Welcome,
In this edition, we will continue our exciting journey toward understanding and wisdom.
My life philosophy is based on three fundamental principles: seeking truth, acquiring knowledge, and seeking beauty. These principles, eternal and constant processes, guide me on my path and compel me to reflect on the very nature of reality.
In the previous edition, we explored the concept of truth, that pillar that sustains our understanding and drives us to question the truths around us.
Today, we will delve into the next principle: acquiring knowledge.
As philosophers, we understand that knowledge is essential for our evolution and comprehension of the world around us.
The acquisition of knowledge not only enriches us intellectually but also transforms our life experience.
When we recognize that we do not know everything and that most of what surrounds us is new information, our minds become receptive to ideas and possibilities.
We experience an inner tranquility knowing that there is always more to discover and learn.
We will explore the importance of constantly seeking new ideas and perspectives, and how knowledge empowers us and provides a greater understanding of ourselves and the universe in general.
Let's continue our journey toward acquiring knowledge and seeking truth and beauty in all its forms!
With love, Adrian
Acquiring Knowledge
Being a philosopher means having a philosophy of life marked by thought. It can be your own or someone else’s, but it is guided by a thoughtful approach to living. It is not, or at least minimally, influenced by the culture you live in. This is difficult to achieve without traveling and exploring the world.
I consider myself an old-school philosopher, harking back to the origins of philosophy when it was defined as a method of study and learning, in the time of Socrates and Plato. The human attitude of investigating all questions has always existed and will continue to exist. I use the definition that was coined back then.
We coined terms and adapted concepts to our needs as time passed. The basic attitude of inquiry, providing logical answers, and defining concepts will always exist. It is a tool for understanding ourselves, the universe, and our relationships.
Last week, we reflected on truth, something that is reasoned and felt in the heart. Truth is a state of being linked to love and justice. It is not merely a mental concept; truth is an attitude. We see it in actions and hear it in words.
Knowledge is the foundation of truth.
Therefore, the second principle I follow to be a practicing philosopher is to constantly acquire knowledge. This way, I continue trying to discover the unknown universal truth and define my own truth.
If the external universe is infinite and the internal universe is also infinite, it means that to have the greatest understanding of these two universes, we must constantly acquire knowledge.
Since the macro and micro universe are infinite, it implies that we must gain knowledge constantly to have a greater understanding of who we are and everything around us.
As the universe is infinite and humanity is finite, it means we will never completely decipher it.
When the sun implodes, humanity will cease to exist. Obviously, that will only happen if humanity does not become extinct first. This is the most likely outcome if we do not change our current trajectory, but that is another matter.
So, to continue discovering the internal and external universe, it is necessary to acquire knowledge until we die.
Curiosity is the driving force, the motivation. Trying to decipher the undecipherable. This requires knowledge, a lot of it, as much as possible. But not just knowledge categorized as philosophy—rather, all knowledge.
We frame knowledge in sectors with their own rules and basic principles. Humans learn more and more about less and less. We specialize and lose sight of the global universe.
Knowledge is infinite, and it is best not to divide it into boxes, as that is impossible.
That is why I return to the basic concept of the word philosophy.
Philo means love. Sophia means knowledge or wisdom. Love of wisdom. But the ancient Greeks used various definitions and words for what we translate into English as love. Eros is the romantic love between people, which we commonly assume to be love. There is also agape, which is the unconditional love of life. It is the joy of doing tasks for which one feels passion and that contribute to the community by doing so. And philia, the feeling towards friends.
So, if I translate the etymology of the word into concepts, philosophy means friendship with knowledge.
That knowledge is not just philosophical knowledge. It encompasses all possible knowledge.
This is how philosophy was created. Over time, we transformed its definition into a delimited category. Something I find limiting and against the basic principle of the passion for investigating and questioning everything.
Any human being can apply the philosophical method.
Possible knowledge is infinite. Humanity's knowledge is limited. As a human, I will never be able to know all that humanity knows. There is not enough time in a lifetime to read it all. That is why we recycle knowledge, create new bridges between existing points, and thus create concepts that define the knowledge of the universe as we unveil it.
