#Fate and Free Will

[omegaphilosophia]

The Philosophy of Shakespeare

The philosophy of Shakespeare refers to the exploration of philosophical themes, questions, and ideas within the works of William Shakespeare. While Shakespeare was not a philosopher in the traditional sense, his plays and sonnets are rich with philosophical insights that address issues related to human nature, ethics, politics, love, fate, identity, and the human condition. Scholars and readers alike have long examined how Shakespeare’s writings engage with philosophical concepts and how these concepts are dramatized through his characters and narratives.

Key Themes in the Philosophy of Shakespeare:

Human Nature and the Human Condition:

Complexity of the Human Psyche: Shakespeare's characters are known for their psychological depth and complexity. His works explore the multifaceted nature of human beings, including the tensions between reason and emotion, ambition and morality, and appearance and reality.

The Tragic Flaw (Hamartia): Many of Shakespeare’s tragedies revolve around the concept of a tragic flaw, a characteristic that leads to the downfall of the protagonist. This theme raises philosophical questions about free will, fate, and the moral consequences of human actions.

Ethics and Morality:

Good and Evil: Shakespeare’s works frequently grapple with the nature of good and evil, exploring the moral ambiguities of his characters' actions. Plays like Macbeth and Othello delve into the corrupting influence of power, jealousy, and ambition.

Justice and Revenge: The tension between justice and revenge is a recurring theme, particularly in plays like Hamlet and The Merchant of Venice. These works examine the ethics of retribution, the consequences of revenge, and the pursuit of justice.

Fate and Free Will:

Destiny and Choice: Shakespeare often explores the tension between fate and free will, questioning the extent to which characters are in control of their own destinies. Romeo and Juliet and Macbeth are notable examples where the characters' actions seem predestined, yet their choices play a crucial role in their outcomes.

Prophecy and Foreknowledge: The use of prophecy, as seen in Macbeth and Julius Caesar, raises philosophical questions about whether knowledge of the future alters the course of events or if it leads inevitably to the fulfillment of that future.

Identity and Self-Knowledge:

The Fluidity of Identity: In plays like Twelfth Night and As You Like It, Shakespeare explores the fluidity of identity, particularly through themes of disguise and mistaken identity. These themes challenge the fixed nature of identity and raise questions about self-knowledge and authenticity.

Self-Deception: Characters in Shakespeare’s plays often engage in self-deception, either out of pride, fear, or desire. This theme is particularly prominent in King Lear and Hamlet, where characters’ inability to see themselves or their situations clearly leads to tragedy.

Politics and Power:

The Nature of Authority: Shakespeare’s historical plays and tragedies frequently address the nature of political power and authority. Richard III, Henry V, and Julius Caesar explore the ethics of leadership, the legitimacy of rulership, and the corrupting influence of power.

The Body Politic: The metaphor of the body politic, where the state is likened to a human body, is a recurring theme. In plays like Coriolanus and Measure for Measure, Shakespeare examines the health of the state and the moral responsibilities of rulers.

Love and Relationships:

Romantic Love: Shakespeare’s comedies and tragedies offer deep reflections on the nature of love, its joys, and its perils. Plays like Romeo and Juliet and Much Ado About Nothing explore the idealization of romantic love, the pain of unrequited love, and the complexities of human relationships.

Friendship and Loyalty: Beyond romantic love, Shakespeare also delves into themes of friendship and loyalty, as seen in The Merchant of Venice and Julius Caesar. These relationships often raise questions about the conflicts between personal loyalty and public duty.

Appearance vs. Reality:

Illusion and Truth: Many of Shakespeare’s plays involve themes of appearance versus reality, where characters and situations are not what they seem. Hamlet and Othello are prime examples of how deception and the search for truth drive the plot and philosophical inquiry.

Theatricality of Life: Shakespeare often blurs the line between reality and performance, as seen in As You Like It's famous "All the world's a stage" monologue. This raises philosophical questions about the nature of reality, the roles people play in life, and the construction of identity.

