Philosophy, The Ultimate Knowledge and Wisdom - Essay Example

R.Preeti 21/11/2007 PHILOSOPHY The ultimate knowledge and wisdom gained by man, during his lifetime, is the comprehension of where one comes from, what the purpose of life is and why one needs to act in the manner that one does. The purpose and rationale behind life is the true propeller towards the quest for this wisdom. The alluring materialistic and physical aspects of life often provide only physical happiness, while spiritual pleasure is attained only through the knowledge fo the truth attained by the quest for spirituality and enlightenment.

Numerous writers, philosophers, thinkers and the life have attempted to delve into this subject, to gain the wisdom that one yearns for.This essay attempts to highlight the spiritual quest and knowledge provided by Plato and Thoreau, in their books 'Socrates' and 'Walden Pond', respectively. The approaches adopted by both these great thinkers, vary considerably and it is this variation that diversifies one's thinking and contemplation over the different paths chosen, that enriches our reading experience and knowledge, as well.

Plato's 'Socrates' does put forth the teachings of the Greek philosopher, in the form of dialogues between him and his pupils. Through this book, he put forth his philosophy that in one's life, man must be virtuous and true to ethics and morals. When faced with duality of circumstance, he must most certainly choose the path that leads to an ethical conclusion. He says that 'Virtue is Knowledge'. One is considered knowledgeable when one knows what is virtuous.

If one knows what is virtuous, one would follow the virtuous, which is morally acceptable. This is seen, when Socrates preaches during his trial, that even though the State commits atrocities against an individual, he must not depart from what is morally bounding. Thus, 'Socrates' lays down the importance of ethics and morals in the life of man, and considers it the ultimate truth.The next book, 'Walden Pond' written by Thoreau, is a revelation of the fact that religion is not necessary for spiritual awakening and enlightenment.

It rests on the theory of Transcendentalism, which came about in New England and later, America in the 19th century. This was a product of the rising intellectualism and education. The philosophy that is put forth in the book, deals with the notion that spiritual awakening is a product of rising above and beyond the physical and empirical state. It is not bound by religion, culture or any such doctrines. It arises from an individual's intuition, a s put by the Transcendentalists.

Thoreau was a prominent transcendentalist and therefore, his book certainly conveys and forwards the ideology. The two philosophies are similar on few lines and extremely different on other avenues. For instance, both the philosophies does not put forth the doctrine of religion or God, in the attainment of spiritual awakening. These philosophies contradict e ach other at the point when Plato says that virtue must lead man on the right path and knowledge fo virtue is enough to help man lead a virtuous life.

He completely ignores the fact that in spite of possessing knowledge, man does go astray due to external influences and temptations. On the other hand, Thoreau lays stress on the concept of 'intuition'. He realises that virtue is not what leads one to spiritual awakening; it is done by responding to an inward voice or one's intuition. He realises the importance of the internal norms that emanate from within an individual and not the external rules that one calls virtues, which are nothing but the other man's understanding and interpretation of what is right and wrong.

The former lays stress on the societal perception, while the latter talks about individual perception.In my view, Thoreau's philosophy is more acceptable simply because fo the fact that the theory is universal and does not disintegrate on the altar of religion. It is not bound to a certain religion and therefore, it is more acceptable. It also lays stress on the individual, who is the prime one in spiritual quest, as opposed to the other one that lays importance on the society in t eh process of a spiritual quest.

REFERENCESPlato; 'Socrates'Thoreau; 'Walden Pond'Website: www.wikipedia.com