Tag: philosophy

Philosophical musings

Seek Simplicity But…

nhpureandsimple

Can you guess the rest of the quote ?

Here’s it all:

“Seek simplicity but distrust it.”

How dare Mr Alfred Whitehead doubt the sincerity of Simplicity?

I started this blog and named it “Pure and Simple” for the sake of simplicity—and then comes this quote, accusing simplicity of being untrustworthy.

I know my philosophical musings may, sometimes, give you a headache,

or leave you a little lost,

or even bored. 

Do they?

But this doesn’t mean distrust, does it?

Oh my… 

It’s just crossed my mind that I’ve muddled things up.

Poor Mr Alfred isn’t accusing Simplicity at all.

Actually his quote is in favour of simplicity, not against it.

Simplicity is about the art of simplification.

So instead of leaving us with one whole rock, simplicity can soften it into clay—something we can handle and understand. 

In other words, simplicity gently breaks the complex into smaller, simpler pieces.

Then it breaks those pieces into very tiny ones.

They may scatter into a maze, or a little a mess, 

but they become more flexible—easier to explore, enjoy, and read.

That’s when Distrust arrives with a warning:

Don’t mistake simplicity for nonsense.

Don’t mistake it for weakness.

And definitely don’t mistake it for superficiality.

So, finally, with a big sigh of relief,

I’m happy I came across this quote today.

It feels like a little booster to stay on the path of Simplicity.

With pure and simple thoughts,

Nahla

P.S.

I only discovered this philosopher through this quote—just in case you think I’m well-versed in his philosophical works for I am not.

Just writing

Sophistry

nhpureandsimple

Can you believe that sophistry is considered a form of oratory? 

Well.. the book I’m reading now says it is.

And I agree.

Because both oratory and sophistry are mainly about talking while showing the ability to impress, persuade, and even manipulate others. 

Strange how a sophist, in most cases, practices his craft through manipulation, deception, and deviation. 

And stranger still, how there are so many of them these days! 

But to be fair, not every sophist is a manipulator. Some just talk nonstop, but without lies or trickery.

Their talk might give you a headache until you give up and buy what they say.

But of course this is nothing like dominant sophistry, the one that justifies using any means to reach its aim.

Do not fall into the trap of sophistry.

But it’s okay to fall into the trap of philosophy. 

At least philosophy is known for its devotion to truth.

By the way, how is the weather in your place?

Mine’s been windy and rainy for days.

 

With philosophical thoughts,

Nahla

Just writing

I Know That I Know Nothing

nhpureandsimple

Have ever studied Socrates and Plato? 

I have, but that was many, many years ago in my senior school days. Honestly, I barely remember anything from my philosophy and logic classes save the names of these two famous philosophers. And, I do remember my teacher; she had such a sharp look and loud voice, which made no logical sense in a philosophy class. 

This quote crossed my path today and stirred some old memories.  

I don’t think I have shared anything before about my decision to join the humanities section for my final high school exams. Have I? 

Back then, my teachers, surprised by my decision, told me I was choosing the easy path because I was doing well in sciences. But, simply put, and with a bit of alteration to Socrate’s quote: I know that I know what I wanted to study. 

I could have followed most of my friends and joined the sciences section, but I didn’t share their dreams. Most of my school friends had their eyes and minds set on becoming doctors or engineers. Yes, those were the high aspirations for my generation, wrapped in glimmering prestige and the promise of steady, respected status. 

But I loved languages and literature. I didn’t bother so much about geography and history. I found philosophy and logic intriguing. Years later, I can see how I made the right decision. But that’s the story for another time.

Now back to Mr Socrates’ quote. Of course the great philosopher wasn’t talking about life choices. He didn’t mean to encourage us to go astray under the “don’t know” banner. Nor did he mean this casual “I don’t know” that children nowadays use as an easy reply for any question. The poor man might have abandoned philosophy altogether if one of his students had given him that “I don’t know” answer.

Simply, he meant that the more you learn and know, the more you realise there are still other things you haven’t heard of. 

In other words, be humble, be curious, and be ever learning.

With hope and peace,

Nahla