Wikiquote talk:Quote of the day/May 18, 2015

I like the quote, but not the New Age images. (Bertrand Russell and chakras? Really?) ~ DanielTom (talk) 11:05, 18 May 2015 (UTC)

Philosophy is to be studied, not for the sake of any definite answers to its questions, since no definite answers can, as a rule, be known to be true, but rather for the sake of the questions themselves; because these questions enlarge our conception of what is possible, enrich our intellectual imagination and diminish the dogmatic assurance which closes the mind against speculation; but above all because, through the greatness of the universe which philosophy contemplates, the mind is also rendered great, and becomes capable of that union with the universe which constitutes its highest good. ~ Bertrand Russell ~

File:MY IDOL AND GODDESS MOTHER SOPHIA.jpg

I had thought the quote suggested by InvisibleSun in May of 2007 among the best of the unused options suggested, and had decided it should probably be used, at least about a day or so before the selection. I had intended to spend more time looking for images indicative of both eastern and western philosophies, but didn't have much time to spend doing so, when I arrived to make the selections. The images actually are depictions of some of the most ancient of philosophical systems of east and west — the symbols of ancient Chinese and Taoist philosophy actually being among the first that came to mind. The fusion of a reserved respect for diverse ancient influences might commonly be denigrated in modern times as "New Age", but the symbols or images used are all simply modern variants of quite ancient ones, which throughout the ages have prompted MANY interpretations, in accord with the ever changing particulars of manifestations of Eternal Wisdom. Searching for something more of western philosophies, I found the unusual depiction of a goddess said to represent Sophia (Wisdom), a love of genuine philosophers, rather than bigoted partisans of various sorts, simply searching the Commons for "Sophia" the western goddess or personification of Wisdom. The Dharmachakra is also a very ancient symbol of wisdom in Hindu and Buddhist traditions, incorporating a rainbow which is both a modern and ancient symbol of righteous diversity and a covenant with the Divine which permits and impels all diversities. I added the Caduceus as another western symbol of dialogue between the eternal and temporal, and then had to go. I had also thought of using the ankh as also indicative of ancient Egyptian, Gnostic and Christian philosophies, but was in a rush, and left things as they were. I once again am in somewhat of a rush and must be leaving soon, but should have more time later today to study of the suggestions and selections for coming days. ~ ♞☤☮♌Kalki·†·⚓⊙☳☶⚡ 12:10, 18 May 2015 (UTC)

Unconvincing rationalization. Your choice of pictures betrayed Russell's whole life's work and purpose. ~ DanielTom (talk) 00:36, 9 August 2015 (UTC)