John Vespasian

I have a simple way to assess the soundness of #philosophers and gurus. I just need to ask them one question: What is your formula for happiness? If they fail to give a convincing answer, I will immediately lose any interest in their doctrines. #seneca placed #peaceofmind at the centre of his philosophy. He considered serenity a top priority because it makes human beings immune to setbacks and disappointments. If we can achieve happiness, that’s great, but Seneca chose to focus on the worst case. In his lifetime, he had witnessed too much violence, arbitrariness and abuse. He knew that anyone, without any fault of his own, could be affected by disaster. It is easy to stay happy when things are going our way, but can we remain #balanced and effective in times of crisis? Can we keep a cool head when things are falling apart? Seneca’s formula for #happiness can be summarised in four words, namely: use your time optimally. In other words, if we make the best of each moment, we will automatically achieve the highest possible level of happiness. I find Seneca’s formula remarkably insightful because, in just a few words, it is condensing crucial teachings of ethics, psychology, ethics, epistemology and history. We can even put his formula to work in the field of business and investments. Seneca’s philosophical works, that is, his Letters to Lucilius and his essays, revolve around time management. What is the best course of action in times of crises? How should we react to failure and defeat? What habits should we embrace? In the 50th Letter to Lucilius, Seneca applies this principle to irritating situations. He asks himself, how should we deal with events and people that make us angry? Seneca gives a straightforward answer: refrain from harsh, automatic reactions because they will only make things worse. Instead, we should do something that helps us calm down and organise our thoughts. Here is the link to the original article: https://johnvespasian.com/senecas-simple-formula-for-happiness/

I find it unfortunate that most people will only inquire about the #meaningoflife when they are out of time. After making all sorts of mistakes and finding oneself in lethal danger, it doesn’t make a lot of difference whether you know the meaning of life. When the time is over, it is too late for thoughtfulness. #seneca didn’t wait until the last minute to ask about the meaning of life. In fact, he did something worse: He pretended that the last minute had arrived and then rationalised that acceptance is the equivalent of wisdom. Let me illustrate Seneca’s philosophy with an example from the 14th century: John VI Kantakouzenos, a Byzantine emperor. During his period as emperor, his interest in #philosophy did not go beyond reciting the pieties of the Orthodox Church. He was too busy enjoying his power and his lavish lifestyle. Eventually, his rule came abruptly to an end in 1347, when he was forced to abdicate in favour of John V Palaiologos. The #lifeexpectancy of deposed Byzantine emperors was very short. Normally, they were executed right away by the new emperor, or blinded and maimed, left to die slowly in darkness. When John VI Kantakouzenos saw that his life was about to end, he made a proposal to the new emperor. Instead of being executed, John VI Kantakouzenos declared his willingness to become a monk and retire to a secluded monastery for the rest of his life. The new emperor hesitated before accepting the proposal. If he allowed John VI Kantakouzenos to stay alive, he might face a revolt later on. It would not be the first time for a Byzantine emperor to return from exile and kill his successor. However, after giving some thought to the matter, the new emperor accepted the proposal from John VI Kantakouzenos. The only prerequisite was that John VI Kantakouzenos would have to make a solemn promise to stay in the monastery for the rest of his life, and never again engage in politics. Here is the link to the original article: https://johnvespasian.com/seneca-on-the-meaning-of-life/