Mortality and the Meaning of Life:

Death and the Afterlife: Shakespeare’s works are deeply concerned with mortality, the fear of death, and the unknown aspects of the afterlife. Hamlet's "To be, or not to be" soliloquy is one of the most famous meditations on existence and the fear of what comes after death.

The Transience of Life: The fleeting nature of life and the inevitability of death are recurrent themes, particularly in Shakespeare’s sonnets and tragedies. These reflections often lead to a broader contemplation of the meaning and value of life.

Philosophical Skepticism:

Doubt and Certainty: Shakespeare’s characters often grapple with doubt and uncertainty, questioning their beliefs, their perceptions, and the world around them. This skepticism is evident in Hamlet's introspection and in King Lear's descent into madness.

Relativism and Perspective: Shakespeare frequently presents multiple perspectives within his plays, allowing for a relativistic view of truth and morality. This multiplicity of viewpoints invites the audience to question the nature of truth and the reliability of perception.

The philosophy of Shakespeare is not a unified doctrine but rather a rich and varied exploration of fundamental human concerns. Through his characters and narratives, Shakespeare engages with philosophical questions about human nature, morality, power, love, identity, and existence. His works continue to inspire philosophical inquiry, offering insights that are as relevant today as they were in the Elizabethan era.

[blueheartbookclub]

Unraveling Destiny in "Rhesus: The Athenian Drama"

Euripides, through his timeless masterpiece "Rhesus," offers a captivating exploration of fate, war, and the intricate threads that weave through the human experience. In this poignant Athenian drama, translated with masterful clarity by Gilbert Murray, the audience is drawn into the depths of the Trojan War's aftermath, where the shadows of destiny loom large.

The play unfolds against the backdrop of the Trojan camp after the departure of Hector and the Trojans for the night. Rhesus, the Thracian king and ally of the Trojans, is introduced, bringing an element of prophecy and foreboding to the narrative. Murray's translation impeccably captures the nuances of Euripides' language, allowing readers to delve into the psychological intricacies of the characters.

The central theme revolves around the inevitability of destiny and the futility of attempting to alter predetermined outcomes. As Rhesus grapples with his own foretold demise, the audience is compelled to ponder the broader implications of predetermination in the grand tapestry of life. Murray's translation preserves the tension and suspense as the characters confront their destinies, creating a narrative rhythm that resonates with both intellectual depth and emotional intensity.

Euripides, known for his nuanced characterization, breathes life into the players of this ancient drama. Through Murray's translation, the motivations, fears, and aspirations of the characters become palpable, forging a connection between the audience and the timeless struggles of humanity.

"Rhesus" is not merely a recounting of events but an exploration of the human condition. The play challenges conventional notions of heroism, inviting the audience to question the very essence of fate and the impact of one's choices on the unfolding of destiny. Murray's translation enhances the accessibility of these profound philosophical inquiries, making them as relevant today as they were in ancient Athens.

In conclusion, "Rhesus: The Athenian Drama" stands as a testament to Euripides' narrative genius and Gilbert Murray's linguistic prowess. This translation not only preserves the integrity of the original text but also presents it in a manner that resonates with contemporary readers. The exploration of destiny, war, and the human psyche makes "Rhesus" a compelling read, leaving an indelible mark on those who embark on this journey through the annals of Athenian drama.

"Rhesus," of Euripides skillfully translated by Gilbert Murray is available in Amazon in paperback 10.99$ and hardcover 18.99$ editions.

Number of pages: 112

Language: English

Rating: 9/10                                           

Link of the book!

