THE FINANCIAL PHILOSOPHER

Vote For George Carlin: The 'Anti-Columnist' Part 2

"When someone asks you, A penny for your thoughts and you put your two cents in, what happens to the other penny?" ~ George Carlin

Thanks in part to you; I've advanced to Round 2 of the MarketWatch "World's Next Greatest Investing Columnist" contest.  The competition gets really tough at this stage.  Therefore, I had no choice but to bring out one philosopher skilled at being the most entertaining anti-establishment individual I've encountered--Mr. George Carlin.

The greatest comedians are not unlike the greatest philosophers throughout history. They inspire us to think about our thinking and often present their thoughts in the form of questions, for those of us who will listen, to answer for ourselves. The audience is thus enabled, not only to laugh at their own folly but to engage in critical reasoning.

Here are but a few examples of Carlin's funny philosophical questions:

When someone is impatient and says, 'I haven't got all day,' I always wonder, How can that be?  How can you not have all day?

What if there were no hypothetical questions?

Why is the man (or woman) who invests all your money called a broker?

For more George Carlin and to vote for us in Round 2 of the MarketWatch competition, please go to my new article, The Funny Truth: 5 Investment Lessons From George Carlin, and hit the "Like" button on that webpage.

Thanks.  I'll be back next week...

Politics, Plato & the Illusion of Happiness

"There will be no end to the troubles of states, or of humanity itself, till philosophers become kings in this world, or till those we now call kings and rulers really and truly become philosophers, and political power and philosophy thus come into the same hands." ~  ~ Plato

Representatives of all political parties have the same message: "You need me." To put it simply, this is an illusion, a lie.  The most powerful (and most damaging) illusion is the one that says happiness is enabled from outside of oneself.  Politicians cast this illusion because illusion is what the human brain prefers to reality:  "Vote for me and I will create more jobs. Therefore, you will have more money, which will make you happy." 

Philosophers Should Be 'Kings' (But Never Will Be)

2500 years ago, Plato, who was born to an aristocratic and influential family, could have chosen the affluent and powerful life of a politician.  Fortunately for us all, he chose to become a philosopher because he felt that this was the best way to serve the greater good. 

In his famous work, The Republic, Plato describes in his "Allegory of the Cave" how most people, which he calls prisoners, have a false impression of reality. In this analogy, narrated by his mentor, Socrates, Plato describes how the prisoners are chained and face a wall. The prisoners are not able to see behind them where figures pass before a fire; they can only see ahead of them, where only the shadows of the figures are projected onto the wall. The prisoners ascribe false forms (words and symbols) to these figures and, according to Plato’s Socrates, the shadows are as close as the prisoners get to viewing reality.

"Wonder is the feeling of the philosopher and philosophy begins in wonder." ~ Plato

In the analogy of the cave, the philosopher is like a prisoner who is freed from the cave and realizes that the shadows on the wall are not reality. This is why knowledge can be deceptive because people tend to believe what they see, hear or learn from others without question, without doubt, without wondering. To free oneself from the cave, one must stop looking forward at the shadows of reality and look inward at the highest forms—one’s own ideas, one’s authentic self.

I touched upon the theme of this false reality in the recent post, The American Awakening.  Humans are accostomed to seeing only shadows of reality; they prefer dreaming to consciousness.  Therefore anyone wanting to reach large audiences must cast their illusion--their shadow on the wall--for others to see it.  However, the philosopher--the thinker, the minority of humans who are free of the cave--exists to help others free themselves, to awaken from the dream they mistake for reality.

"One of the penalties for refusing to participate in politics is that you end up being governed by your inferiors." ~ Plato

Politicians, although masters of the skill, are not the only illusionists; we are all illusionists to some degree.  If you learn that happiness is accomplished from outside influences and that your identity is directly tied to the way you project your image--your shadow, your illusion--you will will naturally seek the means to create the most attractive image possible:  You buy the education, the clothes, the car, the house, the social memberships to form this identity. 

You want to appear "rich" on the outside, which is a prime reason why debt exists.  Ironically, many people are neither financially rich, nor are they spiritually rich.  How can you blame politicians for telling you that the pursuit of happiness, to fulfill the dream, is the highest ideal?  It's what you've been taught and it's what most people believe (mistake) as truth.

