The line that got me was the scholar who's "admirable" when higher thinking is active but "an encumbrance" when common sense is wanted. That's basically the exact charge leveled at a lot of contemplative philosophy, that withholding judgment on the big questions leaves you useless for the small, practical ones. Emerson showing prudence and elevated thought aren't actually in conflict, you can hold off on certainty and still act well in the moment.
Good reminder that these old schools have more overlapping ground than the labels suggest.
Thanks Griffin, glad you liked it. I agree that there's a lot of underappreciated overlap between different philosophical schools (Epicureanism and Stoicism being a prominent one I've written about before), but I think Epicureanism stands out for its overlap with prudential common sense.
The great majority of philosophers are somewhere between disdainful and neglectful regarding the value of the kind of prudence Emerson talks about here: moderating one's expenses, choosing productive investments, working efficiently in whatever field one is in, etc. There is obviously a lot of appetite for this kind of advice, but most highbrow philosophy ignores such subjects, leaving people to get their lifestyle counsel from philosophically insubstantial sources. I'd like to see Epicureanism become more prominent in that space!
This is a great angle. Really enjoyed it.
The line that got me was the scholar who's "admirable" when higher thinking is active but "an encumbrance" when common sense is wanted. That's basically the exact charge leveled at a lot of contemplative philosophy, that withholding judgment on the big questions leaves you useless for the small, practical ones. Emerson showing prudence and elevated thought aren't actually in conflict, you can hold off on certainty and still act well in the moment.
Good reminder that these old schools have more overlapping ground than the labels suggest.
Thanks Griffin, glad you liked it. I agree that there's a lot of underappreciated overlap between different philosophical schools (Epicureanism and Stoicism being a prominent one I've written about before), but I think Epicureanism stands out for its overlap with prudential common sense.
The great majority of philosophers are somewhere between disdainful and neglectful regarding the value of the kind of prudence Emerson talks about here: moderating one's expenses, choosing productive investments, working efficiently in whatever field one is in, etc. There is obviously a lot of appetite for this kind of advice, but most highbrow philosophy ignores such subjects, leaving people to get their lifestyle counsel from philosophically insubstantial sources. I'd like to see Epicureanism become more prominent in that space!