Philosophical Question I

Daily Meditation #173–8/14/2022

Is a snake evil? If yes, is it only because of the symbolism? Is it only evil if it bites you, which is its nature? What if it bites you after you intentionally provoke it? Are YOU evil, then, or the snake? What if it bites you from fear and you didn’t see it? Is it evil then? What is evil? What is good?

Is something that appears evil, in fact, evil?
Is it evil because you perceive it to be evil?
Or, is it evil because the world has labeled it as evil?
How about something symbolically representing evil, such as snakes (in some beliefs or cultures)?
Is it evil? Or is it “evil” only because it has been perceived to be evil?

Is something that appears good, in fact, good?
Is it good because you perceive it to be good?
Or, is it good because the world has labeled it as good?
How about something symbolically representing good, such as doves (in some beliefs or cultures)?
Are they good? Or are they “good” only because they have been perceived to be good?

Is a thought you are having “evil?” Or is it only evil when it is manifested into action?
After all, “It’s the thought that counts,” right?

Leave me your thoughts.

There are a few other Series I invite you to enjoy:
Death Meditations — I II III IV V VI VII VIII IX X
Animal Meditations — I II
Gratitude Meditations — I II III IV

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These are distillations from my coming book “YouDaimonia: the Ancient Philosophy of Human Flourishing.”