Reflection

One of the major questions in the field of philosophy is: “What moves people?”. One would think that there should be a clear answer, since we are the subject of the question. This doesn’t seem to be the case. Many philosophers have attempted to give a full, complete answer. Some have said that we are driven by the pursuit of fulfilment and the good (e.g., Aristotle). This argument is often supported by the Christian theologians, like Aquinas and Augustine, who argue that this fulfillment is ultimately found in the pursuit of God. Others argue we are ruled by emotion, fear, and pleasure (e.g., Hobbes). Some claim that beneath everything lies a blind will or drive for power (e.g., Nietzsche). And others insist that what truly moves us is a need for meaning, or responsibility (e.g. Kierkegaard, Viktor Frankl). ...

Last week I visited SAIL Amsterdam, and it was truly marvelous. Seeing all those boats, each with a different story, was deeply impressive. Spending the day around them gave me time to reflect on some boat philosophy. “If a man does not know which way he is sailing, no wind is favourable.” — Seneca The ships I saw ranged from some of the greatest on earth to the most humble little boats. But even the finest boat is powerless without a direction—while the smallest one becomes unstoppable once it has one, given time. ...