That knowledge is neutral and encompasses all possible denominations and much more. To name a few sectors: philosophy, sciences, religions, astronomy, astrology, mathematics, physics, chemistry, medicine, alchemy, biology, geography, history, politics, culture, languages.
All these definitions are part of one substance: the universe. All these definitions are viewpoints that define it in one way or another. But it remains infinite.
If, as a human, you want to discover how the relationship between the inner world and the outer world works, then you need to know as much as possible to define it as accurately as possible.
Socrates, one of the founders of Western philosophy, wonderfully defined this basic aspect of being a philosopher:
"I only know that I know nothing."
Many think this is humility, or they label it as such. Socrates was considered, during his lifetime, as the most intelligent human in the Greek empire.
But it is not humility; it is an attitude. It is the attitude of a true philosopher: the one who acknowledges their ignorance and from there begins to inquire, investigate, and eventually, if possible, define original concepts or ideas.
I like to think that I know 1% of humanity’s knowledge. Obviously, it is a fictitious number. It is not real. Knowledge cannot be measured. Socrates knew something, a little more than nothing, but still defined it in his way.
The idea of 1% also implies that I do not know 99%.
I also know that awareness, knowledge about the universes, the inner and the outer, is always expanding.
That means I must continue studying, learning, and inquiring to keep my level of knowledge at 1%. It seems little, but at least I know more than Socrates. I do not fall to his level of ignorance.
Poor Socrates, he met a bad end: he was condemned to drink poison for instigating young people to think. And he, preferring to die rather than stop reasoning, made humanity think.
Power structures fear a loaded brain ready to fire ideas. Ideas are bulletproof, and once released, they exist and cannot be controlled.
Knowledge gives you power, power over yourself.
The power of thought is to free your mind, and by opening your mind, you can free yourself from the thoughts of others that dominate you.
Acquiring knowledge is essential for the application of philosophy.
But not just knowledge about philosophy—that is not enough. The limitation of thought to one field is a trap, a dead-end.
Someone who only studies philosophy, by definition, is not a philosopher. You can study and not apply, just as someone who studies political science is not a politician.
One who studies and acts is; one who only studies is not.
You are a philosopher if you define and write your philosophy of life and the universe.
Acquiring Knowledge
Being a philosopher means having a philosophy of life guided by thought. It can be personal or influenced by another, but it must be shaped by critical thinking and not, or minimally, by the surrounding culture. This is difficult to achieve without traveling and exploring the world.
I consider myself an old-school philosopher, harking back to the origins of philosophy when it was defined as a method of study and learning, in the time of Socrates and Plato. The human attitude of investigating all questions has always existed and will continue to exist. I use the definition that was coined back then.
We coined terms and adapted concepts to our needs as time passed. The basic attitude of inquiry, providing logical answers, and defining concepts will always exist. It is a tool for understanding ourselves, the universe, and our relationships.
Last week, we reflected on truth, something that is reasoned and felt in the heart. Truth is a state of being linked to love and justice. It is not merely a mental concept; truth is an attitude. We see it in actions and hear it in words.
Knowledge is the foundation of truth.
Therefore, the second principle I follow to be a practicing philosopher is to constantly acquire knowledge. This way, I continue trying to discover the unknown universal truth and define my own truth.
If the external universe is infinite and the internal universe is also infinite, it means that to have the greatest understanding of these two universes, we must constantly acquire knowledge.
Since the macro and micro universe are infinite, it implies that we must gain knowledge constantly to have a greater understanding of who we are and everything around us.
As the universe is infinite and humanity is finite, it means we will never completely decipher it.
When the sun implodes, humanity will cease to exist. Obviously, that will only happen if humanity does not become extinct first. This is the most likely outcome if we do not change our current trajectory, but that is another matter.
So, to continue discovering the internal and external universe, it is necessary to acquire knowledge until we die.
Curiosity is the driving force, the motivation. Trying to decipher the undecipherable. This requires knowledge, a lot of it, as much as possible. But not just knowledge categorized as philosophy—rather, all knowledge.
