The greatness of a man is not measured by length of the shadow he casts.
Measure instead that shadow's breadth:
See how widely it falls, how many shelter in its shade.
See what he chooses to cultivate within his domain of influence.
See who he chooses to admit, and who he bars from entry.
We are each of us an oasis. The greatest among us welcome all to the garden of our fortune.
I haven't, but just skimmed the Wikipedia page for it: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/H%C3%A1vam%C3%A1l
Looks interesting, what about it?
(I just put a hold via KCLS on Jackson Crawford's "The Wanderer's Havamal")
I'm a bit flattered by the comparison, honestly. Thanks.
I haven't read much on old Norse philosophy, but have been reading a fair amount on Buddhism and Stoicism since my dad passed.
I feel like philosophy and religion both address the same question, "How should I live my life?" but in different ways:
Religion is prescriptive; read this book, do what it says, go to this building, do what they say. I dislike the idea of taking anything "on faith" though.
I prefer philosophy as a do-it-yourself sort of system; it teaches you to think and to apply basic principles instead. No promise of what comes after, just good, sound advice. Feels less like a scheme.
Carson Hill
MechDecline