The Philosopher

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I should have been doing something simple, like watching tv. Instead, I got to thinking, and that's always problematic...

Is simply thinking enough?

Or is it neccesary to communicate said thoughts

to be further contemplated and processed by others?

And what of those others?

Do they in fact exist, or are they illusions,

created to justify my own perceived consciousness?

And what of consciousness?

Is it wholly the result of countless chains of chemical reactions,

set in motion by the contact with my physical body,

of a multitudinal cascade of photons, electrons, molecules… indeed,

the very fabric of life itself in symphony with the universe?

Or is it something more, something separate, an entity,

a being completely independent of this earthly shell?

Am I this? Am I more? Am I less?

Am I indeed the subject in question?

For when I converse with said being, as I am doing now,

is the duality I perceive merely an illusion,

an echo of my thoughts, a shadow, or is it more?

Are these thoughts something of substance?

Is simply thinking… enough?

Is simply thinking… anything?

Submitted: August 31, 2015

Editorial and Opinion philosophy thought consciousness ideas

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Tangelo

Ooh this got me thinking too. Thinking itself is sometimes enough, but once in a while, these thoughts should be shared to get others thinking about different thoughts. I've written and read the word "thinking" so many times, that the spelling is starting to appear wrong lol. Awesome essay...it seems more like a poem to me tho. Keep thinking :)

Mon, August 31st, 2015 1:10pm

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I did write it out as a free verse poem, because that's just how I roll. Semantic satiation- look that up. Very similar to what you said about the word thinking. I don't know where this came from, was thinking of a joke along the lines of "make me one with everything" being a philosophy type joke, and the next think I knew.... Hey! Thanks so much for the read and the "thoughtful" comment!

Mon, August 31st, 2015 7:05pm

Mike Stevens

I'm thinking right now, Bob, and what I'm thinking is, Whoa, is that ever deep!" Excellent!

Mon, August 31st, 2015 5:11pm

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I always appreciate you coming by! This actually started out as to be a joke, but then my mind went off in a different direction. It made my head hurt!

Mon, August 31st, 2015 7:08pm

phantomhill

Good lord, this reminds me of my school adviser! He's got his doctorate in Philosophy, and every-time I saw him, I'd be bombarded with: 'What is a fact?' 'What determines a truth?' 'Ego-Desire' 'Tat tvam asi'. Ego-Desire was his favorite, but Tat tvam asi was a close second--it means 'that thou art'. Again, a great poem, and thanks for reminding me of school.

Wed, September 2nd, 2015 1:36pm

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Yeah, us older guys do tend to ramble. You seem like a great kid, I'm pleased to meet you! I like how enthusiastic you are about writing. Keep it up!

Wed, September 2nd, 2015 9:06pm

Bert Broomberg

You think, so you are. I hope that's enough. Great poem.

Wed, September 2nd, 2015 1:59pm

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I know it's been said before, but I just had to add my 2 cents. Really appreciate the visit! Thanks!

Wed, September 2nd, 2015 9:08pm

brucek

i'm glad someone's doing a little thinking around here. just don't ask me, cause damned if i know. wish i had some answers for you, but you seemed to ask all the unanswerable ones. but you keep going. see ya!

Thu, September 17th, 2015 2:55pm

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Kind of a rambling group of thoughts, but as we get older, that's what we do! Thanks for stopping by!

Thu, September 17th, 2015 7:04pm

Jeff Bezaire

Simply thinking is the beginning of everything, most importantly of inspiration and creativity. Simply thinking is what has led our world to where it is today, which is not entirely a good thing, but also not completely a bad thing. I often wonder if when I'm thinking to myself, are the answers and epiphanies I have my subconscious communicating with me or is it an illusion spawned from the manner in which we're programmed, due to the various false normalities we're subjected to through cinema and pop culture. I have come to stop caring so much, because the fact is, I do get an answer and I do discover incredible things simply by thinking, and that's what matters. A fantastic poem, sir! Love this one!

Sat, September 19th, 2015 8:32pm

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Wow! A kindred spirit! It's been great sharing my work with you!

Fri, September 25th, 2015 10:27pm