We frame knowledge in sectors with their own rules and basic principles. Humans learn more and more about less and less. We specialize and lose sight of the global universe.
Knowledge is infinite, and it is best not to divide it into boxes, as that is impossible.
That is why I return to the basic concept of the word philosophy. Philo means love. Sophia means knowledge or wisdom. Love of wisdom. But the ancient Greeks used various definitions and words for what we translate into English as love. Eros is the romantic love between people, which we commonly assume to be love. There is also agape, which is the unconditional love of life. It is the joy of doing tasks for which one feels passion and that contribute to the community by doing so. And philia, the feeling towards friends.
So, if I translate the etymology of the word into concepts, philosophy means friendship with knowledge.
That knowledge is not just philosophical knowledge. It encompasses all possible knowledge.
This is how philosophy was created. Over time, we transformed its definition into a delimited category. Something I find limiting and against the basic principle of the passion for investigating and questioning everything.
Any human being can apply the philosophical method.
Possible knowledge is infinite. Humanity's knowledge is limited. As a human, I will never be able to know all that humanity knows. There is not enough time in a lifetime to read it all. That is why we recycle knowledge, create new bridges between existing points, and thus create concepts that define the knowledge of the universe as we unveil it.
That knowledge is neutral and encompasses all possible denominations and much more. To name a few sectors: philosophy, sciences, religions, astronomy, astrology, mathematics, physics, chemistry, medicine, alchemy, biology, geography, history, politics, culture, languages.
All these definitions are part of one substance: the universe. All these definitions are viewpoints that define it in one way or another. But it remains infinite.
If, as a human, you want to discover how the relationship between the inner world and the outer world works, then you need to know as much as possible to define it as accurately as possible.
Socrates, one of the founders of Western philosophy, wonderfully defined this basic aspect of being a philosopher: "I only know that I know nothing."
Many think this is humility, or they label it as such. Socrates was considered, during his lifetime, as the most intelligent human in the Greek empire.
But it is not humility; it is an attitude. It is the attitude of a true philosopher: the one who acknowledges their ignorance and from there begins to inquire, investigate, and eventually, if possible, define original concepts or ideas.
I like to think that I know 1% of humanity’s knowledge. Obviously, it is a fictitious number. It is not real. Knowledge cannot be measured. Socrates knew something, a little more than nothing, but still defined it in his way.
The idea of 1% also implies that I do not know 99%.
I also know that awareness, knowledge about the universes, the inner and the outer, is always expanding.
That means I must continue studying, learning, and inquiring to keep my level of knowledge at 1%. It seems little, but at least I know more than Socrates. I do not fall to his level of ignorance.
Poor Socrates, he met a bad end: he was condemned to drink poison for instigating young people to think. And he, preferring to die rather than stop reasoning, made humanity think.
Power structures fear a loaded brain ready to fire ideas. Ideas are bulletproof, and once released, they exist and cannot be controlled.
Knowledge gives you power, power over yourself.
The power of thought is to free your mind, and by opening your mind, you can free yourself from the thoughts of others that dominate you.
Acquiring knowledge is essential for the application of philosophy.
But not just knowledge about philosophy—that is not enough. The limitation of thought to one field is a trap, a dead-end.
Someone who only studies philosophy, by definition, is not a philosopher. You can study and not apply, just as someone who studies political science is not a politician.
One who studies and acts is; one who only studies is not.
You are a philosopher if you define and write your philosophy of life and the universe.
Conclusion
Wisdom is the mental state where you know what you know, know what you don't know, and know what you will never know.
Knowledge is best acquired by reading, understood through doing, and mastered by sharing.
I have discovered this: it is impossible to know everything, but it is possible to understand the limits of everything.
It's a beginning.
The Power of an Open Mind
Discovering the Magic of Constant
Learning When you assume you don't know everything and that most information is new to you, you experience life differently. Your mind becomes more tranquil by recognizing that there is always more to discover.
You become receptive to ideas and possibilities, with a mind willing to learn and grow.
Applying the desire to acquire knowledge in your daily life provides an enriching experience. You become aware of your actions and decisions, and how they affect you and others.
You don't need to maintain and defend your ideas.