Review By: King's Cat

[this-is-unbeleafable]

i actually managed to turn in my major essay on time! i wrote a 4000 word essay on Good Omens for school and i’m really proud of it! it’s one of my special interests so it was fun to write (◍•ᴗ•◍)

@neil-gaiman thank you for writing such an amazing book :)

[jiejing-lifechanyuan]

Explore the Script of Life

Xuefeng

March 24, 2017

(Translated by Treasure and Edited by Kaer)

Is life dominated by fate? How does fate come into being? Is everything in life prearranged? If it is, then who arranged and directs it and how can we still have free will? If there is free will, does it conflict with fate? If there is no free will, then does the causality law of "You reap what you sow" exist, or does it not? Is it true that every word and every act of everyone is prearranged? If so, then are we not biological robots? Is everything accidental or inevitable? Who carries out punishments, rewards, and so on?

It is an extremely complex and enormous system and it is impossible to reveal the whole system clearly. I can only draw a rough outline, and you the reader must verify it for yourself.

Eighteen plots cannot be controlled by people in their own lives but have to be resigned to destiny. For example, their own parents cannot be chosen, arranged, or controlled by them. In fact, a lot of things in life cannot be either. Not only are the sizes of our eyes uncontrollable, but we cannot even arrange a single hair by ourselves. In the face of such vast complexities, we have to resign ourselves to destiny.

If we cannot change things, then what can we do?

Everything in the universe has its trajectory, all of which are run according to a well-arranged overall trajectory and we are no exception. That is to say, we also have our trajectories. These trajectories determine the directions of people's lives, whether they will be officials or commoners, poor or rich, or male or female, and be subject to fortune or misfortune; everything and everyone have been determined by their trajectory. Facing our trajectory, we are powerless.

Who is writing your life script and arranging your trajectory of LIFE? You are! Who is directing it? It is procedure.

Everything in this life is established by the thoughts and actions of your previous life; this is fate. It is impossible to change the fate of your life because it has already been written. All of your efforts in this life only work for your next life. It can be said that your past determines your present and your present determines your future. Since everything has already been arranged and planned out and the story and plot of your life has already been set, then how do we reflect on man’s subjective initiative? What good are an individual’s efforts? If even what we say and do have been determined in advance, then why should we make any efforts?

Individual efforts are reflected in one’s mind and how perfect a role they play. Our inner activities are not arranged by our script. Our free will is reflected in our mind and whether our specific role is performed perfectly or not. Such as in a stage play, the script has been arranged by a writer in advance, the director selects performers according to each performer’s appearance, character, acting skill, and so on. The performers must act strictly according to the script and plot and the director’s requirement. If done well, the director will be pleased and the actors will receive more pay and have more chances to perform in future plays. If done poorly, the director will not be pleased and their opportunity for future castings will diminish. The quality of their performance depends on them. This is individual effort.

Our inner activities are not arranged, nor are they destined. They rely completely on the free will and effort of the individual. It is entirely up to them to decide whether they want to have good or evil thoughts.

Our inner activity is our thinking activity. Thinking activity is like a wave that spreads throughout the universe; that is, when the mind moves, its inner activity expands out to the universe and tells the universe what it is doing, and very loudly. Regarding this, we are unable to view or receive it, but gods know it. In other words, everyone’s inner activities can be learned instantly by the universe and recorded in the procedure of Tao. The procedure of Tao automatically arranges the future fate and trajectory of everyone’s LIFE based on their inner activities. Karma, karma, karma!

Then who rewards and punishes and who executes the mechanisms of rewarding and punishing?

Rewarding and punishing are determined by the procedure of Tao, but it is only the judge. The executor is neither the procedure of Tao nor the judge, but a factor of the boundless universe; a god, or man, a dog, an ant, a storm, or an event. It is like a judge who sentences someone to death but never executes anyone personally; that is always left for a series of other people.

The script of this life has been set long ago but the script of the next life is always changing. People’s thoughts and actions in this life identify their future LIFE trajectories. If someone is destined to leave for the Celestial Islands Continent but becomes seized by evil and does not play their current role well, then their trajectory of LIFE to the Celestial Islands Continent will change. Their revised trajectory may devolve toward the Ten-thousand Year World, the Thousand- year world, back to the mortal world, or even to the animal world or to hell depending on the severity of what they do.

