What does it mean to think independently? Does it mean thinking independently of external influences? Or to confront one’s ideas with the practical experience of everyday life? Independent thinking is a fundamental characteristic of philosophical endeavor and the philosophical path, which consists of an individual search for truth in order to better understand ourselves and … Read more
“When we think of fencing, we think of sword fighting techniques. This is quite natural, but incorrect, according to the words of the legendary Japanese swordsman Miyamoto Musashi. And indeed, everyone who has heard of Musashi knows that he was much more than just a skilled swordsman. Judging by his calligraphy and ink drawings, he … Read more
The Chinese philosopher Mengzi (Mencius, 372-288 BC) is a follower of Confucius’ teachings and a representative of the idealistic wing of Confucianism. He was born in the state of Zou (northwestern part of present-day Shandong province), which bordered the state of Lu, Confucius’ hometown. His mother played an important role in his life, raising him … Read more
“When God looks at a creature, He gives it existence; When a creature looks at God, it gains its existence. The soul has a rational, knowing existence; Therefore, where God is, there is the soul, and where the soul is, there is God.” Meister Eckhart was born around 1260 in the small village of Hochheim … Read more
“Meden agan” is the second most famous inscription on the Temple of Apollo in Delphi. The first and more well-known one, “Gnothiseauton” or “Know Thyself,” was accepted by Socrates as the guiding principle of his philosophy. The saying “Meden agan” is also known in the form of “Metronariston,” which means “Moderation is best,” and in … Read more
The concept of martial arts is usually associated with numerous combat techniques that come from the Far East. Their historical origin is the ancient martial art of the Indian kshatriyas (warriors), known as Kalari Payit, which was brought to China by the legendary Bodhidharma as a form of exercise for Shaolin monks. This gave rise … Read more
The Renaissance is one of the brightest periods in Western history, a transition from the medieval harsh darkness to classical clarity and elegance. In our time, many thinkers contemplate the coming of a new Middle Ages; the thought of the Renaissance clearly indicates how far we are from it. This era of brilliance in the … Read more
The Renaissance, a time of revival of all values worthy of man, a reawakening of dormant ideas about the cosmos and man, about the beauty and meaning of science, art, politics, and religion. Is the Earth round? How do planets move? How to achieve depth on a painting canvas? How to create an ideal city? … Read more
“There was something in him that always awakened the desire in me to shout to everyone: ‘Look at what kind of person lives on Earth!’” Maxim Gorky Childhood Lev Nikolayevich Tolstoy was born on August 28 (according to the Russian Julian calendar) in 1828 in Yasnaya Polyana, a couple hundred kilometers from Moscow. He was … Read more
Even the largest tree starts from a small seed. Even the tallest tower starts from a pile of earth. Even the longest journey starts with the first step. However, in the middle of the first millennium BCE, China was hit by political and social unrest. Traditional values gradually lost their original meaning and no longer … Read more