"We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light." ~ Plato

As the philosopher wanting to free as many people as possible from the cave, I ask of you to try a small exercise whenever you listen to a politician speak:  Whenever they say "dream" or "happiness" or "freedom" or "truth," you will know that they are casting their illusion.  Soon the illusion will dissolve and you will learn that the shadows on the wall are not reality.  This is the end of the dream and the beginning of true happiness in reality, a step toward authenticity, the path to a meaningful existence.

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Plato Image by Shannon

Related:

Climbing the 'Corporate Ladder'... For What?

What Do You Look Like Under Your Mask?

Notes & Quotes on Reflection

"As a single footstep will not make a path on the earth, so a single thought will not make a pathway in the mind. To make a deep physical path, we walk again and again. To make a deep mental path, we must think over and over the kind of thoughts we wish to dominate our lives." ~ Henry David Thoreau

The annual ritual of looking back over the year-to-pass while looking forward to the year-to-come can be healthy but why must this brief moment of reflection occur just once per year?  And why must this reflection be just a turning of the page?  Reflection is too important to take so lightly, as if it were an occasion for entertaining ourselves or for making resolutions for the sake of making resolutions.

Reflecting is...

Reflecting is a simple meditative process of cleansing the mind of clutter and of turning down the noise of outside influence so that you may listen clearly to the inner self.

Reflecting is the most crucial activity for an individual’s overall well-being; it is the practice of stepping outside of and returning to the self; and it is the periodic meditation that maintains all of the greatest virtues, especially that of humility, patience and contentment.

Reflecting is the act of tapping on your own shoulder to be sure you are awake—to be sure you are alive—living a life of authenticity, meaning and purpose—being here now and not somewhere else, not wishing or wanting to be someone or something else other than yourself. In a sense, reflecting is not an ending or a beginning but may be better described as a perpetual beginning again. Every day and every moment is a new beginning; and every time you reflect, you begin again.

Quotes on Reflection

For a guide to reflection at this year-end, and to inspire ongoing reflection in your life, here are some quotes for forming your new reflecting habits:

The more developed reflection is, the more quickly it can collect itself; like a passport officer checking foreign travelers, it comes to be so familiar with the sight of the most fabulous characters that it is not easily taken aback. ~ Soren Kierkegaard

It's quite true what philosophy says, that life must be understood backwards. But one then forgets the other principle, that it must be lived forwards. A principle which, the more one thinks it through, precisely leads to the conclusion that life in time can never be properly understood, just because no moment can acquire the complete stillness needed to orient oneself backward. ~ Soren Kierkegaard

Every one rushes elsewhere and into the future, because no one wants to face one's own inner self. ~ Michel de Montaigne

Not choice, but habit rules the unreflecting herd. ~William Wordsworth

What we call the beginning is often the end. And to make an end is to make a beginning. The end is where we start from. ~ T.S. Eliot

Admittedly, I am aware of a certain weakness in me, in that I am unable to keep my attention fixed on one and the same item of knowledge at all times; but by attentive and repeated meditation I am nevertheless able to make myself remember it as often as the need arises, and thus get into the habit of avoiding error. It is here that man’s greatest and most important perfection is found… ~ Rene Descartes

Two things fill the mind with ever new and increasing wonder and awe, the more often and the more seriously reflection concentrates upon them: the starry heaven above me and the moral law within me. ~ Immanuel Kant

The perfect man uses his mind as a mirror. It grasps nothing, it rejects nothing. It receives but does not keep. ~ Chuang tzu

Ask not that events happen as you will, but let your will be that events should happen as they do, and you shall have peace. ~ Epictetus

Whenever I prepare for a journey I prepare as though for death.  Should I never return, all is in order. ~ Katherine Mansfield

People usually fail when they are on the verge of success. So give as much care to the end as to the beginning; Then there will be no failure. ~Lau Tzu

As you reflect on the passing year, perhaps you may form only one resolution for the New Year--a resolution to continue reflecting every day...

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Related: Mind vs Brain Part III: Habits of the Reflective Mind

Procuring Freedom With a 'Razor'

What does a medieval philosopher, simplicity and a "razor" have to do with freedom?  I'm so happy that you asked!

July, for most of you in the United States, may bring to mind the thought of freedom (in addition to the summer heat) as Americans observe Independence Day.  While many of us think of those things that have made our freedom and independence possible, less of us think of those things that actually take away our freedom and independence.

Freedom means many things to many people, almost to the degree that the word's meaning is abstract.  What represents freedom to one may represent enslavement or subjection to another.  More commonly, those things most considered to be liberating and/or productive have paradoxical consequences.  Today, therefore, I would like to call to mind some things that may be inhibiting your freedom, but perhaps you may have first thought of as liberating or productive.

