It was two years ago that our family gathered outside of Steamboat Springs, Colorado for a camping weekend. Yes, that means all 19 of us… with one notable adjustment. In this case Mary and I opted to “camp” at a nice hotel in Steamboat Springs. Certainly we joined the other 17 family members for a few meals and other camping activities, but when it came to sleeping arrangements, we opted for a king sized bed and a controllable thermostat. I confess that I might have wondered, perhaps out loud with Mary, that maybe our real outdoor camping days were behind us.
In full transparency, I’ve never been a camper. There were no tents in our house growing up. No campfire meals or memories. Consequently, I’m not very good at it. Seriously. We all know folks that are natural campers. Tents. Fires. Food. Outdoor activities.
But not me… and confessionally, I wonder if my lack of competence informs my willingness and my transitional energy into a hotel.
Fast forward to Labor Day Weekend. The plans had been set in motion nearly a year ago. State Forest State Park outside of Walden, Colorado. Family camping. No hotels nearby. And yes, the moose capital of Colorado.
19 campers. Family.
Tents. Sleeping bags. Camp stoves and instant coffee. Hot dogs and s’mores.
No cell coverage. No wifi.
Just eight adults. 11 kiddos ranging in age from 4 to 15.
Two nights. Three rain storms. Chilly nighttime temps in the upper 30s……
And then. And only then. When personal excuses, and immobilizing apprehension subside… something special. No, something remarkable.
Against the fear-filled mental messages that tug toward adventure-less experiences. Something remarkable.
Kids being kids. Adults unplugged. Conversations. Uncontained laughter. Fireside games. And yes, kids being kids included a trip to the outhouse with Mack, our four-year-old grandson, who informed me enthusiastically, “Pops, you don’t even have to flush this toilet.” Indeed. The optimism of a four-year-old.
So much that could go wrong. But so much that could go right.
Handcuffed by either inconvenience or fear. I could have passed. I would have passed, except I married an adventurer. And in spite of me, my family has grown into explorers. Into kayakers and fishermen. Into barefoot wanderers and Spike-Ball players. Into fire pokers and axe-wielding 8, 9 and 10-year-olds. Into whittlers with sharp blades, and beaver trackers.
I am in their classroom. Remedial learning for the patriarch.
A reluctant “Yes” opened the Milky Way. Literally. Unencumbered stars showed off. The moon splashed on the party.
I confess. I repent.
And as such, I wonder what else I have said no to that would have provided immeasurable return on investment.
Anyone else?
Is a safe “no” in the way of a muddy, wet, risky, “yes”?
No excuses.
The work continues…
You?
And yes, I’m still vacuuming dirt out of my car… and never has it been more welcome.
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Philosophy is the discipline that studies major and universal questions, including existence, cognition, values, mind, and language. It encompasses a vast number of topics and issues, from ethics and political figures to metaphysics and logic. Here are the main nuances of philosophy:
1. Definition of Philosophy
Philosophy comes from the Greek words “philos” (love) and “sophia” (wisdom). It is the desire to understand and make sense of the world around us and our place in it.
2. The Main branches of philosophy
– Ontology research of the essence of being and existence.
– Epistemology the study of the nature and limits of cognition.
– Ethics the analysis of moral principles and concepts of good deed and evil.
– Logic research of the forms and principles of correct thinking.
– Political philosophy the study of questions of power, justice and the state.
3. Notable Philosophers
In the course of the history of philosophy, many thinkers have made weighty contributions to this science. Some of the most recognizable include:
– Socrates, considered the progenitor of Western philosophy.
– Plato, a student of Socrates, developed the doctrine of forms.
– Aristotle, the creator of logic and a large number of scientific fields.
– Immanuel Kant, known for his own Philosophy critical philosophy and work on moral issues.
4. The Relevance of Philosophy in the Modern World
Philosophy remains relevant in the modern world since enables people to understand complex social and moral issues, also develops critical thinking. It affects the legal system, politicians, and various fields of science.
5. Practical Applications of Philosophy
Philosophical ideas penetrate daily life. Ethical reflection helps people do the correct thing in complex situations, and philosophical analysis contributes to greatest understanding of issues related to technology, art, and social justice.
Philosophy is not only an academic discipline, yes and method of thinking assists us to understand life’s complexities and make informed choices.
Your comment is awaiting moderation.
Philosophy is the discipline that studies fundamental and universal questions, such as existence, cognition, values, mind, and language. It encompasses many topics and problems, from ethics and political figures to metaphysics and logic. Here are principal nuances of philosophy:
1. Definition of Philosophy
Philosophy comes from the Greek words “philos” (love) and “sophia” (wisdom). It is the desire to understand and make sense of the world around us and our place in it.
2. The Main branches of philosophy
– Ontology research of the essence of being and existence.
– Epistemology the study of the nature and limits of cognition.
– Ethics the analysis of ethical principles and concepts of good and evil.
– Logic the study of the forms and principles of correct thinking.
– Political philosophy the study of questions of power, justice and the state.
3. Famous Philosophers
Throughout the history of philosophy, almost many thinkers have made meaningful contributions to this science. Some of the most famous include:
– Socrates, considered the progenitor of Western philosophy.
– Plato, a pupil of Socrates, developed the doctrine of forms.
– Aristotle, the creator of logic and a large number of scientific fields.
– Immanuel Kant, known for his Marcel Proust critical philosophy and work on moral issues.
4. The Relevance of Philosophy in the Modern World
Philosophy remains urgent in the modern world as it helps people to understand complex social and ethical issues, but also develops critical thinking. It influences the legal system, politicians, and different fields of science.
5. Practical Applications of Philosophy
Philosophical ideas penetrate daily life. Ethical reflection helps people do the right thing in difficult situations, and philosophical analysis contributes to most excellent understanding of issues related to technology, art, and social justice.
Philosophy is not only an academic discipline, yes and a way of thinking assists us to understand life’s complexities and make informed choices.
Your comment is awaiting moderation.
Philosophy is the discipline that studies major and universal questions, such as existence, knowledge, values, reason, and language. It encompasses a vast number of subjects and problems, ranging from ethics and politicians to metaphysics and logic. Here are the main nuances of philosophy:
1. Definition of Philosophy
Philosophy comes from the Greek words “philos” (love) and “sophia” (wisdom). It is the desire to understand and make sense of the world around us and our place in it.
2. The Main branches of philosophy
– Ontology the study of the essence of being and existence.
– Epistemology the study of the nature and limits of knowledge.
– Ethics the analysis of moral principles and concepts of good deed and evil.
– Logic the study of the forms and principles of correct thinking.
– Political philosophy the study of questions of power, justice and the state.
3. Notable Philosophers
Throughout the history of philosophy, many thinkers have made significant contributions to this science. Some of the most recognizable include:
– Socrates, considered the founder of Western philosophy.
– Plato, a student of Socrates, developed the doctrine of forms.
– Aristotle, the creator of logic and a huge number of scientific fields.
– Immanuel Kant, known for his Philosophy critical philosophy and work on moral issues.
4. The Relevance of Philosophy in the Modern World
Philosophy remains urgent in the modern world since enables people to understand difficult social and ethical issues, but also develops critical thinking. It affects the legal system, politicians, and different fields of science.
5. Practical Applications of Philosophy
Philosophical ideas penetrate daily life. Ethical reflection helps people do the right thing in complex situations, and philosophical analysis contributes to greatest understanding of problems related to technology, art, and social justice.
Philosophy is not only an academic discipline, but also a way of thinking that helps us to understand life’s complexities and make informed choices.