Norwegian philosopher, Zapffe is known for extending Schopenhauer’s dark existentialism and framing human consciousness as an evolutionary misstep. He believed that human self-awareness leads to suffering because it far exceeds what is necessary for survival. In my writing, I caution against limiting ourselves to Zapffe’s fatalistic views. His four strategies for coping with this burden—isolation, anchoring, distraction, and sublimation—are interesting but focus on enduring, not thriving. I advocate for embracing the wild horse of existence by choosing paths that emphasize meaning and enjoyment.
Medieval.
3 random tidbit stories in about 3 minutes.
1.
Medieval Story.
b. 1899
1899 to 1990, aged 90
That Medieval Story,
was first published on TST 2 years ago.
2.
Medieval Story.
born 1632
1632-1677, aged 44
16 Generations Ago
30 Phil, Chapter 25: Spinoza and Monism
The Dutch philosopher Spinoza was a lens grinder by profession, a proponent of Rationalism, and an early founder of Enlightenment. My favorite concept of Spinoza’s is that God is nature, and nature is God. For me, whenever I read God in prayers and such I substitute the word nature. That concept I attribute to Spinoza. The concept doesn’t mean God does not exist, nor vice versa, it’s simply an acknowledgment of all interpretations of God, Gods, and nature and the fact, by my account, that we have no proof God exists or not.
Some of my favorite translated quotes include:
- I call him free who is led solely by reason.
- Whatsoever is contrary to nature is contrary to reason, and whatsoever is contrary to reason is absurd.
- Peace is not an absence of war, it is a virtue, a state of mind, a disposition for benevolence, confidence, justice.
- The highest activity a human being can attain is learning for understanding, because to understand is to be free.
That Medieval Story,
was first published on TST 4 years ago.
3.
Medieval Story.
born 1905
1905-1980
5 Generations Ago
30 Phil, Chapter 31: Sartre and Existentialism
Jean-Paul Sartre arrived in the Material World on June 21, 1905. Born in Paris to a modest family. Sartre, the chain-smoking existentialist who frequented Parisian cafes, is most remembered as an activist writer and for his idea of “bad faith.”
That Medieval Story,
was first published on TST 2 years ago.
The end. Refresh for another set.
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(c) 2025-2026 TouchstoneTruth.
Content and coding by Michael Alan Prestwood.