As Lifechanyuan’s guide, I sigh with deep emotion during my directing the scripts of Chanyuan Celestials. For instance, I planned to have a certain individual eat a fairy peach which had been determined by her trajectory of LIFE, however she failed to play her role as a Chanyuan celestial well in her course. I asked her to clean a toilet, but she failed to clean it thoroughly, so I knew that she was still unable to eat the fairy peach, but only wild peaches. In this way, both her fate and her trajectory of LIFE were changed.

It is a strict law that absolutely beautiful things can only be enjoyed by absolutely beautiful LIVES. If we do not reach an absolutely beautiful state, then absolutely beautiful results will never appear.

When we enjoy absolutely beautiful things but our personal quality declines, then those absolutely beautiful things automatically disappear. This is not only the law and the script plot, but also the ever-changing living script.

Past scripts are dead, future ones are alive, and living ones are always changing according to everyone’s inner activities and how well or poorly they perform.

The impartiality of Tao is reflected in, “Tao gives to every LIFE according to its desires”. If you desire blessings in this life, Tao will bestow them upon you, but fewer will remain for your next life. If you want to become a wolf, it will make you one in your next script; if you want to become a celestial being, it will make you one. Tao will surely satisfy you and help you to achieve your goal, whatever you want to be, but it must be understood that the fulfillment of Tao is not executed immediately. It is arranged in the script, it takes a process, and it takes time. You cannot expect an airplane to come the moment you ask for it; you need to be patient. It is crucial to remember that as your plane is coming, your needs can not change. Once there is a change, Tao has to follow your needs. If you want coffee, but then decide that you would prefer tea, Tao will immediately prepare tea for you. If the tea has not yet arrived and you decide that you would prefer Coca-Cola, Tao will prepare Coca-Cola for you right away. When you change again, Tao will change again. In short, it will always satisfy you.

Now, here is a core consideration: if you want a luxury car worth a million dollars, Tao will check your bank account; your merits and virtues. If they are insufficient and your bank deposits are not enough, then that million dollar limousine will not be offered to you. Even if you need a needle, you have to check your bank deposits. As long as you have enough merits and virtues, enough bank deposits for what you want, Tao will meet your requirements and demands, or help you to achieve your goal.

When a person runs out of bank deposits or when their merits and virtues are exhausted and they have no remaining blessings, then they will soon collapse, fail, lose everything, go to prison, or end this life. Therefore, we need to give benefits, accumulate merits and virtues, and cherish good fortune during our lifetimes so that our blessings will last for our entire lives; even into our future lives.

The universe is a huge script with countless subscripts within it, and all the small ones serve the huge one; no small script can exceed a larger one. The Milky way galaxy is a huge script, the solar system is a medium-size one, earth is a smaller one, every country is a smaller one still, every organization is a much smaller one, and so on. Strings within quarks within atomic particles within molecules have the smallest scripts. Adding the nonmaterial world, twenty parallel worlds and the 36-dimensional space, it is unimaginable and inexplicable for us to know how complex and how huge the master script is.

