If a man is proud of his wealth, he should not be praised until it is known how he employs it.

Becky Ripley and Sophie Ward take a cold hard look at the psychology behind each of the seven deadly sins, in the order established by Pope Gregory the Great: pride, greed, lust, envy, gluttony, wrath, and lazy old sloth. Why have we evolved these ugly emotions? What’s going on in the brain and the body when we feel them? And how best can we live alongside them - in ourselves and with others?Greed is in the spotlight today. And we're not talking food. (That’s gluttony, we come to that later in the series.) We're talking greed for money, for land, for material things – and ultimately for control, status, dominance, power. The kind of greed that separates the "haves" from the "have nots". On one hand, greed is a great motivator, driving us all forward in our pursuit to get more of whatever it is we want. But at its ugliest, greed can come at a huge cost to other people, and to the planet. When does self-interested behaviour become selfish? And can we be greedy for the good? To guide us through this mess is evolutionary anthropologist Dr Anna Machin from the Department of Experimental Psychology at the University of Oxford, psychologist and social scientist Professor Paul Piff from the Department of Psychological Science at the University of California, Executive Director of the New Economy Organisers Network, Ayeisha Thomas-Smith, and a few wise words from Sir David Attenborough.Producer: Becky Ripley

philosophy

Philosophy

Discover the world of business and economics.

economics

Economics

personaldevelopment

Personal Development

moneyandinvestments

Money & Investments

podcasts

Podcasts

Seriously is home to the world’s best audio documentaries and podcast recommendations. Introduced by Vanessa Kisuule. This feed is no longer being updated. Thanks for listening.

Seriously...

Seven Deadly Psychologies - 2. Greed

The Art of War is governed by five factors:<ul><li class="ql-align-justify">The Moral Law - following your leader regardless of their life</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Heaven - night/day, cold/heat, times and seasons</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Earth - distances great/small, danger/security</li><li class="ql-align-justify">The Commander - wisdom, courage, strictness, benevolence</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Method and Discipline - marshaling of army in proper subdivisions, ranks among officers</li></ul>By considering these factors, you can forecast your victory.

Laying Plans

When you engage in actual fighting, if victory is long in coming, then men’s weapons will grow dull and their ardor will be damped. If you lay siege to a town, you will exhaust your strength.

Waging War

In the practical art of war, the best thing of all is to take the enemy’s country whole and intact; to shatter and destroy it is not so good.

Attack by Stratagem

The good fighters of old first put themselves beyond the possibility of defeat, and then waited for an opportunity of defeating the enemy.

Tactical dispositions

The control of a large force is the same principle as the control of a few men: <ul><li class="ql-align-justify">it is merely a question of dividing up their numbers.</li></ul>

Energy

Whoever is first in the field and awaits the coming of the enemy, will be fresh for the fight; whoever is second in the field and has to hasten to battle will arrive exhausted.

Weak Points and Strong

After that, comes tactical maneuvering, than which there is nothing more difficult. The difficulty of tactical maneuvering consists in turning the devious into the direct, and misfortune into gain.

Maneuvering

When in difficult country, do not encamp. In country where high roads intersect, join hands with your allies. Do not linger in dangerously isolated positions. In hemmed-in situations, you must resort to stratagem. In desperate position, you must fight.

Variation in Tactics

We come now to the question of encamping the army, and observing signs of the enemy. Pass quickly over mountains, and keep in the neighborhood of valleys.

The Army on the March

We may distinguish six kinds of terrain, to wit: (1) Accessible ground(2) entangling ground(3)temporizing ground4) narrow passes; (5) precipitousheights(6) positions at a great distance from the enemy.

Terrain

The art of war recognizes nine varieties of ground: (1) Dispersive ground; (2) facile ground; (3) contentious ground; (4) open ground; (5) ground of intersecting highways; (6) serious ground; (7) difficult ground; (8) hemmed-in ground; (9) desperate ground.

The Nine Situations

There are five ways of attacking with fire: <ul><li class="ql-align-justify">The first is to burn soldiers in their camp</li><li class="ql-align-justify">The second is to burn stores</li><li class="ql-align-justify">The third is to burn baggage trains</li><li class="ql-align-justify">The fourth is to burn arsenals and magazines</li><li class="ql-align-justify">The fifth is to hurl dropping fire amongst the enemy</li></ul>

The Attack by Fire

Raising a host of a hundred thousand men and marching them great distances entails heavy loss on the people and a drain on the resources of the State. 	 The daily expenditure will amount to a thousand ounces of silver. There will be commotion at home and abroad, and men will drop down exhausted on the highways. As many as seven hundred thousand families will be impeded in their labor.

