Once upon a time, in my high school years, I stumbled upon a fascinating word: “philosopher.” It was in my history textbook, and it got everyone in my class talking and wondering. We loved it!

A philosopher to us was someone really old and probably dead and gone who knew a lot and was super wise. We started pretending to be philosophers ourselves, giving each other names of famous philosophers we learned about.

Little did I know that this word would lead me to study philosophy in university and become a part of my life even after school. Let me tell you about my journey.

A Curious Spark

Imagine being in a lively classroom, where a single word can make everyone excited. That’s what happened when we discovered the word “philosopher.” We couldn’t stop talking about it! We imagined these ancient philosophers with incredible knowledge and wisdom. It was like stepping into a magical world where we wanted to know more.

Choosing My Path

When the time came to choose what I wanted to study in university after being offered three super courses(Geography, Economics and Philosophy), everyone thought I would go for economics or geography, the more practical subjects. But deep down, I knew that philosophy was something I needed in my life. It wasn’t just another subject; it was a way of thinking, a way of understanding the world. It made sense from the onset. So, I decided to study philosophy alongside geography and Resource Development.

Philosophy Unveiled

Studying philosophy in the university was an adventure. It wasn’t just about reading books and taking exams; it was about exploring big ideas and asking important questions. Philosophy taught me to think deeply about things, to wonder about the meaning of life and why things are the way they are. It helped me understand myself better and see the world from different perspectives.

As I learned more about philosophy, I realized that it wasn’t just something I studied; it was a way of life. It became a part of who I am. Philosophy taught me to question things, to be curious, and to think for myself. It showed me that there’s more than one way to seeing things and that it’s okay to have different opinions. It made me feel connected to others and helped me understand their thoughts and feelings.

Finding My Philosophy

Looking back on my journey, I’ve learned that everyone needs a philosophy to guide them through life. It’s like having a compass that points you in the right direction. Philosophy helps us figure out what’s important to us, how to make decisions, and how to treat others with kindness and respect. It’s about being true to yourself and finding meaning in the world around you.

So, my dear friend, philosophy is not just a fancy word or a subject you learn in school. It’s a way of exploring life’s big questions and finding your own answers. It’s about embracing curiosity, being open-minded, and understanding that there’s always more to discover. As you go through your own journey, remember to keep asking questions, seeking knowledge, and finding your own philosophy to life.

I wish i could help you and me with the little philosophy i have in me.

I hope you enjoyed reading it?

stay tuned for more of my philosophical endeavors.

Bright Asaah (Brite Bless)

Today, I want to talk about Stoicism, a philosophy that has been attributed to Marcus Aurelius, one of the most remarkable Roman emperors in history. Stoicism emerged as one of the key branches of Hellenistic philosophy, influenced by Socratic ideals. Let’s explore what Stoicism is and its core values as understood by Marcus Aurelius.

Stoicism, along with Epicureanism and skepticism, represents the major outgrowths of Socratic philosophy. However, Stoicism holds a special place as a noble and profound philosophy, resonating with virtuous individuals, including soldiers, politicians, and anyone seeking to live a morally upright life.

According to Stoicism, true happiness and fulfillment do not rely on pursuing fleeting pleasures. Instead, it emphasizes living in harmony with nature and cultivating moral virtue. Stoics believe that the wise person, or the philosopher, lives a life guided by reason and takes complete responsibility for their actions. They remain undeterred by external circumstances and are indifferent to things beyond their control.

Marcus Aurelius and other Stoic philosophers stress the importance of focusing only on the things under our control: our intentions, actions, and our own selves. They encourage us to develop a disciplined mind and will, striving for moral excellence while disregarding external factors such as wealth, social status, or even the fear of pain, death, or criticism.

For Stoics, virtue is paramount. They perceive moral virtue as the highest good, an organized soul that pursues rational ends for the benefit of all human beings. Stoics acknowledge that they cannot control the world around them, but they have full authority over their own thoughts, emotions, and choices. They seek to be virtuous, just, and honorable, without being swayed by external desires or fears.

