Saturday, August 22, 2009

convergence


Ideas are rarely unique.



Most often they are the convergence of thought that is readily available out there. For example, compare this with that. Of course, Leibniz would conclude that this is just another example of everything happening for a reason.

I am transported back in time and place to this summer, traveling by ferry from Le Havre, France to Southampton, England. There were only a few fellow foot passengers. One such fellow was an Iranian, who when fell into conversation, observed that the liklihood of free and fair elections in Iran was unlikely. But, as fellow human beings who for the moment were traveling on the same ship to a common destination, he shared with me some nuts from Iran, and I the consolation, that I wished it were not as it was in Iran.

Picture from u2 concert in Iran and used only for comment.

just doo it


Andy, please forward this on to Abby. Since she is taking philosophy and studying Leibniz, she might enjoy it.

Leibniz was the happy camper of the late 17th and early 18th century - famous for concluding that this is the best of all possible worlds. Compare Voltaire, who had a character in Candide state that "This is the best of all possible worlds and couldn't possibly be better," all the while everything was going to pieces.

Leibniz also contributed the ideas that "If it ain't broke don't fix it, and vice versa," as well as, "There is a reason for everything that happens. We just don't know it."

But, it has to be the doo that is his greatest contribution to mankind, or should I say womankind?