Philosophy of Passion
Every day is full of challenges. Could it be that passion remains in the midst of the worst moments of human life?
Passion has become increasingly rare, as stagger to adapt to the pandemic. Passions have been crushed amid the parade of violence filling our daily lives, disappointment with the system and the situation that is still full of confusion.
Every day is full of challenges. Could it be that passion remains in the midst of the worst moments of human life?
Passion in the general sense means a strong desire or strong will. The issue of passion is always discussed in the study of philosophy, various views from Western or Eastern philosophy have their own way of describing the anatomy of human passion. Philosophizing itself is a form of passion for philosophers to solve life\'s puzzles.
People are shocked to witness the tragedy of death happening on a global scale during the pandemic. We consider death to be the opposition to human passion for life. However, philosophers have a different view, such as the stoics, they see that death is part of the natural cycle of all creatures, including humans too.
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Stoicism is a teaching that originated in Greece in 3rd century BC that later expanded to Rome. The name Stoa came from the meeting place of philosophers in an open space with distinctive Greek architecture, characterized by a towering array of pillars. As for Seneca, one of the famous stoic philosophers, said, "Meditare mortem" which means to prepare for death, or always meditate on the death that will come.
At a glance this view looks gloomy. However, Seneca would like to remind, only through the acceptance of death as a necessity, someone can prepare himself or herself by living life well and meaningfully.
Seneca lived his philosophical teachings. When he grew old, he suffered from various diseases, more tragically he was accused of conspiring against Emperor Nero and was forced to commit suicide. Relatives and families who witnessed the punishment mourned and pitied Seneca. However, Seneca did not feel he deserved those tears, he felt he had maximized his life. The Stoics based their lives on four ethical principles: benevolence, courage, justice and simplicity.
The Stoics believe that we suffer not because of events in our lives but because of our judgment of it. Suffering in the perspective of stoicism occurs because humans always try to have control, they feel they can control everything. Real freedom lies in the realization that the various external matters of the self are simply not in the palms of our hands.
One illustration that enables us to more easily understand the philosophy of stoicism is through the example of the art of archery. The main focus is not only the target but how the archer concentrates on the process of practicing the archery skills.
In this sense, stoicism emphasizes its teaching on self-commitment, the will to strive without being tied to the end result.
An archer can make sure the bow and arrow are in good shape. He can train himself diligently on his archery skills, he can control this status. When it is time to launch the arrow, there are many factors outside of him that he has no control over. In this sense, stoicism emphasizes its teaching on self-commitment, the will to strive without being tied to the end result.
It is clear that the Stoics are not passive or emotionless people. They are passionate about courage, on the other hand they are logical and realists. This passion is feared by the rulers. That is why they are often persecuted.
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In ancient Roman political history they emerged as opposition, senators, and a Stoic named Cato Uticensis raised his voice against Julius Caesar\'s authoritarianism. He chose to take his own life instead of having to live under the leadership of a dictator.
Simone Weil, a female philosopher who was deeply influenced by the wisdom of stoicism, underlined the role of philosophy as a consolation. She lived in a time when Europe was stricken by poverty, plague and war. Weil viewed life as indistinguishable from misery. Life was misery.
As philosophy became a consolation, she realized that the passion for life was embedded in the belief in other human existence. Human suffering compelled her to pay attention to love. The passion to love one another became the foundation even in the toughest condition.
Passion grew amid the crush of adversity. This was also felt by Mohammad Hatta when he was exiled as a political prisoner in Tanah Merah, Boven Digoel. Hatta said, "Then philosophy is useful for enlightening the mind and determination of the heart."
Hatta kept his passion in using philosophy, entering the world of thought made him feel to be freed from Digoel\'s exile which undermined his spirit. He wrote his work titled The Realm of Greek Thought and reviewed Stoic philosophy.
He praised the Stoics, "Thus philosophy guides humans to the true and proper path of freedom. Therefore, humans who think and act in a stoic manner can be said to be truly free." In the silence of isolation, Hatta filled his days with contemplation, likening philosophy to a friend.
Philofest ID, which was carried by a network of philosophical communities throughout Indonesia, carried the title World \'after Pandemic: Philosophy from the Future\'.
In Indonesia the first and largest philosophy festival just took place and was held online during the pandemic. Philofest ID, which was carried by a network of philosophical communities throughout Indonesia, carried the title "World after Pandemic: Philosophy from the Future".
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Thousands of connoisseurs of philosophy joined the digital platform. In that room all worries or hopes were poured out, ideas were revived, then exchanged.
The future is indeed mysterious, it is detached from human planning. Nevertheless, we need to fight for our best. This encounter proves that passion continues to spark and philosophy becomes a sanctuary for enthusiasm.