Ad Nauseam is a Latin term used to describe an argument which has been continuing "to the point of nausea. I very much enjoy the fact that I am able to use a latin term for my blog's title again. I enjoyed this find even more when I looked up the definition of the term and realized how this word basically sums up how I felt during this painful task of reading philosophy. Not only was it hard to read, I am quite certain that while writing this book he put a bunch of words up on a wall and blindfolded himself and threw darts at the wall, and whatever words were hit by the darts, he would use in a sentence. Throwing in articles such as, is and the, of course. But in this haystack of confusion, I did end up finding a few needles...
"It is easier to discover a deficiency in individuals, in states and in Providence, than to see their real import and value." (Page 36) I read this and it really stuck with me. It's very true. We do this so much we most likely don't even realize it. I caught myself a few days ago doing this.
I have a best friend, Hannah that goes to Madison. She is my outlet. I can rant to her about things that make me frustrated (like this reading) or bitch to her about the wrongdoings that occur in my life. She always listens then makes me feel better. ::::Side Note:::: I am usually quite upbeat as most of you will discover so this isn't an everyday occurrence, which is probably why she puts up with it, along with the fact that I listen to her rants as well. ::::: Anyways, one of my most recent rants was about one of my roommates. Easy to get on each others nerves when you live together. By the end of my rant I felt much better about the situation but I had painted quite a picture for Hannah. A couple days later, I did it again. Another picture painted. At one point, as I was discussing things with her, she made a comment that allowed me to realize my error. All I had ever done was complain about my roommate and never said anything about the good times we have. Which is bad, because I would say there is a lot more good than bad. So the only pictures Hannah had, were bad. And made her assume that is what its always like. When I'm talking to her, I never think to complain about the good times. Or even say them because I don't think about it. The things I remember, and the things I point out, are the bad things. TERRIBLE.
We did this to Laughner. We looked to find the reasons of WHY he shot up the parking lot at safeway. In doing so, we looked at every little thing he ever did to see if we could paint ourselves a picture of his life. But now I realize, not one article or discussion I read emphasized anything nice about him. But I suppose that makes sense, since WHY would we want to know?
I can think of multiple other examples of this in history, in my life, in society. But I think you guys get the point and a don't want to bore you.
I forgot to mention WHY we should read Hegel. We should because what he wrote has withstood the test of time for a reason. That reason would be because what he said, actually made a lot of sense and has stuck by us through the years. EVEN though it's hard to understand upon first review, we can't deny the fact that what he wrote all those years ago is still evident in our society.
ReplyDeleteOH PINK HIGHLIGHTER... How your words left me guffawing in my seat. That first paragraph slash suuupes appropriate photo - epic.
ReplyDeleteI can completely relate to the error-prone process of only acknowledging the aspects worth complaining about. Quite frankly, the bad times and bitchy roommates are what spark the moments that stir up enough emotion to compel you to rant, so it is not surprising that you feel the need to vent as opposed to praise her for her good days. I do not blame you; you are only human! At least you are self-aware enough to recognize your actions (even if it took the words of your bestie to help you come to this realization). I liked how you took Hegel's viewpoint and made it so personal; I'm sure he would have dug the post.
I also appreciated your understanding of Hegel's words through a historical account such as the one with Loughner, and peoples' judgmental perspective of him. Society definitely frames Loughner as a bad guy, and only a bad guy. It is as if we believe there couldn't possibly be more to a human than their label as a killer (or any other disgraceful title for that matter). It is important to look beyond that, and try with all our might to comprehend the complexity of humanity. It is difficult, and mankind fails to consciously work toward such a goal, but even petty issues such as ranting about our roomies reflect an omnipresent error in the inner workings of judgment.
Again, thank you for the entertaining and insightful post. Brilliant connections. Brilliant connections indeed.