The Use of Spies

"There's not a dated maxim or vague prescription in it." — Newsweek Regarded as the world's oldest military treatise, this compact volume has instructed officers and tacticians for more than 2,000 years. From its origins in China, The Art of War traveled the world to inform the strategies of Napoleon and World War II generals. More recently, it has taken on a new life as a guide to competing successfully in business, law, and sports. All of The Art of War's concepts retain their value to modern readers, from the prudence of circumventing a strong opponent and taking advantage of a weak one to the wisdom of preparedness and flexibility. Other topics include strategy, tactics, maneuvering, communications, the treatment of soldiers, and the worth of well-trained officers. History enthusiasts, business thought leaders, and anyone intrigued by competition and rivalry will appreciate this elegant edition of the classic work.

books

Books

softwareengineering

Software Engineering

Sun Tzu (孫子; pinyin: Sūnzǐ) is a honorific title bestowed upon Sūn Wu (孫武 c. 544-496 BC), the author of The Art of War (孫子兵法), an immensely influential ancient Chinese book on military strategy. Sun Tzu believed in the use of the military sciences to effect outcomes that would result in peace.In the author's name, Sūn Wu, the character wu, meaning "military", is the same as the character in wu shu, or martial art. Sun Wu also has a courtesy name, Chang Qing (Cháng Qīng).

Sun Tzu

The Art of War

The Art of Controversy (or The Art of Being Right) by Arthur Schopenhauer is a fascinating examination of argumentation and rhetoric, focusing on the methods people use to win debates, regardless of truth or morality. Written in the 19th century, Schopenhauer approaches this from a critical, almost cynical perspective, providing a catalogue of rhetorical strategies that can be used to "appear" right in a debate. The treatise is not concerned with seeking the truth, but with the manipulative tactics that can sway an argument in one's favour.

Introduction

Schopenhauer organizes the book around 38 "stratagems" or techniques, which debaters can use to gain the upper hand. These are often unethical or manipulative, aiming to deceive or distract rather than uncover the truth. Some of the key tactics include:<ul><li>Extension of the Proposition: This technique involves overstating or exaggerating the opponent's argument to make it easier to attack.</li><li>Ad Hominem: A personal attack on the opponent, shifting the focus from the subject to the individual’s character or motivations.</li></ul>

Main Themes and Techniques:

<ul><li class="ql-align-justify">Diversion: Distracting the opponent or audience with irrelevant issues to deflect attention from the main argument.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Appeal to Authority: Citing the opinion of an authority figure, even when their expertise is irrelevant, to lend credence to one’s position.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Concession of Minor Points: Agreeing with smaller parts of the opponent's argument to appear fair while maintaining the key disagreement.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Appeal to Emotion: Manipulating the audience's emotions to obscure the rational evaluation of the argument.</li></ul>

<ul><li class="ql-align-justify">Begging the Question (Circular Reasoning): Presenting a conclusion that is essentially a restatement of one of the premises, disguising it as proof.</li></ul>

Schopenhauer doesn't advocate for using these methods but rather exposes them so that readers can recognize when others employ them. His critical view of human nature is apparent in his suggestion that people are often more interested in winning than in seeking the truth. He argues that one should be aware of these strategies, both to defend against them and to avoid being manipulated.

Schopenhauer’s Intention:

The book has a somewhat satirical and critical tone, characteristic of Schopenhauer’s general worldview, which often emphasized the irrational and self-serving nature of human behavior. He seems to hold a low opinion of human intellectual integrity, portraying most arguments as battles for dominance rather than honest discussions.

Tone and Philosophy:

Although the text focuses on winning arguments, it indirectly touches upon Schopenhauer's broader philosophy of pessimism and the futility of human endeavors. In debates, as in life, people often prioritize appearance and victory over substance and truth.In summary, The Art of Controversy serves as a manual for understanding rhetorical manipulation and a critique of the human tendency to prioritize winning over the pursuit of knowledge and truth.

