The Power of Simple

I don’t write about philosophy. Except for this one time.

“Philosophy” refers to a long tradition of texts, ideas, arguments, and worldviews. It also refers to the effort we make to assess the contents of these ideas, texts, arguments and worldviews…

My eyes sprint across the page, trying to find a gap in the wall of text.

My PHIL 3010 — Philosophy of Religion textbook introduction reads similarly to almost every other philosophy text I’ve encountered: it’s broad-speaking (yet makes sure to keep the generalizations within the topical purview of the subject at hand) and verbose, while still managing to convey succinctly to the readers a series of points that are difficult to misconstrue should anyone decide to take issue with a premise (also, they really love commas, Oxford or otherwise, long sentences, and parentheses).

Introducing someone to philosophy typically and properly involves exposing her to some of the ideas, arguments, and worldviews philosophers have accepted…

Don’t get me wrong; as a student, I appreciate the clarity. I am more than on board with the premise of this particular philosophy text, which deals with whether or not God exists, why it matters, and various religions’ arguments on the subject. Right away it knocks down the often-spouted academic idea that all religions are false and pointless.

Wait a minute, it says, shouldn’t we at least think about this first? Maybe take a look at what both sides say?

I can dig it. But there’s a serious lack of feeling in the ocean of black ink. No oomph. It needs some spice.

Suddenly, and hilariously, Huey Lewis is in my earholes. It takes me a moment to realize that he is, in fact, advocating his own personal philosophy:

Don’t need money, don’t need fame, don’t need no credit card to ride this train…

It’s a chorus that makes an infinitely more amount of sense to me: The Power of Love. Is it cheesy? Probably. But it’s true.

Now, I realize The News’ philosophy may not hold up under close scrutiny. For a guy like me—someone who enjoys reflection, introspection, and is generally okay with being alone with his own thoughts— taking stock of these deep questions is something I don’t consider a waste of time.

But studying the truth or falsity of the doctrines of Advaita Vendanta won’t make my heart leap, or my stomach plummet, or my hairs stand on end.

We could go into what makes something true, do a little philosophy: take a look at all of the evidence and literature, discuss at length various interpretations of the term, its meaning, and the ramifications. We could ponder and rub our chins until they’re raw.

But wouldn’t you rather just smile?

I’m saying this because love makes me smile, and religion did once too. When I over-thought both of those things, they soured. This isn’t to say philosophy shouldn’t be done, on the contrary. I am looking forward to this class very much.

But I think in this moment, when complex questions about God and evil and who is right and who is wrong are in front of my eyes, and the simplest mantra in the world is in my ears, it’s not hard to pick which I’d rather live by.

My name is Christian Vosler, and I am studying abroad in Glasgow, Scotland. I firmly hold that I am anything but an expert in the subject of philosophy. Cheers.

-Christian