Ever since reading Locke in college last year I've been rather enchanted with the course of his life, namely in how he was (what is today) the stereotypical college student--gifted, but torn in multiple directions by a wide array of interests but a lack of strong ties to any particular field--especially in the context of this quarter in which I've felt a near-complete absence of motivation in my studies:
One important thinker who exemplified Epictetus' ideal [of living upon philosophical principles and values] was John Locke. Bored with the scholastic curriculum during his studies at Christ Church, Oxford, he spent much of his time as an undergraduate reading French literature. After receiving his B.A. in 1656, Locke plunged into the study of medicine and chemistry, later supervising a surgery to drain an abscess on Lord Ashley's liver (the operation probably saved Ashley's life). Locke saw his Essay Concerning Human Understanding, the locus classicus for modern empiricist philosophy, as providing part of the conceptual framework for the new scientific advances of Boyle, Huygens, "and the incomparable Mr. Newton". His Two Treatises on Government was the single most important text for the constitution of the United States.
(source: "Philosophers in the World", http://www.philrs.iastate.edu/world.shtml)
Someday, I hope I can follow a similar path. Take one thing you love, regardless of your occupation, and make a legacy out of it. Such examples are the only motivation I have for grad school, granted that being a professional philosopher isn't easy these days. I guess professorship would be the next-best thing.
One important thinker who exemplified Epictetus' ideal [of living upon philosophical principles and values] was John Locke. Bored with the scholastic curriculum during his studies at Christ Church, Oxford, he spent much of his time as an undergraduate reading French literature. After receiving his B.A. in 1656, Locke plunged into the study of medicine and chemistry, later supervising a surgery to drain an abscess on Lord Ashley's liver (the operation probably saved Ashley's life). Locke saw his Essay Concerning Human Understanding, the locus classicus for modern empiricist philosophy, as providing part of the conceptual framework for the new scientific advances of Boyle, Huygens, "and the incomparable Mr. Newton". His Two Treatises on Government was the single most important text for the constitution of the United States.
(source: "Philosophers in the World", http://www.philrs.iastate.edu/world.shtml)
Someday, I hope I can follow a similar path. Take one thing you love, regardless of your occupation, and make a legacy out of it. Such examples are the only motivation I have for grad school, granted that being a professional philosopher isn't easy these days. I guess professorship would be the next-best thing.
Otherwse you can get overwhelmed and need a break from your passion sort of. well, thats the boat i'm in.. :S
thanks for sending your love to my latest set!