Marcus Aurelius, in particular, stands out as an embodiment of Stoic principles. As an emperor with absolute power, he had the opportunity to indulge in any pleasure or vice. Yet, he chose to live a life of moral integrity, remaining steadfast in his commitment to virtue and justice. Marcus Aurelius serves as a testament to the potential of human character and a reproach to our own self-indulgence.

In his personal writings, known as “Meditations,” Marcus Aurelius expressed his thoughts and reflections, intending them solely for himself. These meditations reveal a profound philosophical melancholy, reflecting the loneliness of his position as an emperor. Despite his power and influence, he longed for genuine companionship and philosophical discourse.

Some of Marcus Aurelius’ insightful teachings include reminders to remain patient, accepting the transitory nature of life and the inevitability of death. He urges us to focus on our own actions rather than being consumed by external events or the opinions of others. Marcus Aurelius encourages us to embrace our social nature and to respond with kindness and understanding, even in the face of adversity.

In conclusion, Stoicism is a philosophy that champions moral virtue and living in accordance with nature. Marcus Aurelius, through his own example, reminds us of the immense power of self-control, discipline, and moral integrity. Stoicism challenges us to strive for excellence in our thoughts and actions, disregarding external circumstances beyond our control.

#Stoicism#MarcusAurelius#Philosophy#Virtue#SelfControl#Meditations

I was reflecting on something I couldn’t help but share with all of you.

Back in primary school, I was encouraged by my teachers and peers to apply for the Boys Prefect position, I did, and to my surprise, I became the Assistant Boys Prefect! I could have been the senior boys’ prefect but they thought I was too small and young that they gave the senior boys prefect to a huge guy. Funny right?

Fast forward to Junior high school, and once again, I was urged to take a leap and apply for the boys prefect role. I accepted the challenge, poured my heart into it, and voila, I became the Senior Boys Prefect! It was a proud moment, but little did I know that my journey was far from over.

While at Senior High, a fire within me ignited. I yearned for a greater challenge and decided to step out of my comfort zone, pushing myself in a region where the odds were against me. Against all expectations, I triumphed and became the Preparatory Prefect! The secret here was my campaign strategy. I was going against a Bawku guy in a Bawku land and it was very difficult to come from Bolga and emerge a winner there at the time. This is what I did, I decided to hook up with my close friends from Bawku and they did everything for me.

At the manifesto reading, I still don’t know what happened, but my time was up and interestingly I was told later that one of the panels asked that they should let me continue. I don’t know why but it scored me point’s big time.

Reflecting on this amazing ride, I’ve come to realize the power of believing in ourselves and seizing opportunities that may seem out of reach. Sometimes, it takes others to recognize our potential and push us forward, but it ultimately depends on us to capitalize on that belief and go beyond what we thought possible.

A little reminder to all of you incredible souls out there: Embrace the challenges, dare to dream big, and trust in yourself! You never know where those seemingly impossible journeys might lead you.

My Alma Mater’s

Vea Primary School

Vea Junior High School

Bawku Senior Secondary School

University of Ghana.

It’s been an incredible journey so far.

Every philosophical paper I read in the University, I managed to transform it to a real life experience and apply it to get better in life.

I was lucky to have a lecturer Dr. Nancy Myles from the onset who will always use real time issues to explain herself. Not everyone is inclined to do such a thing, but that stuck with me through my stay at the university.

Today, I want to share with you an incredible perspective that challenged me to break free from self-imposed limitations and embrace my full potential. This is inspired by a paper we read in level 200 by the philosopher Ortega y Gasset, where he suggests that “man has no nature.”

This was one of the papers that challenged my thoughts on Christianity and the notion that God created man with a destiny in hand and that no matter what you do, whatever your destiny is. It is what it is.

“Man has no nature,” by Spanish philosopher José Ortega y Gasset challenges the traditional notion that human beings possess an inherent and fixed nature. Ortega argues that unlike other living beings, humans do not possess a predetermined essence or set of characteristics that define them. Instead, he asserts that humans are characterized by their radical openness and capacity for self-creation. According to Ortega, human existence is marked by constant self-transformation and adaptation, driven by individual and collective choices.