"Entities should not be multiplied unnecessarily." ~ Sir William of Ockham (c.1288 - c.1348)

Why add complexity if it is not necessary?  Sir William of Ockham certainly agrees.  Who is Sir William of Ockham?  He is credited with the principle of Occam's Razor (or Ockham's Razor), which "recommends the selection of the hypothesis that introduces the fewest assumptions and postulates the fewest entities while sufficiently answering the question."

With regard to the "hypothesis" of how to lead a fulfilled and meaningful life, I submit that simplicity is one of the greatest virtues in this pursuit.  For example, if you reduce your daily activities to half the current level and are able to maintain the same or greater level of meaning and fulfillment, then Occam's Razor says to do so!

Let's consider some of the means of procuring freedom, in the spirit of Occam's Razor, via the pursuit of simplicity, viewed through the lens of personal finance:

• More choices often lead to less decisions, poor decisions or no decision at all.  While some choice may be good, more choice is not necessarily better.  With regard to personal finance, social research has shown that more investment choices in a 401(k) plan has led to lower participation on the part of employees.  How many investments do you need?  If you are a mutual fund investor,  the benefits of diversification will more likely diminish than increase beyond eight or ten funds.
• Allocation of Attention:  Most of us are familiar with investment assets, such as stocks, bonds and cash; however, we tend to forget an asset that may be more important -- our attention -- which is certainly one of the only assets where we can control performance.  Much like the allocation of a portfolio of investments, you should allocate where and how your attention is spent and determine if your information sources are adding to (or reducing) simplicity in your life.  What adds value?  What adds complexity?  What takes time away from your priorities?  Do you need cable tv, video games, newspapers, magazines, cell phones, or blogs?  If so, to what degree? 
• Align who you are with what you do:  This is the essence of freedom.  Do you enjoy what you do?  How much time do you spend on activities that you simply do not care to do?  Why are still doing them?  How soon can you minimize or remove them and increase the time and energy spent on things you enjoy -- your priorities?  Essentially, an increase in time spent on activities you enjoy will reduce time available for activities you do not enjoy; thereby increasing your freedom.
• Outsourcing:  Do you enjoy researching investments and planning your finances?  If not, hire a financial adviser.  How much is your time worth?
• The definition of terms:  Define the word productive.  If anything can slice needless complexity out of your life, this may be the most simple and effective strategy to do so.  To define what productive means to you, simply make a short list of the thing(s) you wish to produce.  Is it time with family?  Is it time to write the book you've always wanted to write?  Is it money for a well-deserved vacation?  Is it money or materials for a charity?  While you're at it, define a few other terms, such as wealth, strength, weakness and happiness.
• Turn down the noise:  One thread running throughout this post may be the idea that conventional wisdom has more influence on the "average person" than is healthy.  Media sources, educational institutions, parents, and other social influences are constantly trying to tell you how to act, what to study in school, what career to pursue, where to invest your money, which car to drive and what things bring you most happiness.  Only YOU should choose these things.  Tune out (or significantly turn down) outside influences and simplify, simplify, simplify...
• Beware of 'Luxury:'  I'll simply quote Socrates here:  "Luxury is artificial poverty."
  

To end this post, I'll add one more thought from the book I'm currently reading, Walden, by Henry David Thoreau, perhaps one of the greatest teachers of simplicity that ever lived (not to reduce the value of our friend, Sir William of Ockham)!

Most of the luxuries, and many of the so-called comforts of life, are not only not indispensable, but positive hindrances to the elevation of mankind.  With respect to luxuries and comforts, the wisest have ever lived a more simple and meager life than the poor.  The ancient philosophers, Chinese, Hindoo, Persian, and Greek, were a class than which none has been poorer in outward riches, none so rich inward.

What are your thoughts?  Do you have examples of procuring freedom via simplicity?  I'd love to hear of them...

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Related Post: 

Mind vs. Brain Part II:  Priorities, Pursuits & Productivity

Suggested Reading: 

Walden, or, Life in the Woods

The Paradox of Choice: Why More Is Less

Is Jesus a 'Philosopher?'

While known by many other names, such as Christ, Lord, Savior, Redeemer, or even Carpenter, Jesus Christ is not generally known as "Philosopher."

As you may imagine, I have read thousands of pages of books and other printed materials on philosophy and I have never seen even one academic mention recognizing Jesus Christ as a philosopher.

