Not at the bottom, but somewhere in the middle - better than taking drugs, or mugging people, or joining a religion, but not as good uncovering ultimate truth and becoming wise.DQ: All science is a variation of the theme of studying dung-beetles. Even the grandest theorizing by cosmologists is infinitely small and infinitely unimportant in the larger scheme of things.
H: Apples and oranges. Sounds like you are creating a hierarchy of value, and are placing scientific-thought somewhere on the bottom
Studying dung-beetles is better than being a dung-beetle.
...whats the point of this arbitrary mental construct of yours?
To point people's minds to the reality and importance of the wisdom which transcends science.
The nature of Reality, the nature of mind, philosophical logic, human egotism, the ins and outs of spiritual life, etc.What makes something worthy of examination and inspection in your point of view, if not science, then what and why?
Science has a place, but it's not as important as these things.
The nature of Reality, the nature of mind, philosophical logic, human egotism, the ins and outs of spiritual life, etc.DQ: Science is process of immersing oneself in the trees and losing sight of the forest. It is a useful vehicle for those who want their minds distracted from fundamental issues, and many people are quick to take advantage of it.
H: What do you think are the fundamental issues?
DQ: To my mind, his greatest expression of genius was his uncompromising nature and his willingness to squarely face the suffering which underlies becoming truthful and wise in this world. Most gurus concentrate on the perceived happy aspects of spirituality - the tranquility, inner peace, greater control, etc - but very few of them ever touch upon the terrifying and painful aspects. For good reason, they don't want to scare their followers away! It wouldn't be good for business.
H: That sounds just a bit circular, his greatest expression of genius was his willingness to face the suffering which underlies becoming wise [a genius]....
I'm trying to find out what he said or did that warrants such a rank. For example, if I asked what makes Michelangelo Buonarroti a fantastic sculptor? One could answer: well he sculpted X Y and Z...and they were fantastic by our standards.
Do you understand what I mean?
Don't tell me hes a great sculptor because he had the courage to face the suffering which underlies becoming a sculptor...
So now, if you want, you could give me some examples of him being wise, like examples of him "squarely facing the suffering which underlies becoming wise"....
Have a look at the link that Kevin and Cory provided. Every word on those pages is an expression of Kierkegaard's genius.
-