Hermitix Being, Philosophy, and Contemplation with Adam Robbert
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May 7, 2025 Adam Robbert, the mind behind The Side View and author of 'Practice in Still Life,' dives into the realms of philosophy as a way of life. He sheds light on the importance of making complex ideas accessible and critiques the disconnect between academic philosophy and real-life experiences. The conversation touches on the quest for authenticity, the transformative power of practices, and the value of community in philosophical discussions. Adam also shares insights from his writing journey, emphasizing the need for reader engagement in exploring these profound concepts.
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Givenness as Philosophical Ground
- Givenness means what presents itself to awareness, including perceptions, thoughts, and feelings.
- Philosophy should start with this aesthetic openness, the "home ground" for being, not just abstract reasoning.
Contemplative vs Analytical Thinking
- Contemplative thinking is receptive and background awareness, contrasted with linear analytical reasoning.
- Both modes are necessary, but education overemphasizes analytical thinking, ignoring the contemplative's role.
Language as Relational Invocation
- Language both distances and brings us closer to presence, acting relationally rather than just representationally.
- In mystical traditions, language is part of ascent and descent, affording experiences beyond mere description.
