Surprising Ideas: Philosophy!

A philosopher, politician, orator, academic, and scholar named Cicero lived from 106 BC to 43 BC.  His lectures and instruction heavily influenced the Roman world.  Did you know he famously said:

“Nec quicquam aliud est philosophia, si interpretari velis, praeter studium sapientiae; sapientia autem est rerum divinarum et humanarum causarumque quibus eae res continentur scientia.”

I didn’t have a clue what that meant that so I fired up the Google translator and this is what came out:

“Nor is philosophy, if you wish to interpret it, anything else than the study of wisdom; but wisdom is the knowledge of divine and human things and of the causes by which those things are contained.”

The ancient Greek and Roman cultures were heavily invested in philosophical debates.  I still don’t understand Plato or Socrates or Aristotle.  Several years ago I borrowed “Philosophy for Dummies” from the library to try and figure out the big picture of the history and development of philosophy.  Let me just say I’m glad I didn’t buy the book.  I’m still confused.

Cicero’s quote, though, makes sense to me.  Allow me to paraphrase:  “Philosophy is the seeking to understand knowledge of God, His created order, and how God is at work.”  I can wrap my head, arms, and heart around that. 

Our modern word “philosophy” is influenced by Latin and Greek roots meaning “love” (philo) and “wisdom” (sophia).  As best as I can determine, the word was coined about the time Socrates was waxing eloquent about not knowing what he didn’t know.  

My favourite philosopher, “lover of wisdom” so to speak, is Solomon.  His treatise on wisdom (we refer to it as the book of Ecclesiastes) is classic philosophy.  There are statements that are clear and easy to understand (“What is crooked cannot be made straight, and what is lacking cannot be counted” (1:15 ESV), statements that are confusing (“Be not overly righteous, and do not make yourself too wise. Why should you destroy yourself?” 7:16 ESV), and some that are downright cryptic (“Cast your bread upon the waters, for you will find it after many days” 11:1 ESV).  He provides great fodder upon which our minds can ruminate.

In Solomon’s mind and culture, the concept of wisdom was closely connected to the idea of skill.  Artisans who could produce tapestries, carve wood, or work with gold, silver, and bronze were called “wise.”  It isn’t that the crafts practiced by these people granted them insights to the mysteries of the universe.  Their years of practice, making mistakes, learning, starting over, etc. resulted in a competency in their respective area of discipline and craft.  They were skilled, “wise” in their craft.

If we move beyond the realm of craftsmanship to that of “lifemanship,” we share in a journey of being passionate to know and understand the realm of the divine and human.  We want to know our Creator and understand how that knowledge engages with the daily grind we call life.  We develop this skill not only by the accumulation of information but also by daily practice in making mistakes, learning, starting over, etc.  Sometimes those mistakes can be pretty significant.  Thankfully, God’s love and grace is always greater!

Here are some of my favourite philosophical statements from the book of Ecclesiastes.  Any one of these can occupy our hearts and minds for a long time (all quotes are from the ESV):

Of making many books there is no end, and much study is a weariness of the flesh. (2:12)

Every student agrees, no question!

Consider the work of God: who can make straight what he has made crooked?  In the day of prosperity be joyful, and in the day of adversity consider: God has made the one as well as the other, so that man may not find out anything that will be after him. (7:13-14)

A major life skill;  God knows, God is engaged, we are dependent on Him.

 There is nothing better for a person than that he should eat and drink and find enjoyment in his toil. This also, I saw, is from the hand of God, for apart from him who can eat or who can have enjoyment? (2:24-25)

Enjoy the blessings!  They come from God so we will celebrate and remember His goodness!

Be not rash with your mouth, nor let your heart be hasty to utter a word before God, for God is in heaven and you are on earth. Therefore let your words be few. (5:2)

I can’t assume I know the “why-s” of life;  I can’t speak for God.

The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.  For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil. (12:13-14)

That pretty much sums it up, doesn’t it?

Pick one of these truths and let it roll around your head for the day.  Enjoy being a lover of wisdom.