-Epicurus
Welcome friends and strangers to my humble corner of the vast Internet. Here you will not find answers to long-sought questions, meaningful resolutions to life's mysteries, or even an educated opinion on many of the philosophies presented. Instead, you will read what I think, not Descartes or Nietzsche or Hegel or even one of the countless Greek philosophers like Socrates, Aristotle, or Plato. Quotations of course will come in handy as they help lend a small air of authority and expertise on whatever subject I'm exploring at the time, but don't expect and in-depth explanation. If you want that you'll need to pick up an actual book.
So now that I've gone over the "Philosopher" part of this blog's title, I feel the need to address the "Bar-Stool" half. You see, I enjoy a good drink. Beer to be precise. A finely crafted ale, stout, porter, or pilsner can make any day just that much better. Therefore, on top of whatever philosophical topic I choose to explore, I will be reviewing and describing a beer I'll be drinking at the time (the heading of the particular entry will key you in on what).
Further, I feel the modern-day philosopher is more often found perched on his bar-stool, bar glass in one hand, and speaking, sometimes with great enthusiasm, to whatever audience he can find. Friends, this is not the "Armchair Philosopher" you have stumbled across. The "Armchair Philosopher" is removed from his surroundings, comforted only by his down cushioning, and himself as his only company. The "Bar-stool" man is passionate about his drink and about his life. He lives and breaths and works as an honest man does. He struggles, he dreams, he weeps, and he rejoices. He too is prone to fits of "navel-gazing," a stereotype that plagues philosophy's image, but he recognizes it for what it is (thanks in part to his inebriation). I am not that man yet, but I hope in time that I may adopt some aspect of that "Bar-Stool Philosopher." I will learn and uncover, and at the same time, enjoy some of life's great pleasures.
Well, now that's out of the way, I'll just take a brief moment to write about Sierra Nevada's seasonal, the Summerfest. A light, sour pilsner filled with citrus and lemon flavor, I am instantly reminded of a tall glass of lemonade. The beer is named well, for I would never consider a beer with these flavors outside the months of June and July. But now, it works. I find myself enjoying the beer despite myself. Plus, there's a lightning storm going on outside, so I appreciate the slight irony of enjoying this beer despite the weather. It's simple pleasure, one that would never hold up with the burden that comes with colder months: with school work and exams and other responsibilities.
I'll take this small description of pleasure to lead into a small section on Epicurus, the philosopher I chose to headline my very first post. One of the post-Socratic Greek philosophers, Epicurus was a key figure in the global scientific revolution occurring at the time: helping to establish the foundations of the scientific method and analytic ways of thinking and interpreting the world. He too is sometimes unfairly associated with hedonistic philosophies, of the relentless pursuit of pleasure as the key to a morally "good" life. However, Epicurean philosophy is subtly different, as it dictates the reduction of suffering and pain, and in the absence of suffering, pleasure and peace of mind is found. The utilitarians adapted Epicurus' concept of morality in their ethical system and so preach the maximization of pleasure and minimization of pain as the greatest possible good one can do.
How does the Summerfest tie into Epicurus' beliefs? It certainly is a small pleasure, brewed with just such a purpose in mind, but it could never be my exclusive drink. Pleasure is only known through suffering. Only experiencing one or the other is to know neither. In fact, the Greeks coined a term for being without either pain or pleasure: ataraxia, a state of perfect lucidity and mental peace. Bollocks I say. To be human is to have mental turmoil and dismay. To experience both pain and pleasure. It's all well and good to pursue a higher ideal, but to do so would remove oneself from the human condition, to experience godliness. To become sacred and blessed and unconcerned with worldly, human things. Why would anyone wish themselves such a fate?
I feel I've rambled on quite enough, and my glass is near empty so now's a perfect time to draw this entry to a close. What I quoted in the opening is true enough, the greatest good I can provide you is but pleasure. Not satisfaction or satiation. Perhaps that will be good enough. Certainly good enough for me, for what higher good can we ask for? What greater good exists for our humble mortal selves? I can't seem to think of any at the moment, so feel free to do so yourselves. Remember, the bar-stool philosopher is not without an audience, and they too are free to think for themselves.
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