A most excellent thought

So a poor, bald, ugly guy had a way of seeing things hundreds of years ago, and he’s the reason you think the way you do now. I’ve always found that an amazing thing. I remember talking to someone who scoffed at the idea of heady philosophers. He didn’t have time for that crap! Yet, he also claimed to be a “see it to believe it” kind of person. Little did he know, his thinking this way wasn’t simply a result of experiences and life lessons he’d had. In fact, it was largely because René Descartes and other long haired philosophers with oddly trimmed facial hair from the Enlightenment period started asking questions and posing theories. If you are a Christian and you believe in the existence of the universe, you can thank Thomas Aquinas. If you are not a Christian and you believe in there being no moral absolutes, you can thank David Hume. Believe in rights for the oppressed including prisoners? Thank Michel Foucault.

And then, there’s Socrates. He’s one of the cast of historical characters In (1989), and, as it turns out, he was indeed poor, bald, and ugly (Reference here). And one of the major thoughts on life he passed down to us is one of our most valued: Think for yourself.

Yeah, poor ol’ Socrates was even executed for thinking and teaching this. And he was forced to carry out his own death by drinking poison. But his sacrifice wasn’t for nothing. We strongly believe in his idea of thinking for ourselves and not being mindless followers. Unfortunately that can be hard. How do we know if the ideas we are adhering to don’t fit into this category of blind discipleship?

It is at this point that I have to fight the urge to provide an answer here. I mean, it would go against this value we all have if I were to say, “Ok, here’s what we all should think and why.” However, though I won’t suggest a way to think, I can suggest a guide. Chances are you and I have beliefs that don’t jive. And that is fine. But we can follow the guidance of two very wise sages. Like Socrates, they too are old and sometimes ugly, but they have proven their worth time and again for thousands of years. Their names are 1) simple logic and 2) love and care for your fellow human beings. If we can give these two old farts our attention, perhaps we can get to the promised land of wisdom. In short, be excellent to each other!

Congratulations This is your week.

Best Actress:

Carrie-Anne Moss as Trinity in Her opening scene is so badass!

Best Actor: Other than Keanu, I think it would be fitting to give Alex Winter the best actor award for his role as Bill in Fitting because a sequel is coming out soon for the franchise. Excellent!

Best Quote:“Do I look civilized to you?” — Keanu Reeves as John Wick in John

Something that’s really cool about Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure is that it started as a bit in an improv class. Students were doing an ad lib dialogue of two guys talking about history who know nothing about history. I don’t know about you, but I fully intend on seeing this sequel!