NUMENON |
PONDERING CORE ESSENCE
NUMENON |
Prepping for my ToastMasters' debut; cleaning out our collection of decades-old textbooks; and the current general situation (i.e., The COVID-19 Pandemic) all have me thinking about meaning and purpose. I intend for my ToastMasters' Icebreaker talk to be centered around this Blog; I think I could keep somebody engaged for the requisite short period, I believe it could even be interesting to some, and I can speak fairly naturally and comfortably about the subjects I've pursued here. Plus, it embodies much of importance to me, and perhaps distinguishes me as an individual voice. I am no philosopher; but rummaging through my old texts has reminded me that the few philosophy courses I took as an undergrad were formative in the long run. I am by nature an organized, logical and critical thinker. At the very least, I can be skeptical, and I've developed a few different approaches to successfully analyze problems. Mostly, I like to think, and maybe that's really all it takes to develop at least a nascent appreciation for the thoughts and methods of others. Right now, there's a lot to think about! The pace of change has recently accelerated exponentially with this season's pandemic. Work; home; leisure; all have been affected. There's no reason to think that this flux will settle down any time soon; and there's potential darkness on our collective horizon. I am in a good position to withstand change for the worse in many ways, and so I know that I am very fortunate. Still, it's difficult to maintain too sunny of an outlook for the future at this moment. So, I've recent been quietly thinking (in my own, stunted fashion) philosophically, frequently. Recall, the header to my original blog joked "Kant, Leopold, Lachance... some of the West's Great Thinkers have pondered the question of core essence, and the true meaning of our existence." Go ahead, check out any of the original Numenon posts via the "Original Blogging" link atop this page. I include myself as a joke, but as an important joke; thoughtful consideration of circumstances and what they might mean is important to me! Kant's "Noumenon" was the unknowable "thing-in-itself"; that which it really is, as opposed to how it might be perceived to be. Leopold's "Numenon" was shaped by Kant's "Noumenon", that much is clear. I've perhaps conflated Leopold's "core essence" of his Numenon with some sort of understanding of value and/or meaning. But my supposed understanding and subsequent embrace of central issues has, perhaps, enabled me to occasionally assign or distill some meaning or purpose to my environment and circumstances. I might very well be incorrect in any particular case; but, at least I can occasionally glimpse central themes and help maintain some bearing for myself. That is especially valuable, especially in difficult or uncertain scenarios. As part of his March 23, 2020 Press Conference calling for Massachusetts citizens to embrace his stay-at-home advisory, Governor Charlie Baker stated: "Purpose is what drives us, purpose is what fills our souls," he said. "Many feel lost, and I can see why. But here's the truth: we all have a role. We all have purpose as we battle this disease. Protecting one another from the spread of COVID-19 by limiting physical and social contact and staying at home is profoundly purposeful. Every single act of distance has purpose." Thank you, Governor Baker, for this calm reminder in a difficult time. Each of us is an important participant, each of us has an effect on the outcome. This is currently a noble calling, and recognizing this, it should be easier to swallow the bitter pills we've been handed. Let's hope that others can maintain this focus and keep their eyes on the meaningful prizes. In the meantime, I will quietly telecommute, care for those I love and am responsible for, maintain my social distance and prepare myself to do my best with any future circumstances. That's enough purpose for me right now, and I don't need to concern myself too much with what that future might hold. I can do that later, once these immediate matters have been handled. Pondering the questions of core essence and finding meaning in unexpected ways
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Steve LachanceVia Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Michigan and now, back to New England! Archives
June 2024
Categories
All
|