display all the ideas for this combination of texts
3 ideas
14805 | Is there any such thing as death among the lower organisms? [Peirce] |
Full Idea: Among some of the lower organisms, it is a moot point with biologists whether there be anything which ought to be called death. | |
From: Charles Sanders Peirce (The Doctrine of Necessity Examined [1892], p.334) | |
A reaction: The point, presumably, is that one phase of an organisms moves into another, and the 'individuals' are not distinct enough for their 'death' to be a significant transition. A nicely mind-expanding thought. |
332 | One should exercise both the mind and the body, to avoid imbalance [Plato] |
Full Idea: One should preserve a balance and avoid exercising the mind or body without the other; mathematicians should exercise physically, and athletes mentally. | |
From: Plato (Timaeus [c.349 BCE], 88c) | |
A reaction: Excellent, and very modern. Use it or lose it. It suggests that Plato had a fairly holistic view of a human being, and saw mind and body as closely integrated. |
328 | Everything that takes place naturally is pleasant [Plato] |
Full Idea: Everything that takes place naturally is pleasant. | |
From: Plato (Timaeus [c.349 BCE], 81e) | |
A reaction: Not many people would agree with this. I recently watched a sparrowhawk eat a pigeon in my garden. This is the source of the stoic formula of living according to nature. |