Philosophy Now Stinks !
Posted: Mon Feb 15, 2016 11:32 am
Greek-style. That is.
Is there such a thing as a national philosophy. A chosen 'best way of life' ? Is it the case that a generalised sense of identity can make a huge difference to a country's economy and future?
During a BBC2 programme - Greece - Series 1, Episode 2/2, Simon Reeve acknowledged that it was a generalisation but then proceeded to contrast Greek and German attitudes to life. Living in the moment to careful strategic planning.
It was fascinating to watch a military parade where tons of money had been spent on German tanks. Money loaned to them by Germany. The Greek army is huge. I think he said that, at one point, it was the biggest in the world.
This contrasted with the lack of investment in solar power. Reeve showed us an enormous coal mine, which used the scariest explosive method - light a match and get the hell out of there in 10 seconds !
Why this reliance on coal - and how absolutely desperate. As the sole means of power. A problem in the coal mine is everyone's problem.
What, if anything, would ancient Greek philosophy have to say ?
Greek youth unemployment is - apparently - if I remember correctly at 75%. That can't be right...
The young encouraged to go to university have grown brainier - perhaps - but the loss is that of Greece. Nobody wants to do the land work. Migrants live in atrocious conditions, picking strawberries in outrageously hot polytunnels. Paid about 22 euros a day; money deducted for their 'tents' and less than basic sanitary conditions. If they protest, they get beaten and shot at.
There is a Brain Drain.
Arguably, Greece needs a Brain Train. To think again. To counteract a clear and present danger. But countries can't think.
[ And that's another thing. The rail system - apparently loads of money sunk into it, but hardly anyone uses it. Costly. Reeve quotes someone as saying it would probably be cheaper to put on taxis for the passengers.]
Simon Reeve - is someone I will be following. Love his style of investigative travel documentary. Diverse and thought-provoking.
Refreshing Philosophy Now.
Is there such a thing as a national philosophy. A chosen 'best way of life' ? Is it the case that a generalised sense of identity can make a huge difference to a country's economy and future?
During a BBC2 programme - Greece - Series 1, Episode 2/2, Simon Reeve acknowledged that it was a generalisation but then proceeded to contrast Greek and German attitudes to life. Living in the moment to careful strategic planning.
It was fascinating to watch a military parade where tons of money had been spent on German tanks. Money loaned to them by Germany. The Greek army is huge. I think he said that, at one point, it was the biggest in the world.
This contrasted with the lack of investment in solar power. Reeve showed us an enormous coal mine, which used the scariest explosive method - light a match and get the hell out of there in 10 seconds !
Why this reliance on coal - and how absolutely desperate. As the sole means of power. A problem in the coal mine is everyone's problem.
What, if anything, would ancient Greek philosophy have to say ?
Greek youth unemployment is - apparently - if I remember correctly at 75%. That can't be right...
The young encouraged to go to university have grown brainier - perhaps - but the loss is that of Greece. Nobody wants to do the land work. Migrants live in atrocious conditions, picking strawberries in outrageously hot polytunnels. Paid about 22 euros a day; money deducted for their 'tents' and less than basic sanitary conditions. If they protest, they get beaten and shot at.
There is a Brain Drain.
Arguably, Greece needs a Brain Train. To think again. To counteract a clear and present danger. But countries can't think.
[ And that's another thing. The rail system - apparently loads of money sunk into it, but hardly anyone uses it. Costly. Reeve quotes someone as saying it would probably be cheaper to put on taxis for the passengers.]
Simon Reeve - is someone I will be following. Love his style of investigative travel documentary. Diverse and thought-provoking.
Refreshing Philosophy Now.