Athenian philosopher, Socrates has emerged as one of the most influential individuals of modern thought and has played a large role in molding the way that many societies view a majority of the established principles of modern life. His ideas involving spiritual matters, the soul, individual enlightenment, and the truth are still very much practiced today. ...
In this view, it is knowledge, not ritual, that gives the ultimate source of truth and the way to enlightenment. ... However, where the Hindu, Jain and Buddhist beliefs stemmed from the existence of the transcendent, or other plane of existence, the Greek philosophers focused more on the explanations for the here-and-now. ...
Jacob mentions that the natural philosophers "looked forward to the progressive purification of religion and a moral reformation to which science was seen as being crucial."" ... In Mesmerism and the End of the Enlightenment in France, Mercier asserts that "love of the marvelous always conquers us, because, sensing confusedly how little we know of the forces of nature, we ecstatically welcome anything that leads us to discoveries about them.""8 This excerpt depicts the populace as a body that will follow anything that seems even somewhat plausible. ...
The importance of existing though freedom, knowledge, and enlightenment is accentuated by Plato on The Republic. He uses the cave allegory to highlight how human beings will not survive the darkness unless they act together and be led by a philosopher king who leads them to the light. ...
Philosophers believe that Buddhism is a philosophy since it is an educational practice that does not center on a supernatural being. ... The significance of meditation is that it leads to self-control, enlightenment, and cleansing. ...
The Greek philosopher Aristotle attempted to derive this contemplation by practical, almost mathematical means, despite its variables being ridden with anomalies. ... There are countless other ways to reach the ultimate goal of happiness but they are ephemeral to the nirvana-like state of philosophical enlightenment Aristotle considers himself to possess that is a constant state of psychological bliss. ...
