Wednesday, September 3, 2008

Paperweight philosophy


Mom gave me this paperweight a long time ago, and it has always sat at my desk (wherever that has been.) It's very unique. In some ways it reminds me of a painter's palette with its little thumb hole. It has a brushed metal finish which catches the light nicely. And etched in the metal is a "quote" from Socrates, and by quote I mean idea. Socrates was a classical Greek philosopher who is credited with laying the foundation for Western philosophy and his contributions to the fields of ethics and logic. Socrates believed we should ask questions to not only gain answers, but also to develop a fundamental understanding of an issue at hand. This idea influenced the development of the scientific method and the use of hypothesis, which in themselves have had a profound impact on modern wisdom.


Hence, the quote, "wisdom begins in wonder". Never stop wondering. Always seek answers, not for the answer itself, but for where it might lead you next. This is why I keep the paperweight close by, it is a simple and enjoyable reminder that learning is not meant to cease.

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