Quotations and Literature Forum

In my short time here, I've found that a number of people seem to be very well versed in philosophy--something I have never been drawn to as a choice of something to read.

I'd be interested in knowing favorite philophers and what about them makes them so interesting or accurate. People's avocations (or maybe vocations) especially when esoteric (or at least to me), amaze me. My own reading has been driven by the storyteller but philosophy seems to go deeper - into a desire to know something.

I find that what Sartre says, even if I don't agree with some of his conclusions is fairly good.
Howeveer my favourite has to be David Hume.

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"The Truth may be out there but the lies are in your head"
"I tend to think if God wanted us to believe in him he'd exist."

I don't know if you would consider G. K. Chesterton a philosopher, but I like his quotes. He was quite bold for his time, and a lot of his ideas and opinions hold true to this day. He was willing to say what others were not.

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Don't walk behind me, I may not lead. Don't walk in front of me, I may not follow. Just walk beside me and be my friend. -Albert Camus

sigsfried and Halliberry, I found some quotes by Hume and Chesterton and I particularly like:

Nothing is more surprising than the easiness with which the many are governed by the few. - David Hume

I believe in getting into hot water, it keeps you clean. - GK Chesterton

My favourite philosopher. Although my favorite philosopher has no name, he or she would probably spell it " filosofer ", compare the relationships between life and love to various types of fruit, quote Voltaire and Nietzche, sing Monty Python songs, and ask me questions about "the big meaning" and my life, rather than give me insight.

He or she would talk about "the good old days" and probably sit on a porch throwing candy at kids. Our conversations would start with politics and end with poetry. All in all, my favorite philosopher would be a happy go-lucky, "yippy", individual.

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Well my Fav philosopher is ... well to be honest... myself....

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Ishrat Noor Khan

if you want to get into philosophy, there are a lot of "beginners" books, they're good for a brief idea of what subjects there are around and who covers them..... i'd advise picking one of those up first.

Originally I believed heavily in Sartre. Specifically his ideas on stepping out and viewing the world totally detached for brief instances. Though then Kierkegaard's combination of the existentialist point of view combined with the "Leap of Faith," became much more appealing because of his incorporation of faith, which I and strongly drawn to.

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You can't spell patriot without RIOT.

Thanks everyone and good idea, horn.

There's one by Will Durant whose books on history I liked browsing as a kid:

Story of Philosophy: The Lives and Opinions of the World's Greatest Philosophers

I seems to get good reviews on Amazon unlike Philosophy for Dummies - which are all over the place - but then their covers are so tacky.

I've started Story of Philosophy: The Lives and Opinions of the World's Greatest Philosophers by Will Durant and I like the style.

I've been browsing like with the history books. It has a strong historical component with descriptions of the places and times they lived so it's comprehensive and interesting. I may not become an expert from this one book but it draws me in.

My absolute favourite would have to be David Hume. I like his critique of experience and morality, and the common sensical way in which he says that we have to, somehow, believe in experience and morality anyway, to make things work.

Also, his pointing out that we can not draw a conclusion from is to ought is something that we'd better remember.

-Thomas

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Aristotle or Ayn Rand. So rational, so right.

-fish are quick!

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"The proper study of mankind is man."
Alexander Pope

Ah, existentialism - the only philosophy worth somthing.
For a good introduction,
Read:

Gardner: Grendel (requires knowledge of beowulf)

Camus: The Stranger

-Dan


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I've been meaning to read The Stranger so thanks for the suggestion...I looked at your site but will dare to enter later in the day.

Enter now, or remain forever unenlightened.


-Dan


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Visit my site - I'm absolutely certain you will enjoy it.

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