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EMERSON="Trust thyself; every heart vibrates to that iron string." These immortal words, published in Ralph Waldo Emerson's Self-Reliance in 1841, represent just one of the thousands of shimmering diamonds of wisdom imparted by the man known as the "Concord Sage." Emerson beautifully espoused the virtues individualism. Reading Emerson's prose is a laborious process but one that yields infinite rewards.
As in life, the amount of heart and soul you bring to bear when reading Emerson's essays, poems and lectures will be reflected in what you take away. "Insist on yourself; never imitate," Emerson wrote in Self-Reliance. He consistently called upon his readers to be still and listen to their inner voice, and then act on that eternal wisdom within. "Whoso would be a man must be a nonconformist," Emerson also states in Self-Reliance. His series of essays laid the foundation of modern American philosophy.
CONFUCIUS=Among ancient Eastern philosophers, Confucius is arguably the most familiar to the Western world and perhaps the most quotable. "By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; Second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest," Confucius wrote. A Chinese philosopher who lived from 551 BC-479 BC, Confucius' collection of thoughts was developed into a school of thought known as Confucianism.
Confucius is perhaps best known for everyday, practical wisdom like, "Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life." If one studies quotes by Confucius, they may begin to see his philosophy reflected in modern self-help books. "The will to win, the desire to succeed, the urge to reach your full potential… these are the keys that will unlock the door to personal excellence," Confucius wrote.
DESCARTES Known as the "Father of Modern Philosophy," Ren Descartes had a profound influence on Western philosophy. Descartes' Meditations on First Philosophy is required reading for most college philosophy majors. A mathematician, Descartes is forerver immortalized by the Cartesian coordinate system, which introduced geometric shapes into the discipline of algebra. Descartes is known as the father of analytical geometry and a key player in the Scientific Revolution. The innovation that Descartes brought to philosophy is a questioning attitude. Considering that humans rely on their five senses to interpret the world around them, and that our senses can deceive us, Descartes believed the essence of seeking truth is questioning our reality. "If you would be a real seeker after truth, it is necessary that at least once in your life you doubt, as far as possible, all things," Descartes wrote. To his credit, Descartes also include concrete life advice in his wisdom. "It is not enough to have a good mind; the main thing is to use it well," he wrote.
David Hume
Wiki User
∙ 13y ago
The best philosopher is subjective and can vary depending on individual preferences and beliefs. Some widely admired philosophers include Plato, Aristotle, Immanuel Kant, and Friedrich Nietzsche. Each philosopher offers unique perspectives and contributions to the field of philosophy.
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What are Aristotle Plato and Socrates best known as?
Aristotle is known as a philosopher and scientist, Plato as a philosopher and founder of the Academy, and Socrates as a philosopher and teacher known for his Socratic method.
Who was the philosopher who said be the most you can be?
Aristotle is a philosopher who believed in the concept of self-actualization, encouraging individuals to strive to fulfill their potential and be the best versions of themselves. However, the specific phrase "be the most you can be" is not attributed to any specific philosopher.
What Greek philosopher was known as The Philosopher to Europeans?
Aristotle is known as "The Philosopher" to Europeans due to his significant contributions to various fields such as ethics, metaphysics, politics, and natural sciences, which have greatly influenced Western thought. His works have been foundational in shaping European intellectual traditions.
What philosopher believed that a philosopher king should govern a society?
Plato, a classical Greek philosopher, believed in the concept of a philosopher king. In his work "The Republic," Plato argued that a ruler with a strong philosophical background and education would make the best leader for a society, as they would possess wisdom and knowledge necessary to govern justly.
Who thought government should be run by philosopher kings?
Plato
What Greek philosopher was known as The Philosopher to Europeans?
Aristotle is known as "The Philosopher" to Europeans due to his significant contributions to various fields such as ethics, metaphysics, politics, and natural sciences, which have greatly influenced Western thought. His works have been foundational in shaping European intellectual traditions.
Aristotle best field for?
Aristotle's best field of study was philosophy, particularly in the areas of metaphysics, ethics, and politics. His contributions in these areas have had a lasting impact on Western thought and continue to be influential today.
Which philosopher was best known for teaching through questioning?
Socrates is best known for his teaching method of questioning, also known as the Socratic method. He believed that through asking probing questions, individuals could examine their beliefs and uncover the truth for themselves. This approach is a central element of Socratic philosophy and has been influential in the fields of ethics, logic, and education.
Who was the philosopher who said be the most you can be?
Aristotle is a philosopher who believed in the concept of self-actualization, encouraging individuals to strive to fulfill their potential and be the best versions of themselves. However, the specific phrase "be the most you can be" is not attributed to any specific philosopher.
What best describes Lucretius?
A follower of the teaching of Greek philosopher Epicurus.
Who is Ron in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone?
Ron Weasley is Harry Potter's best friend. He is a fellow Gryffindor who helped Harry save the Philosopher's Stone.
How is Socrates pronounced?
Socrates is pronounced as "SAH-kruh-teez" with the emphasis on the first syllable.
According to Plato what was the best type of ruler for an ideal society?
According to Plato's "The Republic," the best type of ruler for an ideal society is a philosopher-king. This individual possesses both intelligence and wisdom, understanding the true nature of reality and the principles of justice. A philosopher-king is able to rule with virtue and lead the society towards the common good.
What philosopher believed that a powerful king should rule a nation?
Thomas Hobbes believed that a powerful king should rule a nation in order to maintain order and prevent chaos. He argued that a strong central authority was necessary to ensure the well-being and security of society.
What was J.K. Rowlings best book that she wrote?
Based on sales only it is the Philosopher's Stone.
Who is democratus?
Democritus was a Greek scientist and philosopher. He is best remembered for suggesting the existence of atoms.
Which political philosopher is best known for developing the concept of social contract?
The political philosopher best known for developing the concept of social contract is Jean-Jacques Rousseau. He argued that individuals come together in society and form a contract to create a government that serves the common good and protects individual rights.