Broader Implications:

It's a book for debaters and people who enjoy or are curious about rhetoric.

strategy

Strategy

communication

Communication

Schopenhauer

The Art of Controversy

We've got to have rules and obey them. After all, we're not savages. We're English, and the English are best at everything.

1.	Civilization vs. Savagery	2.	Loss of Innocence	3.	Power and Control	4.	The Nature of Evil	5.	Fear as a Motivator	6.	The Conch as a Symbol	7.	The Beast within Humanity	8.	Leadership Struggles	9.	Groupthink and Mob Mentality	10.	The Rescue and Its Irony

Topics Explained

The central theme of the book is the struggle between the civilizing instinct (law, order) and the savage instinct (chaos, power). The boys start with order, but slowly descend into savagery. 	“The rules! You’re breaking the rules! Who cares?”

Civilization vs Savagery

As the boys spend more time on the island, they lose their innocence, evolving from innocent schoolboys to violent hunters. The island becomes a metaphor for the corruption of human nature. 	“Ralph wept for the end of innocence, the darkness of man’s heart.”

Loss of Innocence

Ralph and Jack represent two different leadership styles. Ralph favors democracy and order, while Jack thrives on power and fear, leading to a battle for control of the group. 	“The mask was a thing on its own, behind which Jack hid, liberated from shame and self-consciousness.”

Power & Control

Golding suggests that evil isn’t external but comes from within. The boys’ descent into violence showcases how close humanity is to savagery, especially without societal constraints. 	“Maybe there is a beast… maybe it’s only us.”

The Nature of Evil

The boys’ fear of the mythical “beast” fuels their descent into chaos. Fear manipulates their actions and decisions, proving to be more dangerous than any actual threat on the island. 	“Fear can’t hurt you any more than a dream.”

Fear as a Motivator

The conch symbolizes law, order, and democracy. As it loses its power, so does the boys’ grip on civilization, ultimately leading to its destruction and the island’s chaos. 	“The conch exploded into a thousand white fragments and ceased to exist.”

The Conch as a Symbol

The “beast” is not a real creature but a symbol of the primal instincts inside every human being. The boys’ belief in the beast reflects their inability to recognize the evil within themselves. 	“What I mean is… maybe it’s only us.”

The Beast within Humanity

Ralph and Jack’s rivalry over leadership mirrors the larger battle between civilized society and anarchic power. Their struggle highlights the fragility of order when power becomes a goal. 	“I’m chief. I was chosen.”

Leadership Struggles

As the boys form groups, their decisions are influenced by the crowd, leading to dangerous groupthink. This drives them to commit violent acts they might never do individually. 	“Kill the beast! Cut his throat! Spill his blood!”

Groupthink & Mob Mentality

The boys are rescued at the peak of their savagery, yet the adult who saves them is part of a world engulfed in war, highlighting the irony that civilization itself is not free from savagery. 	“We saw your smoke. What have you been doing?”

The Rescue & Its Irony

1.	Civilization vs. Savagery: A fight between order and chaos.	2.	Loss of Innocence: The boys’ descent into violence.	3.	Power and Control: Leadership conflicts between Ralph and Jack.	4.	Nature of Evil: Evil comes from within.	5.	Fear as a Motivator: Fear drives dangerous behaviors.

6.	The Conch: Symbol of order and its eventual collapse.	7.	The Beast: Reflects primal instincts within humanity.	8.	Leadership Struggles: Power battles reveal fragile order.	9.	Groupthink: Mob mentality leads to violence.	10.	Rescue Irony: Saved from savagery by a world in war.

A group of boys stranded on an island reveals the dark side of human nature and civilization.

Golding’s iconic 1954 novel, now with a new foreword by Lois Lowry, remains one of the greatest books ever written for young adults and an unforgettable classic for readers of any age.   This edition includes a new Suggestions for Further Reading by Jennifer Buehler. At the dawn of the next world war, a plane crashes on an uncharted island, stranding a group of schoolboys. At first, with no adult supervision, their freedom is something to celebrate. This far from civilization they can do anything they want. Anything. But as order collapses, as strange howls echo in the night, as terror begins its reign, the hope of adventure seems as far removed from reality as the hope of being rescued.

Understand yourself and those around you.

psychology

Psychology

politics

Politics

artsandculture

Society, Arts & Culture

William Golding

Lord of the Flies

If I cannot inspire love, I will cause fear!