He emphasizes the importance of freedom and self-determination, suggesting that humans are not bound by a predetermined destiny but are actively responsible for shaping their own lives and the world around them. Ortega’s ideas challenge essentialist views of human nature (who asserts that man has an essence in him) and advocate for a dynamic understanding of humanity that acknowledges our capacity for change and self-definition.

How I applied this.

As young people, we are at a crucial stage of our lives, navigating through the exciting world of opportunities. it’s therefore easy to be confined by societal expectations or preconceived notions about who you should be or what you should pursue. However, Ortega y Gasset’s powerful message urges us to question these boundaries and redefine our capabilities.

So, what did it mean to me when I came across the paper and read it?

It meant that we are not predetermined to be limited by any fixed set of qualities or abilities. We have the incredible capacity to shape our own destinies, to learn, grow, and adapt. Our potential is boundless, waiting to be discovered and nurtured.

Embracing the idea that “man has no nature” allows you to break free from self-imposed limitations. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone, to pursue interdisciplinary studies, or to engage in extracurricular activities and interests that spark your curiosity. Take risks, try new things, and constantly push the boundaries of your own potential.

We were all born with no skills, but we grew up learning and acquiring a lot. I didn’t know I could swim until I decided one day to go to the pool. I fell in love with swimming and it’s now one of the skills I am honing.

Maybe you are who you are now because you accepted you have a nature that cannot be added on to, but truth be told you are made to be more, so go out and be more.

Peace

Brite Bless

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I have this incredible story to share with you. It highlights the power of social media in building your personal brand and expanding your business horizons.

Not long ago I was in Bolga and I needed a beautiful hand-woven Kente cloth to bring to someone in Accra. It was urgent, and I needed it the very next day because I was about traveling back. Now, being someone very familiar with the wonders of social media marketing, I knew just where to turn to: Facebook Marketplace!

As I embarked on my virtual searching journey, scrolling through the endless possibilities, I was amazed at the variety and quality of hand-woven cloths I discovered. Each one seemed to hold a unique story within its intricate patterns.

Excitedly, I reached out to a few sellers, assuming they were based in the region. But to my surprise, most of them were not physically present there. However, that didn’t discourage me, for I knew that in this interconnected world, distance is no longer a barrier.

Finally, I found one that I liked most but unfortunately she wasn’t in the region. She referred me to someone actually residing in the region with whom she took the order from. I was thrilled because I could go and select the materials I wanted myself as I endeavored.

The sad thing though is the woman in Accra almost doubled the price of the material but upon realizing I was from the region and a native she had to refer me there so I buy from her because I will be hesitant to pay for her price since I might know the prices in Bolga and won’t pay for her inflated price.

This experience made me realize the immense power of establishing your social media presence, especially as a business owner or entrepreneur. By being present on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter, you can connect with customer’s worldwide, share your unique story, and break geographical boundaries.

Whether you’re an artist, a small business owner, or an enthusiast seeking to turn your passion into a thriving venture, the digital realm offers incredible opportunities.

By actively engaging on social media, you can:

1 Build a Brand: Tell your story, showcase your products or services, and cultivate a loyal customer base who resonate with your vision.

2 Try New Things: Experiment with different marketing strategies, engage with your audience through polls, contests, or live videos, and gain valuable insights to enhance your offerings.

3 Put Your Business Online: Establish an e-commerce presence, making it easier for potential customers from across the globe to discover and purchase your unique products.

Peace

Brite Bless

Hello Lovely people,

I wanted to share with you a message that really resonates with me and that I hope will inspire you as well. The idea is that we are responsible for our own lives and that we have the power to shape our own destiny. As Jordan Peterson has said, “Your life is the sum of the choices you make. You are not a victim, you are responsible for your own existence.”

This means that it’s up to us to decide what kind of lives we want to lead and to take the necessary steps to make it happen. We can’t rely on others to do it for us, or to blame them when things don’t go our way. It’s important to remember that we have more control than we might realize.

