What is the Soul?
Putting the Psyche back in Psychology...
Dear Classical Wisdom Reader,
The weather changed finally over the weekend. Perhaps it did for you too, dear reader, it is that time of year after all. Here in Buenos Aires, Argentina, however, it meant the end of the searing summer.
And it was a very welcome change.
The oppressive humidity was replaced with pleasant sunshine, laced with a cool breeze. One can imagine the wind picking up fresh off the massive, icy glaciers of the south, and racing across the grassy pampas in order to bring a refreshing breath to the heaving metropolis.
As such, everyone was outside: at the park, walking down the boulevards, or enjoying good conversation at a friend’s asado (a barbecue).
Your editor fell into the latter category.
I was meandering from group to group, glass of Malbec in hand, when I stumbled upon the most fascinating conversation.
“Well, that proves that you believe in the existence of the soul,” ventured a friend, an American, in fact.
“Which is strange, of course, because you say you are an atheist.”
I stopped immediately and began to listen. What fodder for you dear reader!
“No, not at all” was the reply.
“You are stating that not all biological processes are responsible for your decisions...”
“Yes, the manifestation of the ego, thoughts, they are not just from chemicals.”
“Which sounds like it must come from a soul...”
“Define Soul.”
I actually spilled my wine, I was so excited to jump into the debate. My previous conversations had stalled on the banal... such as the weather (You know, cool breezes off the glaciers type of thing). Finally, here was a topic to make the brain tick!
But I won’t go into my answer, because I want to hear yours first. So, before this time next week, please reply to this email, write me at anya@classicalwisdom.com or comment below with your response to the question:
What, if anything, is the soul?
Classical Wisdom Members: If you’d like to do some extra reading on the subject, then check out our Classical Wisdom Ebook, The Ancient Theologians, to see what Plato, Aristotle, Seneca and Cicero said on the topic. You can do so here:
Ebook: The Ancient Theologians
Not a member yet? Join our growing community for full access to our Ebook library and awesome member benefits!
Now, onto today’s Mailbag, more goodness for the old cerebrum, below.
All the best,
Anya Leonard
Founder and Director
Classical Wisdom
P.S. How should we treat anxiety and distress? With medication or meditation? Is it a pathological, psychological or philosophical problem? Or is it spiritual and moral? After all, the word psychology derives from the Greek word psyche, for spirit or soul…
Join us on Wednesday noon EST to discuss The Philosophy of Anxiety. Register here: https://anxiety-philosophy.eventbrite.ie
Monday Mailbag
Re: Why Don’t We Want to be Wrong?
Changing one’s mind is like changing a culture. There is a tradition that is expected to be upheld and yet a good tradition can adapt and move forward: change. The trouble with our current culture is that there is no tradition from which we come anymore; maybe worse what tradition remains is under assault. This is where I draw the line. Yes there is change and yes there needs to be adaptation but not by violence, which is where both self righteous sides seem to come from lately. One hopes we all come to our senses and see that we are all just products of propaganda at this point. None of us really have our own mind so we all should be pining for change and true understanding.
If I were King, I’d force classical liberal education on all public schools, we got to start creating thinkers again, not coddled sheep.
Mike
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Anya,
Not wanting to be wrong provides little guidance. Wanting to be right demands seeking truth. Hoping to be wrong—if you see bad results ahead—indicates a healthy outlook.
Commit to seeking truth. Welcome challenging perspectives from others. Take it as a blessing If another finds an error in your thinking. That way, you both learn.
If the above approach becomes widespread in the culture, each individual—and society—will benefit. Am I wrong?
Robert H.
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I must respond to this very briefly: In the world, regardless of the country, culture, language, etc., we all seem to think we are right but in reality we are all wrong.
Herman H. San Francisco
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As always Anya, you bring forth my questioning mind.
Might not the bigger question be, paraphrased, "Why indeed do we go to great pains and boundless cognitive dissonance to try to always be right and NOT wrong?" Because isn't it just a WANT, nay a NEED.
I'll grant that, "To bridge the divide in our increasingly polarized culture, we need to first be able to even listen to the other side... seriously.", yet if the opposite refuses to seriously listen themselves what's the point of even trying when you'd be assailed when they lash out or respond defensively.
True or not, Epicurus's reaction and response goes to the heart and mind of philosophic's ideals, not the loins or as you so well put it, "contrary to a life seeking pleasure.", as he gained not just knowledge and personal growth, but a happiness, a pleasure if you will, and not a painful experience. Which I think came from being proven wrong by his student.
Darrel P.
The problem ultimately is pride. One modern manifestation now endemic in nature and decaying western society is ownership and accountability of what we say and for what we do.
Another problem is morality and the absence of an absolute standard. When man does what is right in his sight, who has standing to say it is wrong? The Biblical Book of Kings begins and ends with this admonition.
Moral equivalency is no different than the time of the Book of Kings when it was termed doing what was right in our own sight. Nothing new under the Sun.
Charles F.
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"To bridge the divide in our increasingly polarized culture, we need to first be able to even listen to the other side... seriously."
I see this statement as the key to opening the doors of perception. If we understand ourselves as being on the other side, we perceive that our beliefs are in opposition with another. And when debating oppositions, we are likely to experience hostility toward that person or group. Truth is a tricky thing as we know from the allegory of the cave. If anyone has read peer to peer Scientific Journals, you will understand, it's not about boasting intelligence or truth, but compiled information to see if it can be corrected or built on. -all swans are white and all cats have tails, right?
Warren B.
Re: The Exiled
Anya,
Although I find the vast majority of your writings informative, interesting and even entertaining, there are times I’ve found you misuse a word when another would be more apropos based upon the subject matter. Specifically in the case of the use of modern day people who are fugitives, not exiles, i.e., Edward Snowden and Julian Assange. Then to compound the appearance of word misappropriation you add disinformation concerning your choices as an example of modern day exiles. Since when aren’t they allowed to return to their own countries? I’d be willing to bet they would be, but of course they’d immediately be arrested to face various government charges.
Now back to checking out what I’m sure will be an enlightening discourse on the ancients who were truly exiles exiled from their own countries.
All the best.
Darrell P. B.
What do you think dear reader?
Were Edward Snowden and Julian Assange good examples of modern exiles? Does the assurance of imprisonment count as not being allowed back into the country? Have your say below - along with your thoughts on the soul - and take part in the great conversation with our virtual salon....
This sums it up quite succinctly: "You don't have a soul. You are a Soul. You have a body."
C. S. Lewis
Descartes gave the best answer: the soul is the conscious, thinking, non-physical self. Glad to see a philosophical approach to traditionally religious questions. Great article!