1.	The Dangers of Ambition	2.	The Consequences of Playing God	3.	Isolation and Its Effects	4.	The Desire for Acceptance	5.	The Role of Nature vs. Nurture	6.	The Burden of Knowledge	7.	Responsibility for Creation	8.	The Fragility of Life	9.	Appearance and Judgment	10.	Humanity’s Fear of the Unknown	11.	The Monster as a Reflection of Victor	12.	The Duality of Man	13.	Suffering and Revenge	14.	The Pursuit of Science	15.	The Role of Family and Companionship	16.	The Inescapable Guilt

Victor Frankenstein’s desire to push the limits of scientific knowledge and create life leads to catastrophic results. His ambition blinds him to the moral implications of his actions. 	“Learn from me, if not by my precepts, at least by my example, how dangerous is the acquirement of knowledge.”

The Dangers of Ambition

Frankenstein’s attempt to play God by creating life results in a monstrous being, symbolizing the perils of overstepping natural boundaries. 	“You are my creator, but I am your master; obey!”

The Consequences of Playing God

Both Victor and the Creature suffer from extreme isolation. Victor’s obsession isolates him from his family, while the Creature’s alienation from society fuels his anger and loneliness. 	“I am alone and miserable; man will not associate with me.”

Isolation and Its Effects

The Creature craves companionship and acceptance, but his grotesque appearance ensures rejection, deepening his sorrow and rage. 	“I had feelings of affection, and they were requited by detestation and scorn.”

The Desire for Acceptance

Shelley explores whether the Creature becomes monstrous because of his inherent nature or because of the way society treats him. 	“I was benevolent and good; misery made me a fiend.”

The Role of Nature vs Nurture

Victor’s insatiable thirst for knowledge becomes a curse. The novel suggests that some knowledge can be destructive when pursued without considering its consequences. 	“Seek happiness in tranquility and avoid ambition… it is the serpent to stings you.”

The Burden of Knowledge

Victor’s abandonment of his creation raises moral questions about responsibility. He brings the Creature into the world but refuses to care for or guide him. 	“You accuse me of murder; and yet you would, with a satisfied conscience, destroy your own creature.”

Responsibility of Creation

Victor’s obsession with defying death contrasts with the fragility of life. The deaths of loved ones in the novel highlight life’s delicate nature. 	“The world was to me a secret which I desired to divine.”

The Fragility of Life

The Creature’s outward appearance causes people to immediately judge him as evil, exploring how society equates physical beauty with virtue and ugliness with wickedness. 	“Accursed creator! Why did you form a monster so hideous?”

Appearance & Judgement

The Creature’s existence challenges the boundaries of science and humanity, symbolizing the fear of the unknown and the uncontrollable. 	“I ought to be thy Adam; but I am rather the fallen angel.”

Humanity’s Fear of the Unknown

The Creature represents a dark reflection of Victor, symbolizing his hubris and the repercussions of his unchecked ambition. 	“I am malicious because I am miserable.”

The Monster as a Reflection of Victor

Frankenstein explores the duality of human nature, showing that one can have the capacity for both great good and immense evil. 	“I had worked hard for nearly two years, for the sole purpose of infusing life into an inanimate body.”

The Duality of Man

The novel is filled with characters who suffer and seek revenge, from Victor and the Creature to the families destroyed by their actions. 	“Revenge remains - revenge, henceforth dearer than light or food!”

Suffering & Revenge

Frankenstein critiques the Enlightenment ideal of scientific progress, suggesting that reckless pursuit of knowledge can lead to unintended, destructive outcomes. 	“How dangerous is the acquirement of knowledge and how much happier that man is who believes his native town to be the world.”

The Pursuit of Science

Victor’s familial ties disintegrate as a result of his ambition. Meanwhile, the Creature’s desire for family and companionship is left unmet, emphasizing the role of these bonds in human happiness. 	“Am I not alone, miserably alone?”

The Role of Family & Companionship

Victor’s guilt over his creation’s actions haunts him throughout the novel, and his inability to confront it ultimately leads to his downfall. 	“Nothing is so painful to the human mind as a great and sudden change.”

