2023-09-20 Introduction
"Most men lead lives of quiet desperation," --Transcendentalist philosopher Henry David Thoreau, 'Walden' 1854 Introduction My Apology If I have represented myself here as more of a credible academic than I authentically am, then I apologize for disappointing you because there's no intended malice in using my well-learned literary mask. However, I hope you will quickly recognize that my virtuous soul seeks to be as well understood as those philosophers of antiquity. However, many are often left notably unrecognized until long after their death. Eudaimonia, or flourishing, is the ultimate goal of human existence, and it can be achieved by cultivating a strong persona. The documented history of philosophy is often said to begin with the notable death of Socrates 1 . Since then, there have been many other noteworthy deaths of philosophers. The reasons why some philosophers have been left unrecognized until long after their death can vary. Here are a few possible e...