It would be great if I could affirm that #seneca figured out the key to tranquillity. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case. He did deploy extensive efforts in this area, especially in his treatise “On the Tranquillity of the Mind,” but he failed to identify a valid formula for peace of mind. Nonetheless, I find it useful to analyse Seneca’s prescription in this area because the analysis will bring us close to the truth. By understanding Seneca’s errors, we can gain crucial insights into the best recipes for tranquillity. Seneca believed that, for humans, #tranquillity comes from within. He decoupled peace of mind from the circumstances, risks and setbacks experienced by individuals. He affirmed that humans can remain calm and equanimous even in the face of vast disasters. What proof did Seneca provide for his hypothesis? Only a series of anecdotes that demonstrate very little. For instance, in his treatise “On the Tranquillity of the Mind,” Seneca points out that the dictator Lucius Cornelius #sulla (138-78 BC) never found peace of mind in life, despite his enormous wealth and political power. I agree with the logic that Sulla’s inner #turmoil shows that wealth and power alone don’t guarantee tranquillity. It isn’t hard to tear Seneca’s argument apart because it lacks fundamental logic. Seneca would have been right to affirm that wealth and power don’t necessarily lead to tranquillity, but the inner turmoil of Sulla does not demonstrate that wealth, power, and other practical advantages are irrelevant for tranquillity. I am sure that Sulla would have enjoyed life much less if he had lacked wealth and power, or if he had suffered a defeat in his military campaigns. There is no logical basis to affirm that success, prosperity and good health are irrelevant for peace of mind. Seneca’s idea of tranquillity as a purely intellectual phenomenon is clearly in conflict with everybody’s experience of life. Here is the link to the original article: https://johnvespasian.com/senecas-philosophy-of-tranquillity/

Aristotle’s understanding of human #flourishing and success, as presented in the “Nicomachean Ethics” and the “Eudemian Ethics,” can be summarized in three principles; those three key ideas are common to Plato, #taoism and Confucianism. The first principle is the need of knowledge to achieve self-actualisation, that is, to achieve one’s potential. The process of #selfactualisation actualisation or flourishing is essential to happiness, said Aristotle. You need to take action and pursue challenging goals; if you stay passive or fail to set goals for yourself, entropy will eat up your time and energies, and you’ll end up in despondency. The issue is that, before taking action, you’ll have to learn to think. #plato (429-347 BC) had arrived at this conclusion decades before #aristotle . In fact, Aristotle took this principle from Plato and integrated it in his theory of self-actualisation. In his dialogues “The Republic” and “Phaedo,” Plato stated that the goal of life is the pursuit of knowledge, which in his eyes, must be acquired from studying abstractions or “forms.” Aristotle acknowledged the role of #knowledge in leading an effective life, but did not regard learning as an end in itself. It’s important to acquire skills and expertise, but those constitute a means to an end. One should not confuse the tools with their purpose. Plato is placing a strong emphasis on learning, but fails to explain why. In contrast, Aristotle linked knowledge to effectiveness, which is a great help in achieving challenging goals and happiness. Plato had observed that most people ignore essential truths. They remain captive of delusions and pleasure-seeking, which prevent human flourishing and happiness. Here is the link to the original article: https://johnvespasian.com/key-ideas-in-aristotles-understanding-of-human-flourishing-and-success/

The largest successes and failures always start with a simple principle. I am referring to Aristotle’s principle of causality. If you understand it and adhere to it, you should do well in life. If you ignore its existence or fail to obey it, it will wipe you out. After Thomas #aquinas (1225–1274) had rediscovered every key principle of #aristotelian philosophy, one might expect later generations to observe those principles, right? Actually not. History is not linear. It often happens that key ideas are forgotten for decades or centuries. Individuals will let go of reason and embrace superstition under social pressure or due to outright stupidity. The truth can be long forgotten before it is again brought to light. Aristotle’s two major opponents are #immanuelkant (1724-1804) and Friedrich #hegel (1770-1831). Their attacks against Aristotle’s causality principle made human flourishing, thriving and success impossible. By attacking the root principle, Kant and Hegel discouraged a large part of their contemporaries from developing their #skills and talents. Kant and Hegel’s philosophical errors discouraged people from pursuing self-actualisation and happiness. Immanuel Kant is generally regarded as a pivotal figure of Enlightenment philosophy, but in reality, his ideas undermine a good part of the Aristotelian principles that enable civilisation. Aristotle had outlined clear steps for achieving eudaimonia, starting with the identification of goals, the cultivation of skills and virtue, and the application of one’s energies to productive work. The practice of Aristotelian virtues leads to tangible benefits such as success, wealth, friendship and health. The principle of causality plays in your favour if you obey it. It helps you if you help yourself. Here is the link to the original article: https://johnvespasian.com/aristotles-understanding-of-human-flourishing-and-success-compared-to-kants/