The Inescapable Guilt

1.	Ambition Leads to Ruin: Unchecked ambition can have disastrous consequences.	2.	Responsibility for Creation: Victor’s abandonment of the Creature leads to chaos.	3.	Isolation Breeds Misery: Both Victor and the Creature suffer from loneliness.	4.	Nature vs. Nurture: The Creature’s environment shapes his monstrous behavior.	5.	Consequences of Playing God: Creating life without foresight results in destruction.

6.	Appearance and Judgment: Society judges the Creature’s appearance unfairly.	7.	The Pursuit of Knowledge: Reckless curiosity can lead to suffering.	8.	Family Bonds: Family and companionship are crucial for happiness.	9.	Fear of the Unknown: The Creature symbolizes humanity’s fear of the unfamiliar.	10.	Guilt and Revenge: Both Victor and the Creature are consumed by guilt and revenge.

Victor’s ambition births a monster, leading to a tragic exploration of creation and responsibility.

Few creatures of horror have seized readers' imaginations and held them for so long as the anguished monster of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. The story of Victor Frankenstein's terrible creation and the havoc it caused has enthralled generations of readers and inspired countless writers of horror and suspense. Considering the novel's enduring success, it is remarkable that it began merely as a whim of Lord Byron's. "We will each write a story," Byron announced to his next-door neighbors, Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin and her lover Percy Bysshe Shelley. The friends were summering on the shores of Lake Geneva in Switzerland in 1816, Shelley still unknown as a poet and Byron writing the third canto of Childe Harold. When continued rains kept them confined indoors, all agreed to Byron's proposal. The illustrious poets failed to complete their ghost stories, but Mary Shelley rose supremely to the challenge. With Frankenstein, she succeeded admirably in the task she set for herself: to create a story that, in her own words, "would speak to the mysterious fears of our nature and awaken thrilling horror — one to make the reader dread to look round, to curdle the blood, and quicken the beatings of the heart."

history

History

Mary Shelley

Frankenstein

“We tend to think of our behaviour as largely conscious and willed. To imagine that we are not always in control of what we do is a frightening thought, but in fact it is the reality.”

“We see people not as they are, but as they appear to us. And these appearances are usually misleading.”

“Do not be afraid to exaggerate the role of willpower. It is an exaggeration with a purpose. It leads to a positive self-fulfilling dynamic, and that is all you care about. See this shaping of your attitude as your most important creation in life, and never leave it to chance.”

From the #1 New York Times-bestselling author of The 48 Laws of Power comes the definitive new book on decoding the behavior of the people around you Robert Greene is a master guide for millions of readers, distilling ancient wisdom and philosophy into essential texts for seekers of power, understanding and mastery. Now he turns to the most important subject of all - understanding people's drives and motivations, even when they are unconscious of them themselves. We are social animals. Our very lives depend on our relationships with people. Knowing why people do what they do is the most important tool we can possess, without which our other talents can only take us so far. Drawing from the ideas and examples of Pericles, Queen Elizabeth I, Martin Luther King Jr, and many others, Greene teaches us how to detach ourselves from our own emotions and master self-control, how to develop the empathy that leads to insight, how to look behind people's masks, and how to resist conformity to develop your singular sense of purpose. Whether at work, in relationships, or in shaping the world around you, The Laws of Human Nature offers brilliant tactics for success, self-improvement, and self-defense.

motivationandinspiration

Motivation & Inspiration

Robert Greene is an American author of books on strategy, power, and seduction. He has written six international bestsellers, including The 48 Laws of Power, The Art of Seduction, The 33 Strategies of War, The 50th Law, Mastery, and The Laws of Human Nature.

Robert Greene

The Laws of Human Nature

Hedonism and Stoicism are two philosophical ways to live happily.Hedonism focuses on seeking pleasure and joy, while Stoicism emphasizes self-control, morality, and dealing with difficulties.The combination of these two ideologies can create a balanced and fulfilling life where we prioritize both happiness and virtue. created by Juha Falck 2024

Hedostoicisim: Introduction

Hedonism encourages us to seek out and enjoy life’s pleasures, but in moderation and balance.
We must avoid overindulgence. It can lead to negative consequences and detract from our overall happiness. Instead, savor and appreciate each moment of pleasure and use it to nourish our souls.

