My yin versus your yang

Every once in awhile I muster up enough courage to read a book that is considered a classic. It is much more challenging to read something like "Crime and Punishment" when there is no grade on the line. Right now I am reading some Greek Philosophy and brushing up on the age old struggle between Nomos and Physis.


In an effort to retain what I am learning about philosophy I am dedicating this entry to trying to apply these principles to the mundacity of my life. Here we go...

• Nomos (Order) vs. Physis (Chaos)- This eternal struggle often plays out between Jodi and I when it comes to matters of home maintenance. She sets a high standard and believes in a house of order and folded clothes. I hail from the free style "jazz" school of thought that believes in keeping things in a minimal working order. At the end of the day she always win and I always have to begrudgingly dust the coffee table.
  
• Theory of Fallacies and Descartes- This crafty Frenchman doubted everything in his search for truth. His quest led to the gem "I think therefore I am". From this truth he could move beyond doubt and had the foundation to build on other ideas. Me? I like to take a different approach. I like to blindly believe everything until it is proven wrong. A letter from the Publishers Clearing House declaring that I've won $40million. I'm all over it and awaiting the check in the mail. Big foot found in Georgia? Sure, it seems feasible. It takes a less effort to blindly believe everything then it is to disprove it.


• Epicureanism and the Good Life- I'm all about seizing upon some of that great "Carpe Diem" that this school pushes. In short when given the choice between a cheap and simple value menu and a gourmet dinner I will always chose the latter. While some may take satisfaction in knowing that the drive through at Wendy's saved them $3 they miss out on the greater pleasure that comes through a meal well made. Look towards tomorrow but not at the expense of today.
• Nihilistic Thinking- Well I can't say that I like much that comes out of Nietzsche or his disciples but that doesn't mean they aren't worth a read. I just haven't cared much to hear what Zarathustra spake or to enjoy the art and ideas of the many turtlenecked clad Euro dadaists that talk about post-modern nothingness. At the very least these crazy ideas make some good movies. Two cinema classics "Fight Club" and "Big Lebowski" have a little nihilism in their storylines.