#aristotle (384-322 BC) outlined his #philosophy of mind and consciousness in his work “Metaphysics.” For the first time in history, he proposed a universal method for analysing reality in all its aspects: the cosmos, nature, and human beings. To develop his views on mind and consciousness, he had to let go first of Plato’s theory of forms. #plato had taught in his Academy that, in addition to the present world, there exists one intangible world of pure abstractions, which he called “forms.” In the Platonic framework, the key function of the mind and consciousness is to access the #mythical world of forms. If you learn something, it means according to Plato that you’ve gained insight into the world of pure abstractions. Plato (428-348 BC) spent half a lifetime preaching about a world of forms that nobody could see. He attracted students to his Academy under the promise of helping them learn about the forms. He promised to open their minds and consciousness, but in reality, he was just feeding them mythical nonsense. Not only did Plato spread delusion, but he attacked anyone who dared to question his mysticism. In “The Republic,” he presents the allegory of the cave, which states that most people live in ignorance, like prisoners in a cave. From the real world outside the cave, they only perceive distorted shadows. Plato did not conceive of any good use of the human mind apart from accessing the world of forms. Every innovation and creation, every aspect of ethics, geometry or music comes from the world of pure abstractions. Aristotle put an end to Plato’s mysticism by separating mind and reality. Human beings can think and possess #consciousness that enables them to analyse reality. Knowledge is acquired by studying the material world, not by mystical contemplation Here is the link to the original article: https://johnvespasian.com/aristotles-philosophy-of-mind-and-consciousness/

Twenty-five centuries ago, #aristotle delineated a philosophy of mind and consciousness that has never been surpassed. His principles, outlined in his books “Categories,” “Metaphysics,” and “Physics,” have withstood the passage of time. His books were written mostly in the period 340-325 BC. The Aristotelian philosophy of mind and #consciousness can be condensed in three principles. Let’s enumerate them one by one. First, the definition of human beings as rational creatures. It differentiates Aristotle from his contemporaries Plato (428-347 BC), Zeno (334-262 BC) and #epicurus (341-270 BC). Those gave less weight to reason, and more to emotions and intuition. Second, the acknowledgement of the fact that each person, through his mind and decisions, gives shape to his own life. In his work “Nicomachean Ethics,” Aristotle said that “happiness depends on ourselves,” meaning that it depends on our actions, on our efforts. Third, the recognition that the #purpose of human life, and of thinking as a whole, is to achieve happiness. In “Nicomachean Ethics,” Aristotle said that “happiness is the meaning and goal of human life, the central objective of human existence.” Let us explore these three principles in detail. The definition of human beings as rational creatures is far from self-evident. In fact, countless philosophers in history have ignored or overlooked this fact. They’ve devised complex theories to explain how humans acquire knowledge, instead of simply acknowledging the fact that humans are rational. Chimpanzees, dolphins or elephants possess certain abilities that can be categorized as incipiently rational, but are severely limited, barely at the level of a human child. Only humans can acquire vast amounts of #knowledge and organize it logically. The German philosopher #immanuelkant (1724-1804) gives us a perfect illustration of what happens when you overlook an obvious fact. Here is a link to the original article: https://johnvespasian.com/the-three-principles-in-aristotles-philosophy-of-mind-and-consciousness/

The books “Metaphysics” and “Nicomachean Ethics” were written or dictated by Aristotle around 330 BC. They condense his insight on the nature of reality and existence. The key idea in those works is the acknowledgement that #existence exists. That essential insight leads to grasping that the world is driven by causality, and that human beings can shape their own destiny. The acknowledgement that existence exists means that we do not need esoteric arguments to understand reality. It means that we do not need to resort to superstition to guide our lives. Prior philosophers had been reluctant to acknowledge the self-standing existence of the cosmos and of all tangible items. For example, #pythagoras (570-495 BC) had been a remarkable mathematician, but totally incapable of analysing facts without mystical explanations. He devoted large efforts to numerology, trying to find supernatural explanations in numbers. Until #aristotle , no one had developed a systematic approach for assessing facts and drawing conclusions. #anaxagoras (500-428 BC) and #democritus (460-370 BC) had developed theories about the particles that make the universe, but had not let go of mysticism completely. Aristotle’s recognition that “existence exists” establishes the foundation of objective, empirical research, independent of any mystical influences. Most importantly, Aristotle’s insight that “existence exists” refutes once and for all the “theory of the forms” developed by Plato (428-347 BC). To explain the nature of reality and existence, #plato argued that the physical world we perceive is a reflection of an ideal, mystical world of pure abstractions (which he called “forms”). Like all previous philosophers, Plato was unable to accept that “existence exists” and that you don’t need magical powers to analyse it and understand it. Here is the link to the original article: https://johnvespasian.com/aristotles-key-insight-on-the-nature-of-reality-and-existence/

