so caught up in material value. Wall-E doesn't care -- whatever he likes, he keeps. We place such high value on so many things that we're obsessed with wanting them and having them for ourselves. Simple things can still please people though, right?

The Simpsons And Art

Collingwood said that art is not for amusement.

I think it could be, though. Perhaps the main purpose of art isn't to amuse, but it could definitely be a part of it.

The most obvious example that I can think of right now is the The Simpsons, especially since, well, we watched an episode in class. The show comments on society in general, and makes sometimes strong, and maybe offensive statements about the U.S. Don't we all just want to be famous? It's possible. That's probably the main idea that has gotten across through the show. But The Simpsons make people feel something, whether it be disgust, agreement, or something that just triggers a thought. Because of that, I think it's art. Sure, it might not exactly be the most high-class (or highbrow?) piece of art, but it can have something that we can all relate to in some way.

Plus, it's funny! And who doesn't like to laugh? :)

A Boat Beneath A Sunny Sky

A poem by Lewis Carroll (who is also the author of Alice in Wonderland!)

A boat beneath a sunny sky,
Lingering onward dreamily,
In an evening of July --

Children three that nestle near,
Eager eye and willing ear,
Pleased a simple tale to hear --

Long has paled that sunny sky:
Echoes fade and memories die:
Autumn frosts have slain July.

Still she haunts me, phantomwise,
Alice moving under skies
Never seen by waking eyes.

Children yet, the tale to hear,
Eager eye and willing ear,
Lovingly shall nestle near.

In a Wonderland they lie,
Dreaming as the days go by,
Dreaming as the summers die:

Ever drifting down the stream --
Lingering in the golden gleam --
Life, what is it but a dream?