Part I: Divergent Paths of Trust: Descartes vs. Heidegger’s Life Philosophies

“The most thought-provoking thing in our thought-provoking time is that we are still not thinking.” Heidegger

Cogito, ergo sum.” René Descartes’ famous maxim, “I think, therefore I am,” stands as the granite foundation of Western philosophy. It is a testament to intellectual rigor comparable to the enduring Colosseum in Rome, with its historic preservation echoing resilience through the centuries.

However, akin to the critical eye of a preservationist inspecting the integrity of an ancient monument, German philosopher Martin Heidegger’s scrutiny of Descartes’ philosophy is unrelenting. Heidegger, in his philosophical restoration, disputes Descartes’ fundamental assumption of the primacy of thought, introducing the concept of “Dasein” or “being-there” as an alternate schema for interpreting existence.

Heidegger’s revision of Descartes’ theory is encapsulated in his statement, “Man does not think; he is thought,” suggesting that thought emerges from our being in the world rather than preceding it.

Opposed to Descartes’ isolated ‘thinking subject,’ Heidegger positions humans within an intricate lattice of relationships, historical context, and cultural influences. His philosophy underscores the symbiosis between the individual and the world, moving away from Descartes’ focus on the secluded thinking self.

To visualize this philosophically, consider Descartes’ ideas as a solitary, towering skyscraper like the Willis Tower in Chicago, it’s ascendant heights and solitary stature embodying the Cartesian concentration on cognition and subjectivity.

Contrast this with Heidegger’s philosophy, represented by the bustling cityscape of Rome, where historic landmarks like the Colosseum aren’t isolated structures but intricately woven into the city’s collective history and communal existence.

The concept of trust serves as a bridge between these philosophical frameworks. Descartes’ introspective philosophy champions self-awareness, a critical prerequisite for understanding our emotions, vulnerabilities, and anticipations — the layout for trust.

Heidegger’s philosophy, however, introduces a critical addendum: trust isn’t simply an inward, self-referential sentiment. It’s a lived experience, a reflection of our existence in the world, and it depends on interactions, dialogue, and engagement with others. As Heidegger poignantly states, “We do not ‘have’ a relationship with others; we ‘are’ the relationship.”

Preserving trust, much like conserving a historical monument, requires a comprehensive understanding. Misconceptions, whether about the Colosseum’s history leading to its neglect or misconstruing of faith resulting in relationship discord, can have detrimental effects.

Building trust is not just about introspection (thinking about trust), as Descartes might propose, but also involves actively creating an environment conducive to trust (being in trust), mirroring Heidegger’s focus on our interactions with the world and others.

In his essay Building Dwelling Thinking, Heidegger wrote, “We preserve the work by dwelling in it.” Much like the careful conservation of a historic monument requires continuous care and inhabitation, maintaining trust involves a constant commitment to openness, empathy, and understanding in our interactions with others.

The philosophical discourse between Descartes and Heidegger shines a light not only on the nature of personal identity but also on the complex dynamics of interpersonal relationships. It elucidates that trust isn’t a sentiment built in isolation but a shared edifice, a collective endeavor.

Just as the architectural wonders of the Willis Tower and the Colosseum each offer unique perspectives and contribute to their city’s identity, the philosophies of Descartes and Heidegger, together, paint a comprehensive image of what it means to think, to be, and to build trust in a relationally interconnected world.

Part II to follow…The Nature of Trust in Relationships: Descartes, Heidegger, and the Clock of Time

*** Heidegger’s quote reflects the paradox of our era — though surrounded by thought-provoking ideas, we fail to engage in genuine contemplation.

Despite this, Heidegger urges us to embrace deeper reflection and break free from complacency to unlock true understanding and meaning in our lives during this thought-provoking period of human existence.

Heidegger: We’re not thinking despite thought-provoking times.

I’ll graph the XY CHART as well. Fun stuff-

Dedicated to MMM and SWO.