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What I Learned About Life from Reading Franz Kafka

     Franz Kafka ’s works are often described as strange, unsettling, and deeply thought-provoking. At first glance, they seem to belong to a surreal world that has little to do with everyday life. Yet, as I read more of his writings, I discovered that behind the layers of bizarre imagery and absurd situations lies a profound understanding of human existence. Kafka was not merely telling stories; he was showing us the uncomfortable truths about the way life works, the way society functions, and the way individuals struggle to find meaning in a world that often seems indifferent. Life is Often Absurd, Yet We Must Continue One of the first lessons I took from Kafka is that life does not always make sense, and we must accept this without losing our will to live. In The Metamorphosis , Gregor Samsa wakes up one morning to find himself transformed into a giant insect. Kafka never explains why this happened. Instead, the story focuses on how Gregor and his family deal with t...
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What I Learned About Life from Reading Ludwig van Beethoven

     Ludwig van Beethoven was not only a great composer—he was also a powerful symbol of strength, courage, and passion. When I began to read about his life, I expected to learn about music. But what I found was something deeper. I found lessons about life itself. Never Give Up, Even in the Darkest Times Beethoven slowly lost his hearing. For a musician, this was a terrible tragedy. But he did not give up. He continued to compose music that touched the world. He wrote some of his greatest works, like the Ninth Symphony, after he had gone completely deaf. This taught me that life will give us pain and struggle—but we must never stop doing what we are born to do. Pain Can Create Beauty Reading about Beethoven’s life made me see that pain can also be a source of beauty. His music is full of emotion—joy, sorrow, hope, and fire. He put all his feelings into his work. It reminded me that we do not have to hide our pain. Instead, we can turn it into something meaningful. We ...
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Location: London, UK
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What is Love? A Deep Dive into Ancient Philosophy

     Love—a word so simple yet so profound—has perplexed humanity for millennia. Is it a divine force, an intellectual pursuit, or merely a fleeting emotion? Ancient philosophers sought to unravel its mysteries, shaping our understanding of love in ways that still resonate today. The Greek Conception of Love: The Four Types One of the most structured explorations of love comes from the ancient Greeks, who categorized it into distinct types: 1. Eros – Passionate, Romantic Love Named after the Greek god of love, Eros represents desire, passion, and the intoxicating attraction between individuals. Plato, in his famous work Symposium , suggests that eros is not just physical desire but a yearning for beauty and truth . According to him, true love transcends mere physical attraction and leads one toward a higher understanding of the divine. The journey of love, therefore, begins with physical beauty but ultimately seeks the perfection of the soul. 2. Philia – Deep Friendship ...
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Location: Rome, Metropolitan City of Rome Capital, Italy
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What I Learned About Life from Reading Isaac Newton

     Isaac Newton is one of the greatest scientists in history, renowned for his groundbreaking discoveries in physics, mathematics, and astronomy. His work revolutionized our understanding of the natural world, and his ideas continue to shape modern science. However, beyond his scientific contributions, Newton’s life offers profound lessons on perseverance, curiosity, and the pursuit of truth. As I explored his journey, I realized that his story is not just about equations and experiments—it is about resilience, discipline, and the relentless search for knowledge. Here are some of the most important lessons I learned from him. 1. The Power of Curiosity and Observation Newton was deeply inquisitive about the workings of the universe. He questioned everything and sought to understand the fundamental principles governing nature. The famous anecdote of an apple falling from a tree, which inspired his theory of gravity, illustrates how simple observations can lead to monument...
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Location: London, UK
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What I Learned About Life from Reading Socrates

     The study of philosophy is often seen as an abstract and theoretical exercise, removed from the concerns of daily life. However, reading the works and ideas of Socrates has shown me that philosophy is, in fact, a way of living—a method of engaging with the world through critical thought, relentless inquiry, and a commitment to truth. Socrates, often regarded as the father of Western philosophy, did not write down his ideas. Instead, his legacy survives through the writings of his students, particularly Plato, whose dialogues depict the profound and transformative power of Socratic wisdom. Through reading and contemplating his teachings, I have come to understand that life, at its core, is about the pursuit of wisdom, self-examination, and intellectual humility. The Unexamined Life is Not Worth Living One of the most striking statements attributed to Socrates is his assertion that "the unexamined life is not worth living." At first glance, this claim may appear extrem...
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Location: Greece
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What I Learned About Life from Reading Vincent van Gogh

     Vincent van Gogh is often remembered as the tormented genius who painted with an intensity that mirrored his turbulent life. He was a man of contradictions—an artist who saw beauty in the mundane yet struggled to find peace in his own existence. Through his letters, especially those to his brother Theo, and the analysis of his works, I have come to understand life in a way that transcends mere aesthetics. Van Gogh’s words and paintings do not merely depict the world; they challenge us to see it differently. His journey is not just one of artistic mastery but of philosophical and existential depth. 1. Passion Is the Soul’s True Expression Van Gogh’s life was a testament to the power of passion. He did not paint because it was expected of him; he painted because he had no other choice. His letters reveal a relentless drive to create, to put his emotions into color, and to translate his soul onto canvas. In one of his letters to Theo, he wrote, “What would life be if we...
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Location: Netherlands
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What I Learnt About Life from Reading Niccolò Machiavelli

     Niccolò Machiavelli, the Renaissance political thinker, is often misunderstood. His name has become synonymous with cunning, manipulation, and ruthless pragmatism. However, reading his works—especially The Prince and Discourses on Livy —reveals a much deeper and more nuanced thinker. His insights into power, human nature, leadership, and survival remain as relevant today as they were during his lifetime. Through his writings, I have learned essential lessons about life, many of which challenge conventional moral perspectives but provide practical wisdom for navigating the complexities of the world. 1. The Reality of Power and Its Necessity One of the most striking lessons Machiavelli teaches is that power is the ultimate currency in human affairs. While many idealists believe that moral virtue alone should guide leadership, Machiavelli argues that rulers must prioritize power to ensure stability and order. In The Prince , he states that it is better to be feared tha...
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Location: Rome, Metropolitan City of Rome Capital, Italy
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