The Pursuit of Pleasure

Stoicism teaches us to control ourselves, act with integrity, and face challenges as opportunities for growth.
To lead a fulfilling life, we must:
<ul>
<li>Master self-control</li>
<li>Act with virtue and integrity</li>
<li>Accept life's challenges</li>
</ul>
Embrace Stoicism and cultivate a fulfilling life!

Self-Control and Virtue

Hedonistic Stoicism encourages us to accept life as it is, and to be grateful for what we have. This does not mean that we must resign ourselves to a life of unhappiness, but rather that we must learn to appreciate what we have, even in the face of adversity.
When we cultivate a sense of gratitude, we become more resilient, and better equipped to handle life's challenges. 🙏

Acceptance and Gratitude

Hedonistic Stoicism is a way of life that involves finding a balance between pleasure and virtue. Moderation is key as we pursue pleasure and use it to increase our overall happiness. Self-control, virtue, and acceptance are also important, as they give meaning and purpose to our lives. 
<ul>
<li>Find balance between pleasure and virtue</li>
<li>Seek pleasure in moderation</li>
<li>Cultivate self-control, virtue, and acceptance</li>
<li>Enhance overall happiness</li>
</ul>

Balance and Harmony

Hedonistic Stoicism offers balance between pleasure and virtue, promoting gratitude, self-control & acceptance.
<ol>
<li>Balance pleasure & virtue</li>
<li>Promote gratitude, self-control & acceptance</li>
</ol>
We can lead lives filled with meaning, joy, & contentment by combining the best of both philosophy schools.

Hedonistic Stoicism: A Philosophy for a Fulfilling Life

<ol><li>Pursue pleasure in moderation: Seek out the things that bring you joy and happiness, but avoid overindulgence, as it can lead to negative consequences and detract from your overall well-being.</li><li>Cultivate self-control: Learn to control your desires, emotions, and actions, and act with integrity and virtue at all times.</li><li>Accept the hardships of life: Life is not always easy, but it is essential to accept the challenges that come your way, and use them as opportunities for growth and self-improvement.</li></ol>

10 Rules Of Hedostoisim

4.Seek balance: Hedonistic Stoicism is about finding balance between pleasure and virtue, and avoiding extremes in either direction.5.Cultivate gratitude: Be thankful for what you have, and appreciate the small things in life, even in the face of adversity.6.Focus on what is within your control: Stop worrying about things that you cannot control, and focus on the things that you can change.7.Live in the present moment: Do not dwell on the past or worry about the future, but instead, focus on the present moment, and make the most of each day.

8.Practice mindfulness: Pay attention to your thoughts, emotions, and sensations, and cultivate a sense of awareness and presence in your daily life.9.Seek wisdom: Seek out knowledge and understanding, and strive to live a life that is guided by wisdom and reason.10.Be kind and compassionate: Show kindness and compassion to others, and strive to make a positive impact in the world. By living a life that is guided by these principles, you can lead a fulfilling life that is filled with joy, contentment, and meaning.

Living your life with the principles of Hedostoicism is a key to a happy life

Hedonistic Stoicism: A Manifesto for a Fulfilling Life

mentalhealth

Mental Health

Hedostoicisim: A manifesto for a fulfilling life

I try all things, I achieve what I can.

1.	The Obsession of Captain Ahab	2.	The Symbolism of the White Whale	3.	Ishmael’s Perspective as a Narrator	4.	The Duality of Nature: Beauty and Destruction	5.	The Brotherhood Among the Crew	6.	The Limits of Human Knowledge	8.	The Power Struggle Between Man and Nature	9.	The Representation of Madness	10.	The Theme of Revenge	11.	The Importance of Storytelling	12.	The Role of Isolation and Loneliness	13.	The Melancholy of the Sea	14.	The Clash Between Rationality and Emotion	15.	The Technological and Societal Themes in Whaling	16.	The Search for Meaning

Captain Ahab’s pursuit of Moby Dick symbolizes the destructive power of obsession. His fixation on the whale blinds him to the cost of his actions, pushing him and his crew toward doom. 	“The path to my fixed purpose is laid with iron rails, whereon my soul is grooved to run.”

The Obsession of Captain Ahab

Moby Dick, the white whale, represents many things: nature’s uncontrollable power, fate, and the unknown. It eludes any single interpretation, reflecting the complexity of life’s challenges. 	“The White Whale swam before him as the monomaniac incarnation of all those malicious agencies.”