The above is just a tiny bit of my superficial view based on man’s bewilderment for your reference. To know more, you will need to work on statistics, analysis, induction, summing up from a large number of examples of human activities, both ancient and modern, at home and abroad. It will take a lot of effort for you to figure it out.

~~~

If you like this article and would like to know more about Lifechanyuan values, please check this link, thanks: https://lifechanyuanvalues.wordpress.com/2024/06/23/some-pdfs-of-lifechanyuan-values/

May Wisdom, Peace & Love from the Greatest Creator be with you.🙏

[tamamita]

Please help Nader!

I don't often ask for this, but this out of urgency.

This post is on behalf of Nader @abdalsalam1990, as I have a large following which could help it get traction.

This campaign has been vetted! (#4 on the list) and the photos above confirm the legitimacy of this gofund.

Nader is 17 years old and his family is in Gaza facing dire circumstances. Food is scarce, prices are high, and there are shortages in water. They, like countless others suffering during this war, have already had to relocate many times, and their home is destroyed. They do not have enough money to safely relocate right now, or a stable source of income, as places of work have been destroyed.

Nader had just lost their uncle to the vile Israeli occupiers, and they're desperately asking for donations. Any amount of money can help Nader and his family escape this destruction.

They're not asking for much, just €10 should suffice!

This campaign currently has (as of the time I write this post) €13,575 out of €50,000 raised, with 783 donations

I have donated myself and I know a lot of my followers can afford to donate at least something. It's not a hard donation process, so I hope you take a moment of your day to show some support.

@90-ghost @heritageposts @gazavetters @neechees @butchniqabi @fluoresensitive @khanger @autisticmudkip @beserkerjewel @furiousfinnstan @xinakwans @batekush @appsa @nerdyqueerr @butchsunsetshimmer @biconicfinn @stopmotionguy @willgrahamscock @strangeauthor @bryoria @shesnake @legallybrunettedotcom @lautakwah @sovietunion @evillesbianvillain @antibioware @akajustmerry @dizzymoods @ree-duh @neptunerings @explosionshark @dlxxv-vetted-donations @vague-humanoid @buttercuparry @sayruq @malcriada @sar-soor @northgazaupdates2 @feluka @dirhwangdaseul @jdon @ibtisams @sawasawako @memingursa @schoolhater @toesuckingoctober @waskuyecaozu @lapithae @ryo-yamada @opencommunion

Please help sharing this Gofund around, they are very desperate and need as much help as possible!

[maigetheplatypus57]

Do you think Evbo learned how to do those jumps and thought "oh this is so sick what's the best way I can show off my parkour skills"

[dreamgirljune]

yes yes characters doomed by the narrative always slap BUT what about characters saved by the narrative? characters who have already given up hope and don't know they have a happy ending? characters who believe they are a lost cause, characters who feel irredeemable, characters who think there's nothing left for them, but the narrative does provide a way out? what about the characters who don't expect anything good, who don't even remember how to wish for it anymore, who get the things they need anyway? what about the characters who actively run from being saved getting saved in a way they can't stop or control. what about being saved by the narrative!!!

[notherpuppet]

How the old timey prick got his pet

[blueheartbooks]

Unraveling Destiny in "Rhesus: The Athenian Drama"

Euripides, through his timeless masterpiece "Rhesus," offers a captivating exploration of fate, war, and the intricate threads that weave through the human experience. In this poignant Athenian drama, translated with masterful clarity by Gilbert Murray, the audience is drawn into the depths of the Trojan War's aftermath, where the shadows of destiny loom large.

The play unfolds against the backdrop of the Trojan camp after the departure of Hector and the Trojans for the night. Rhesus, the Thracian king and ally of the Trojans, is introduced, bringing an element of prophecy and foreboding to the narrative. Murray's translation impeccably captures the nuances of Euripides' language, allowing readers to delve into the psychological intricacies of the characters.

The central theme revolves around the inevitability of destiny and the futility of attempting to alter predetermined outcomes. As Rhesus grapples with his own foretold demise, the audience is compelled to ponder the broader implications of predetermination in the grand tapestry of life. Murray's translation preserves the tension and suspense as the characters confront their destinies, creating a narrative rhythm that resonates with both intellectual depth and emotional intensity.