Why is that?

To answer this question with me, please take a look at my newest philosopher page -- Jesus Christ, Philosopher.

What better time than Christmas to learn more about both Jesus and philosophy?

I wish you the happiest of the season's greetings and I look forward to sharing more thoughts with you in 2009...

 

 

 

The Power of The Unknown, The Uncertain & The Hidden

"When the mind is in a state of uncertainty the smallest impulse directs it to either side." ~ Terence (195/185 - 159 BC)

Arguably, the greatest motivator of human activity is the unknown; the anxiety that uncertainty provokes can drive a person to the brink of insanity; and that which is hidden from our view has more power over us than that which is in plain view.

We want to be in control; we want to discover things not previously discovered; we want to define the undefinable; and we continue to reach for things just beyond our grasp.  Why is this?

As the financial markets mark one of the most volatile periods in history, I found it fitting to publish a new quotations page that will shed a bit of light on our human fears and fascination with those things in life that we just can't quite see...

Please take a moment to view Quotes on The Unknown, The Uncertain & The Hidden.  It is my hope that you will learn a bit about yourself and that there is much we just don't know... and that there is nothing wrong with that... 

For Thanksgiving: The Art of Contentment

"The wise man knows that it is better to sit on the banks of a remote mountain stream than to be emperor of the whole world." ~ Zhuangzi

One of the positive by-products of this financial crisis is that more people will be given the opportunity to find comfort and contentment in things other than money and material wealth.  Whether for purposes of self-preservation and sanity or for a return to values and virtues that truly bring meaning to life, many of us who observe Thanksgiving this week will discover, enhance or re-learn the art of contentment.

I thought it fitting this week to launch my first quotations page, Quotes on Contentment, which I hope will provide a bit of inspiration and guidance, spanning thousands of years of wisdom, at a time when it is needed most.

Have a content Thanksgiving, and if you do not celebrate this holiday, I encourage you to take the opportunity to observe it in your own way...

 

Politicians & 'Philosopher Kings'

"The ideal society we have described can never grow into a reality or see the light of day, and there will be no end to the troubles of states, or indeed of humanity itself, till philosophers become kings in this world, or till those we now call kings and rulers really and truly become philosophers." ~ Plato

I could not think of better timing (election day and the 2nd anniversary of this blog) to share with you some exciting new features of The Financial Philosopher!

Rather than refer to other sites for information and quotes from notorious (and lesser known) philosophers, I've decided to create my own web pages, complete with biographical information, quotations and original philosopher illustrations!

"One of the penalties for refusing to participate in politics is that you end up being governed by your inferiors." ~ Plato

Plato was well-educated, intelligent and a strong communicator.  He refused a career in politics because he felt that he could not serve the greater good as a politician.  Plato especially became estranged to politics when Athenian rulers and aristocrats gave an ultimatum to his teacher and mentor, Socrates. 

Read more on my Plato philosopher page...

Unfortunately, Socrates' influence on the Greek youth led to his trial and ultimate death, which would eventually reach the level of martyrdom through the accounts of his pupils, most notoriously, Plato.  Socrates was seen by the Athens politicians and aristocracy as a bad influence on the minds of young Athenians, especially with regard to Socrates' refusal to denounce his own philosophical and intellectual beliefs.

Read more on my Socrates philosopher page...

"In ruling the people and in serving heaven it is best for a ruler to be sparing.  It is because he is sparing that it may be said that he is able to follow the way from the start; Following the way from the start he may be said to accumulate an abundance of virtue; Accumulating an abundance of virtue there is nothing he cannot overcome; When there is nothing he cannot overcome, no one knows his limit; When no one knows his limit he can possess a state." ~ Lau Tzu

Lau Tzu, or the "Old Master," is said to have written the Tao Te Ching, which is the foundation of Taoism, when he was on his way to escape his disgust of society and become one with nature as a hermit.  Before exiting the emperor's realm, Lau Tzu encountered the keeper of the pass, who asked Lau Tzu to write down all of his thoughts...

Find out more on my Lau Tzu philosopher page...

I hope that you will all vote today and also visit my philosopher pages!  I will also add some quotations pages, starting later this month, to share all of the wonderful bits of wisdom I have encountered over the past two years of writing posts on this blog.

Thanks for reading!  I will look forward to sharing more of my thoughts and those of the greatest thinkers in history with you in the future...

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Philosopher Images by Shannon