Looking at things "sub species aeternitatis"

[GrowingSmaller]

IIRC a beginners philosophy book I read 20 years ago said spinoza advised those who suffer to look at thinks in the light of eternity, and said that would make things better. I tries me best to read his "Ethics" but got stuck with all those axioms and corollaries. So all I have is my memory.

It it is accurate, I say eternity can take a hike, I still have a thorn in my foot and something needs to be done. I don't care how comparatively miniscule as compared to deep time my suffering is, its still vitally important to me. I think that if Neitzsche had had any brains, he would have called Spinoza a decadent.

Even if I am wrong, I am still right.

 

[juvenissun]

IIRC a beginners philosophy book I read 20 years ago said spinoza advised those who suffer to look at thinks in the light of eternity, and said that would make things better. I tries me best to read his "Ethics" but got stuck with all those axioms and corollaries. So all I have is my memory.

It it is accurate, I say eternity can take a hike, I still have a thorn in my foot and something needs to be done. I don't care how comparatively miniscule as compared to deep time my suffering is, its still vitally important to me. I think that if Neitzsche had had any brains, he would have called Spinoza a decadent.

Even if I am wrong, I am still right.

(wrong (right)) = wrong.

 

[Eudaimonist]

There are spiritual exercises one can use to reduce suffering, for instance, by taking the perspective of eternity. However, that doesn't mean that you are obligated to do this. It's only if you want to.

I agree that it is the finite human perspective that really matters to us, and I wouldn't give that up either.


eudaimonia,

Mar

 

[Received]

What does it even mean to look at things from the perspective of eternity? If it means taking the bigger perspective, which essentially means detaching yourself from the swelled up concerns of the present moment, then that sounds like pretty good advice. In terms of pain, this would negate suffering, which is essentially the individual's attempt to escape from pain.

But hey, I live in this present moment. I like looking for action around the corner. But I don't think this means I have to resign the eternity-appreciative attitude. To me this approach is useful in view of negative or challenging experiences, where my emotional output *is* painful. But when things are high flying, I'll take immanence any day. Transcendence is a spiritual coping term.