Euripides, known for his nuanced characterization, breathes life into the players of this ancient drama. Through Murray's translation, the motivations, fears, and aspirations of the characters become palpable, forging a connection between the audience and the timeless struggles of humanity.

"Rhesus" is not merely a recounting of events but an exploration of the human condition. The play challenges conventional notions of heroism, inviting the audience to question the very essence of fate and the impact of one's choices on the unfolding of destiny. Murray's translation enhances the accessibility of these profound philosophical inquiries, making them as relevant today as they were in ancient Athens.

In conclusion, "Rhesus: The Athenian Drama" stands as a testament to Euripides' narrative genius and Gilbert Murray's linguistic prowess. This translation not only preserves the integrity of the original text but also presents it in a manner that resonates with contemporary readers. The exploration of destiny, war, and the human psyche makes "Rhesus" a compelling read, leaving an indelible mark on those who embark on this journey through the annals of Athenian drama.

"Rhesus," of Euripides skillfully translated by Gilbert Murray is available in Amazon in paperback 10.99$ and hardcover 18.99$ editions.

Number of pages: 112

Language: English

Rating: 9/10                                           

Link of the book!

Review By: King's Cat

[luminarai]

Because even in between the dark things… there’s something broken in me.

[grassfur]

Just Roll With Palestine is back! Get FREE ART when you donate to one of these amazing causes!

OPTION 1: Donate to one of the following

Care for Gaza

Feminine Hygiene Kits for Gaza

eSIMs for Gaza

UNRWA

Then fill out this Google Form with your request!

OPTION 2: Donate to the JRWP Tiltify! Just include your request directly in your comment!

Reblogs appreciated!!! 🍉🍉🍉

[blueheartbookclub]

"Agamemnon: A Transcendent Odyssey of Power, Betrayal, and Divine Retribution"

Agamemnon, a timeless Greek tragedy by Aeschylus, unfolds with an unrelenting force that resonates through the ages. In this remarkable translation by Gilbert Murray, the tale of power, betrayal, and divine retribution takes on a new life, capturing the essence of the ancient Greek world with linguistic brilliance.

Murray's translation, known for its poetic fluidity and faithfulness to the original, breathes vitality into the characters and events of Agamemnon. The play opens with the triumphant return of Agamemnon, King of Argos, from the Trojan War, yet it is tinged with an ominous foreboding. The audience is thrust into a world of political intrigue, vengeful gods, and the inexorable consequences of human choices.

The language is both commanding and evocative, drawing readers into the psychological depths of characters like Clytemnestra, whose simmering resentment and thirst for revenge give the narrative its dark and tragic undertones. The play navigates the complex interplay of fate and free will, exploring the consequences of Agamemnon's decisions and the inevitable clash between mortal desires and divine will.

Murray's translation skillfully preserves the rhythmic cadence of Aeschylus' original work, allowing modern readers to experience the emotional intensity of the Greek chorus and the poignant soliloquies that punctuate the unfolding drama. The vivid imagery and symbolic language employed by Aeschylus are rendered with precision, making the text accessible without sacrificing its profound layers of meaning.

"Agamemnon: A Transcendent Odyssey of Power, Betrayal, and Divine Retribution" serves as a captivating gateway into the world of classical Greek tragedy. Aeschylus' exploration of human nature, morality, and the consequences of hubris feels as relevant today as it did in ancient times. Gilbert Murray's masterful translation ensures that the enduring power of Agamemnon continues to captivate and provoke contemplation in the hearts and minds of readers across generations.

Aeschylus's Agamemnon Translated by Gilbert Murray is available in Amazon in paperback 10.99$ and hardcover 18.99$ editions.

Number of pages: 150

Language: English

Rating: 9/10                                           

Link of the book!

Review By: King's Cat

[taxinealkaloids]

behold hitherto unposted htn doodles! harrow+her terrible mentor, harrow+her terrible roommate

[poorly-drawn-mdzs]

Turtle Takedown Teamwork.

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[do-you-know-this-queer-character]

Do you know this queer character?

Saber is Transgender, Nonbinary, Bisexual and Polyamorous, and uses she/her pronouns!

[herbarimoon]

Little unfinished thingy