Little Dude ~ Yes you do; you know all about life!
I dig philosophy.
We’re all philosophers at heart.
Whether we realize it for not, we search for answers to life’s unanswerable questions. At some point, we realize that we don’t know…and no one does!
At that crossroads, we can throw on the blinders and slip into the cultural norms guided by powers beyond our control, or we can dig deeper and build a personal philosophy that can guide our life.
This personal structure is unique for everyone. Where to start? Who to trust? What is really important?
Luckily there have been very rad dudes (and ladies too) raising these same questions for a loooong time. Dudes like Plato, Socrates, Machiavelli, and many more.
Unfortunately, it’s easy to be swept away by the cultural stream, and for the vast majority of us, we’re not exposed to great thinkers until it’s too late.
Perhaps this is by design.
If people think less and follow more, it sure is easier to guide them.
In the end, we are all responsible for ourselves. And self-education is a primary responsibility.
However, as every parent knows, for the first 18 years, it is our responsibility to mold those young minds. And those young minds depend on us to “know all about life.”
Little Dude: Why can’t girls have boys names?
Dude: I don’t know. (It was early; I weaseled out.)
Little Dude: (Offended now) Yes you do; you know all about life!
How cool is that?! Our kids actually think we know all about life! Awesome.
Perhaps we didn’t get a great education. Or pay attention to that education. But it’s not too late. Not too late for you, and not too late for the little ones that think we have a clue. It could be years before they’re on to us!
Take the blinders off and start to build your personal philosophy. As a result, the little ones will start to build their philosophy too.
A few weeks ago I was asked to review a book called “Dead White Guys.” I’m asked to review books from time to time, and most of the time I decline without much thought.
I have enough to do/read without spending time on unsolicited books. But this one grabbed my attention. As the subtitle says, “A father, his daughter, and the great books of the western world.”
That’s got Dude written all over it. And it didn’t disappoint.
The book is written as a father passing down advice to his child. The advice just happens to be based on some of the greatest minds in history. The book is filled with compelling stories, heart-felt examples, and the loving guidance that only a parent can share with a child. It felt like me, talking to my kids, through the book.
Matt Burriesci is a talented writer that shares a great view of brilliant historic thinkers.
We all need to spend time with these philosophers. But our kids who depend on us to “know all about life” need this guidance now more than ever.
The world is a crazy place. Powers are fighting for your kids’ attention. If you don’t take it, someone/thing else will.
Build your personal philosophy, and help the kids start to build theirs. “Dead White Guys” is a great place to start.
Nice work Mr. Burriesci.