As soon as #aristotle passed away in 322 BC, the enormous importance of his contributions got lost for most people. Only a superficial knowledge of his #philosophy remained such as the concepts of potentiality and actuality. To the detriment of civilisation, the pillar of Aristotle’s ideas was rapidly undermined, lost and forgotten. I am talking about causality, a concept that plays a pivotal role in Aristotle’s views on the nature of reality and existence. “Nature does nothing in vain,” wrote Aristotle in his work titled “Physics.” He meant that every entity and creature can be analysed according to its constituent substance (material cause) and its shape (formal cause), which together define its identity, from which we can infer its purpose (final cause) and source of energy or movement (efficient cause). According to Aristotle, the whole universe, every entity and creature, are striving to attain their purpose. Nothing is taking place randomly. The whole world is self-propelling and creates its own motivation. From Aristotle’s standpoint, #causality is identity in motion. I must say however that causality doesn’t mean predestination. A man may have the goal of becoming wealthy, but this does not mean that his path is predetermined, nor that he will acquire all the #virtues and habits necessary to achieve his goal. Causality only means that a man can use his skills (his mind which has the capability to think rationally) to figure out ways to achieve his goal, and put in the effort required to complete the steps. Nonetheless, it doesn’t guarantee success nor that the goal will deliver perfect satisfaction. What causality does deliver is motivation, steadiness, focus, energy and hope. It helps you make the right decisions and stay away from distractions. Here is the link to the original article: https://johnvespasian.com/the-role-of-causality-in-aristotles-views-on-the-nature-of-reality-and-existence/

Although imperfect, the #philosophy developed by #seneca concerning peace of mind is worth studying. It has been practised by thousands of people across the centuries, and still today, can prompt us to improve our lifestyle. Seneca believed that adversity, if faced properly, can help us become emotionally stronger. The difficult question, however, is how to face #adversity effectively, so that we can emerge stronger, not weaker, from setbacks. In his 68th Letter to Lucilius, Seneca praised Gaius Mucius Scaevola, a Roman hero traditionally dated around 509 BC, that is, a man who had lived five centuries before Seneca. According to tradition, Scaevola remained defiant after being captured by the enemy. His defiance was so extreme that he had no problem injuring himself to prove the bravery of Roman soldiers. The spectacle of Scaevola’s self-mutilation made such a strong impression on the enemies that they set him free. Seneca argues that adversity had rendered Scaevola strong, but I fail to see the connection between his self-mutilation and tranquillity. On the contrary, I believe that Scaevola’s story is more likely to provoke nightmares than peace of mind. The argument used by Seneca is logically deficient, but his conclusion is surprisingly accurate; he comes to the conclusion that individuals like Scaevola tend to do well in life because of their audacity. According to Seneca, Scaevola did relatively well because of his bravery, defiance and fearlessness. If he had behaved cowardly, the enemies would have executed him immediately. Seneca’s analysis of Scaevola’s misfortunes is intriguing to say the least. It does not prove that Scaevola grew #courageous and serene due to adversity, but it correctly records a fact of life, namely, that courageous people tend to make better choices. I have witnessed many times that, in the face of setbacks, some individuals will feel crushed and give up all hope, while others grow in emotional strength and motivation. Here is the link to the original article: https://johnvespasian.com/senecas-specific-advice-on-tranquillity/