By keeping an open mind, you develop a more complete and balanced view of reality, allowing you to make more informed and ethical decisions.
In conclusion, discovering the magic of constant learning involves recognizing that we don't know everything and that most information is new to us.
By keeping an open mind, we experience greater mental tranquility and become receptive to ideas and possibilities.
So, embrace curiosity, be receptive to knowledge, and enjoy the journey of constant learning that life offers.
Exploring Knowledge!
In this special section, I want to share with you ten famous quotes that capture the essence and importance of knowledge.
Knowledge is an invaluable treasure that enriches us, challenges us, and allows us to grow as human beings.
When poetry and wisdom combine, art is created. These inspiring quotes from great thinkers invite us to reflect on wisdom and the constant pursuit of new learning.
"Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication." - Leonardo da Vinci.
These words teach us that true knowledge can be conveyed clearly and concisely, without unnecessary complications.
"I already know everything I know, but I never know what someone else knows, so I prefer to listen and ask." - Adrian.
This quote highlights the importance of being humble and open to the knowledge of others, recognizing that there is always something new to learn.
"I have never met anyone so ignorant that I couldn't learn something from them." - Adrian.
This phrase invites us to value the diversity of knowledge and experiences each person possesses, regardless of their level of education or social status.
"The more I read, the more I meditate; and the more I acquire, the more I can affirm that I know nothing." - Voltaire.
These words inspire us to acknowledge the vastness of knowledge and the humility that arises from understanding that there is always more to discover.
"Wisdom is not a product of schooling but of the lifelong attempt to acquire it." - Albert Einstein.
This quote emphasizes the importance of cultivating knowledge throughout our existence, regardless of our age or circumstances.
"Knowing others is intelligence; knowing yourself is true wisdom." - Lao Tzu.
These words urge us to explore our inner selves and understand our motivations and desires, which is essential for personal growth.
"Wise men speak because they have something to say; fools because they have to say something." - Plato.
This phrase encourages us to value the quality of our words and to be selective in our communication, recognizing that knowledge and wisdom should guide our expressions.
"Study the past, live in the present, dream of the future." - Adrian.
This quote invites us to find a balance between learning from the past, enjoying the present, and visualizing a future full of possibilities and personal growth.
"The most important relationship is the one you have with yourself; all other relationships are based on that." - Adrian.
This phrase reminds us of the importance of understanding, caring for, and nurturing our own relationship with ourselves, as it is the foundation for building healthy and meaningful relationships with others.
Through these powerful quotes, I invite you to reflect on the value of knowledge in your life.
What do these words mean to you? How can you apply these ideas in your pursuit of knowledge and personal growth? What are your favorite quotes on this topic?
Conclusion
We have come to the end of this edition. We have reflected on the importance of acquiring knowledge in our lives. It is an enriching journey.
As a conclusion, I urge you to experiment with the theme of this edition: "acquiring knowledge." How can you do it?
Here are some suggestions:
Read books:
Immerse yourself in different literary genres, from philosophy and science to classic and contemporary literature. Each book is an opportunity to acquire new knowledge and expand our understanding of the world.
Explore online courses:
The internet gives us access to a wide variety of online courses and tutorials. Choose a topic that interests you and dive into it. Any topic is good if you learn.
Participate in conversations and debates:
Interact with people who have different perspectives from yours. Participate in debates, discussion forums, or study groups where you can exchange ideas and enrich your understanding through dialogue. But listen more than you speak.
Travel and explore new cultures:
Knowledge is not only acquired through books and courses but also through direct experience. Travel to new places, immerse yourself in different cultures, and open your mind to new perspectives and ways of life. You can also be a tourist in your own city. Visit museums, iconic places. You don't have to travel far to be on a journey.
Remember, acquiring knowledge is a continuous and ever-evolving process. Learn the art of exploring, questioning, and discovering.
Each new learning will open doors to new possibilities and allow you to grow as a person.
I hope to see you in the next edition as we continue exploring the mysteries of the universe!
PS: If you liked this edition... could you send it by email to three people you know who are interested in expanding their minds?
With love,
Adrian