PHILOSOPHY
In the fall of
1965, I was sitting in an Introduction to Philosophy class at North Texas State
University (Univ. of North Texas) in Denton Texas. The only thing unusual about
that was there was only one philosophy course offered; the one I was in. And it
was not offered every term, or even every year. It was deemed "too
dangerous" by the administration.
Remember, this is
1965. Hair was getting longer, clothing styles were radically changing, there
were PEACEFUL demonstrations against police brutality and the war in Viet Nam. Administration
thought to fill young minds with philosophy might
incite them to further unrest.
The first day of
class, the professor asked us to think deeply about the one question we would
like to see answered during the course. We were to write that down and hand it
in at the next class. The professor promised to address all of those questions
during the semester.
After giving it
some thought, I came up with what may have been my very first existential
question: What is the extent of individual human knowledge? Is it limited by
the physical capacity of the brain? Or is it limited by the desire to know
more?
Sprinkled
throughout the course, there were references to this question. Unfortunately, I
no longer remember what those were.
At the end of the
semester, we were told the final exam would be comprehensive; covering the
entire semester. We were also told that if we had paid attention during the
semester, we would do well on the final exam.
As we settled in to
our desks on exam day, the professor began handing out the tests. There were
groans all over the class; murmurs and gasps. One person simply stood up and
walked out. When I was handed my exam, there written in my own hand was my
original question! After a moment of panic, I was grateful I had not written
what most of the class had: Prove the existence of God!
I passed the class,
although I do not remember the grade or how I answered that question.
Now, some 50+ years
later, I still don't have the answer to that question. However, I have a
greater understanding of it. I am retired - mostly - and that means I have some
time on my hands; I am the "captain of my day." I can now pursue
knowledge at my leisure. I could delve into quantum physics. I could brush up
on my algebra. I could read Shakespeare. I could learn to fold origami.
Instead,
I enjoy spending my time writing articles like this one, researching and
writing sermons. Not because I am holy, but because in my maturity – spiritual maturity
– I appreciate Jesus more each day. What I learned when I was younger was
mostly tied to the pursuit of a career or at least to pay the mortgage. Now
that I have grown older, and a little more forgetful, what I attempt to
learn is either practical or enjoyable. I no longer care that the Side Angle
Side postulate states that if two sides and the included angle of one triangle
are congruent to two sides and the included angle of another triangle, then
these two triangles are congruent. I care more about understanding and
sharing God’s message to us.
And, of course, taking a little time
to tie a new fly to trick trout or building a new fly rod.
All
of which goes to say that I still do not have the answer to my original
question. More importantly, it is almost time for my afternoon nap!
May
God bless you with health and prosperity.
Doug
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