The Symbolism of White Whale

Ishmael, the lone survivor, narrates the story, offering reflections on the events. His philosophical musings frame the tale as both personal and universal, touching on existential themes. 	“Call me Ishmael.”

Ishmael’s Perspective as a Narrator

Nature is portrayed as both beautiful and deadly. The sea, whales, and storms embody this duality, showing that life’s forces can be awe-inspiring yet lethal. 	“There is, one knows not what sweet mystery about this sea, whose gently awful stirrings seem to speak of some hidden soul.”

The Duality of Nature: Beauty & Destruction

Despite cultural and racial differences, the crew forms a brotherhood. This unity in diversity reflects a theme of shared humanity amidst the harshness of the sea. 	“Ahab stood before them with a crucifixion in his face, in all the nameless regal overbearing dignity.”

The Brotherhood among the Crew

The novel explores how little humans understand the world. Ahab’s pursuit of Moby Dick represents humanity’s futile quest for mastery over nature and the unknown. 	“How can the prisoner reach outside except by thrusting through the wall?”

The Limits of Human Knowledge

Ahab’s battle against the whale represents mankind’s eternal struggle against nature’s immense forces. Nature is indifferent to human concerns, which creates a feeling of futility in the face of its power. 	“All that most maddens and torments; all that stirs up the lees of things.”

The Power Struggle Between Man & Nature

Ahab’s obsession drives him to madness, a descent that’s mirrored in the increasingly chaotic atmosphere aboard the ship. His quest for revenge consumes him entirely. 	“I leave a white and turbid wake; pale waters, paler cheeks, where’er I sail.”

The Representation of Madness

Revenge fuels the plot, with Ahab’s vendetta against Moby Dick as the central motivation. The destructive nature of revenge is illustrated through the captain’s descent into madness. 	“From hell’s heart I stab at thee; for hate’s sake I spit my last breath at thee.”

The Theme of Revenge

The novel itself is a testament to the power of storytelling. Through Ishmael’s narration, the complex interplay of human emotion, nature, and fate is captured and preserved. 	“It is not down on any map; true places never are.”

The Importance of Storytelling

Isolation permeates the novel, from the vast, empty sea to the inner loneliness of characters like Ahab. This solitude underscores the existential struggle faced by the crew. 	“Yes, as everyone knows, meditation and water are wedded forever.”

The Role of Isolation & Loneliness

A thrilling tale of obsession, revenge, and the eternal struggle between man and nature.

&quot;Call me Ishmael.&quot; So begins the famous opening chapter of Moby-Dick; or, The Whale. Young sailor Ishmael is hired as a crew member of a whaler named Pequod, captained by a man named Ahab. In between lengthy chapters on whale biology and descriptions of the crew and the whaling trade, readers are slowly introduced to a captivating tale. Ahab is out for revenge on the great white whale that stole his leg, leaving him with a whale-bone prosthesis and a withering hatred for the beast. Known as Moby Dick, the whale is infamous for his encounters and escapes with whale ships, and Ahab offers a gold coin, nailed to the Pequod's mast, as a reward for whoever sights him first. Beginning on a cold Christmas morning, the crew embarks on a journey to find the whale and make their fortunes. An exciting staple of American literature, Moby-Dick is a must-read for anyone interested in the classics. Herman Melville was inspired to write Moby Dick by the 1821 biographical account Narrative of the Most Extraordinary and Distressing Shipwreck of the Whale-ship Essex, which in turn inspired the 2000 novel and 2015 movie, In the Heart of the Sea.

Moby-Dick

Find 100+ Philosophy Ideas, Insights & Facts - Curated from popular Videos, Podcasts, Books & Articles - Genuine Insights from like-minded Users like You!

Seven Deadly Psychologies - 2. Greed

The Art of War

The Art of Controversy

Lord of the Flies

Frankenstein

The Laws of Human Nature

Hedostoicisim: A manifesto for a fulfilling life

Moby-Dick

The Abolition of Man

Kaizen

It's time to
Read like a Pro.

Seven Deadly Psychologies - 2. Greed

The Art of War

The Art of Controversy

Lord of the Flies

Frankenstein

The Laws of Human Nature

Hedostoicisim: A manifesto for a fulfilling life

Moby-Dick

The Abolition of Man

Kaizen

It's time to Read like a Pro.

It's time to
Read like a Pro.