So, how do we take charge of our lives and make the most of every opportunity that comes our way? Here are a few tips that I’ve found helpful:

* Set clear goals for yourself. Know what you want to achieve and work towards it every day. Don’t let anyone tell you that your dreams are impossible. Believe in yourself and your abilities.

* Take action. Don’t wait for opportunities to come to you – go out and create them. Don’t be afraid to try new things, even if you fail. Every mistake is a learning opportunity.

* Don’t let fear hold you back. Fear is a natural human emotion, but it can also be a roadblock to success. Don’t let your fears control you. Instead, face them head on and embrace the unknown.

* Seek out mentors and role models. Find people who inspire you and who have achieved what you want to achieve. Learn from their experiences and use their guidance to help you reach your own goals.

I hope this message has resonated with you and that you feel motivated to take charge of your own life and make the most of every opportunity that comes your way. Remember, your life is in your hands – make it count!

Best regards,

Bright Asaah

Little did we know that we were going to get here. We all anticipated that, one of the four groups was going to emerge as the winner and start of as the 64th UG SRC President. But here we are, yearning for Friday to come so we can troop once again to the polls and make a final choice, a choice well needed and one that may not be reversed. It’s a decider, it’s a fork in the road.

As a student and a fervent and attentive person I have gleaned across board the two contestants and I have come to a resounding conclusion that there can only be one suitor in this marriage we are about to witness. We don’t have to court any longer once this marriage is already ready to take off. We should be marrying Prince Asumadu the gentleman and the gentle Giant Wisdom Ndukwe. This is a match made in heaven, but, it still have to be endorsed with our vote. All we seek now is that on the voting day. Do it all for the Prince with Wisdom, for good leadership comes from wise men.

Wisdom I tell you may look like a giant and may also fit the description of Thomas Hobbes Leviathan but according to Socrates man must know thyself. Wisdom Ndukwe is well versed with himself and knows what a leviathan can do. Thus, propelling him to toe the road of Jean Jacques Rousseau who calls for a general will in the governance of a group of people. That is why you can see him rallying behind the YEYE DOM anthem. A call for all to engage and make better decisions for all.

You cannot let this pass by and go for any other. Don’t try to regret for in regret there is no going back but forward as it is.

Let’s Vote Prince Asumadu and Wisdom Ndukwe as our next SRC President and vice. Let’s get it right now.

Thank you
BRIGHT ASAAH ATIBIRE
LEVEL 300 Philosophy and Geography major student
University of Ghana.

The constant thing people do in life is the eagerness to move from one point to the other. It’s assumed that where you want to be is a little better than your current destination. But, the mere notion that it will actually be so is by hoping and having faith whilst ensuring your action today is leading you there. This also means that you will encounter things that are unfamiliar on your path to this destination, but the process is the reward for the destination gives you another thing to look up to forever and ever. In all the chaos of going through this, the voluntary acceptance and the facing of the road blocks offers you the ability to make and carve something better at the destination. The potential that is found in unfamiliar situations is huge and unimaginable and will work out depending on how you react to it. Thus, an observation of the future goal in the mind and the grasping of how it will feel when in the present will offer you the ability to withstand all the necessary dark and curvy unknowns to actually yearn for it. The year just started, and the days and months ahead looks potential and yet a lot of negative encounters you will be guaranteed. But in reminiscing previous years. It’s in the movement outside of your comfort zone to encounter the unknown that a new thing is made out of. Don’t let your comfort zone keep you as a child always wanting protection. Seek to break boundaries as a curious child and create a world out of it. You will never regret it.

Blessed to have made it to 2020. No matter how bad or good 2019 was, I have another chance to live the process again.

2020 is a year I look forward to enjoying all that it brings forth. Nothing in real life is nonsense. Everything happens to teach you a lesson. And it is through the ups and downs that you are able tocorrect and live a nice life.

Every start is pill to take with a positive expectation that all will be okay. As you start your year and for that matter a decade. Remember to have a right attitude and the skills and talent to achieve your set goals. “Attitude alone is not everything but a difference maker in your life” John C, Maxwell.

Start well and I guarantee you will enjoy the ride.

Peace.