The Pleasures of Philosophy (Will Durant)

"This book is an attempt at a consistent philosophy of life. It tries... to make [the problems of philosophy] intelligible by transparent speech, and to vitalize them by contemporary application."

Of course, it has been many decades since this book has been contemporary - The Mansions of Philosophy, of which this book is a revised edition, came out in 1929. Nevertheless, his clear, enthusiastic prose, peppered with unexpected humor, earned enough of my goodwill to offset his occasional sentimentality or dated, short-sighted viewpoint.

He conceives of philosophy as the noble attempt to transmute ever-increasing knowledge into wisdom. He believed that (to paraphrase) philosophy without science is blind, while science without philosophy is barbarism. I think this is very true, and becoming a generalist (as opposed to a specialist) is something worthwhile to aspire for. Attaining real understanding through a total perspective is a goal in its own, and would also make further action and change much easier and more sensible.

The section on the Philosophy of History contained Durant's musings on creating a composite history: a cross-section of the timeline, as it were, instead of the usual longitudinal narratives. I enjoyed this exposition of his philosophy of history especially because I'd already begun (listening to) his Story of Civilization. This holistic view, of course, is a logical extension of his synthetic conception of philosophy.

I think I am attracted to this sort of synthetic, pluralistic endeavor because I personally enjoy learning about diverse subjects. Durant (conveniently for me) articulates a convincing rationale for this tendency of mine. Of course, of course, I doubt he is talking about amateur dilettantism. But at least he's giving me something to shoot for.

Perhaps, like they say about a liberal education, I should strive to know everything about something, but also something about everything.

Interiors (1978)

Interiors appears to be something of the odd one out among Woody Allen's films - it's a very spare, very bleak psychological drama ala Bergman. Incidentally, also the first Allen film I've ever seen.

Lots of still, lingering shots in muted greys and beiges and browns, making for a somber atmosphere. It's also shot fairly tight (not sure if that's the right term), with the characters feeling isolated, as in a play. The emphasis on dialogue and the playing out of the relationships between various characters only serves to reinforce the theatrical feel of the movie.

Wonderful performance by Geraldine Page as the artistic, unstable mother. I could really sense the tensions, the neuroses she was trying so mightily to keep under control.

One of the characters, Renata, is a successful poet, while another, her sister Joey, is a frustrated searcher for meaningful occupation. I found these two characters to be the most interesting ones in the film. I admire and envy Renata for her creative success, her ability to perceive and put things into the right words. On the other hand, I'm afraid of turning out like Joey - that person everyone thought was a great kid with a lot of potential, but, well, look at her now...

Renata:

"Do I really care if a handful of my poems are read after I'm gone? Is that supposed to be some sort of compensation? I used to think it was,but now, for some reason... I can't seem to shake the real implication of dying."

Joey:

"I feel a real need to express something but I don't know what it is I want to express or how to express it."

Today in lists

The Good:

1. Lots of jasmine tea
2. Cake and coffee for brunch
3. Jumping rope
4. Managing to do 110 consecutive squats
5. The continuing realization that regular exercise and portion control are slowly having their effect
6. Listening to new music (Alexi Murdoch, 500 Days of Summer OST, and similar)
7. Reading Durant (Pleasures of Philosophy)

The Bad:

1. Unproductivity (couldn't even get self to play Dragon Age for long)
2. Too many naps
3. Continued lack of purpose
4. Lack of employment-related news
5. The gnawing worry that I'm wasting my time

Random Thoughts:

I want to be able to intelligently and articulately comment on and respond to the things I enjoy and appreciate: writing, music, art, ideas.


I perceive myself as incompetent, more often than not, despite what anyone else might say. I hope this isn't a self-fulfilling prophecy. I'm trying to be more positive, to look forward, and all that. I want to convince myself of my own competence at the things I care about: thinking, writing, creating.


I want to have real friends. Or, more accurately, I want to be able to be a real friend. To open up and connect in a genuine way.

I was going to write something more coherent - nah, I wasn't, too lazy. But I will, in the near future! Cross my confused little heart.