[P.O.E.]

Tell you the truth, I read (most) of it. I was turned off by what I'll call "simplisticisms". In that spirit, I will post my thoughts, albeit more briefly.

There are many reasons for war besides those he describes.

The whole discussion on "choice" is existentialism redux - the world will go on whether or not you will.

The overview was rather broad, but not deep.

The virtues of a liberal education have been known for centuries (I use the "L" word in it's classical sense, like the "liberal arts") - the unexamined life is not worth living and all that. However, you can develop your philosophy independent of formal education (such as by the example of caring parents).

There's really no need to drive yourself to adopt a particular "named" philosophy. I'm thinking of my eclectic furniture here, but I know what I like when I see it.

[P.O.E.]

P.S. - I didn't mean to appear ungrateful for your post of the article, though. These types of posts are among my favorites on FR.

[Hank Kerchief]

Thanks for both of your comments.

However, you can develop your philosophy independent of formal education

This, at least, I am in total agreement with. In fact, I would say, if your philosophy is entirely the result of an academic education, you have lost all hope of ever actually discovering philosophical truth.

I intend to post more of this kind of thing, by the way. I'll ping you when I do if you are interested.

Hank