Just thinking about things. I am a philosopher, fringe scholar wandering the borderlands between the Academy and the World. I like Karl Jaspers. So I will try to write a little here from time to time from the perspective of an existential phenomenologist.
Hi there! thanks for stepping by my blog and subscribing to it! You have some very interesting deep stuff to think about here. Have a good one!
You are doing some wonderful work… I look forward to seeing more of it. 8^)
Hello Keith, I was wondering when you would stop by. lol. I have posted some of your work. thanks for the visit. Barb
So sorry about that. I guess I accidentally skipped the notice. Keep up the great work. 🙂
Thank you so much!
I appreciate reading your stuff Keith… especially about Dr. Owsley
Keith–Do you know Alphonse Lingis, the phenomenologist?
Donna
The Travels of Bogie
Yepperz. Al was the dissertation director for my boss, Robert Frodeman, and I spent some time with him a couple of years ago when he came to deliver a couple of lectures to the North Texas Philosophical Society here in Denton. Really great guy. Are you a fan/student of Al’s?
Oh, and of course, I have read his own original work as well as his translation projects.
He’s my uncle.
Oh… how wonderful. Great guy! Bob Frodeman tells me he is a real hoot and a great engagement to hang around. 🙂
Hi, Keith. Glad you enjoyed my post on mindful change of routine as seen through a daily brew of coffee. I like the premise of your blog and what you’re doing with it. Looking forward to more.
Thanks! Looking forward to digging around in your archives as well. I saw on the Recipe entry 14 Jan you use an image that I love. We have incorporated something similar into the cipher of what is being done at the scholarly center for which I am the programs manager: http://csid.unt.edu Great minds and all that… 😉
Interesting program. The mission has profound potential implications and I believe, or hope at least, that such philosophy gains momentum. You’re lucky to be part of it and working in line with your interests–but surely you put in the work to get there! I’m pleased to hear CSID is incorporating content along the lines of my post. Thanks for sharing.
Hey Keith – I’ve really been enjoying your posts, and decided to add your name to the nominee list for this award: http://driveallnight.org/2013/03/04/the-nod-of-approval/
It’s a pretty interesting means of networking!
Love your post Keith. I am thoroughly impressed.
Thanks Vance. How goes the business and the crafting of knives?
I need to get back on it. Haven’t spent much time in the garage lately. You doing ok?
I am doing very well. My work right now is very rewarding, and I am really happy with my buddy-friend-guy of nine years. How are you doing these days?
Pretty good. Closed my practice last year after having heart troubles and started working at the DA’s office. Less stress and no overhead. I really want to make knives. I have always wanted to learn. Chasing kids and sharpening knives are about all I am up to outside of work. I am glad to hear you are doing well. My undergraduate concentrations at Austin College were philosophy and business. I like seeing all your philosophical posts.
I forgot you went to Austin for your BA. Did you study philosophy with a fellow named Rod Stewart? I think he was there back in the mid 80′s. Totally understand wanting to destress after you had some health issues. Hope things are going well for you in that arena. Holler if you are ever up in Denton for some kind of knife show or if you have business. We’ll meet up for a coffee or lunch.
Rod was probably my favorite philosophy teacher. He had a great sense of humor. I will holler if I get up that way.
You seem fun and interesting, my favorite kind of people! I too studied philosophy. I also majored in psychology. I am now studying tarot cards and Reiki and I’m finding that my former studies make my style of healing unique. I am enjoying learning everyday. Do you have an “must read” book recommendations for me?
Thanks Kaycers. I welcome my fellow philosophy and psychology folks with open arms. Done a lot with synchronicity, imagination, and tarot myself. I would recommend that you read anything by Marie-Louise von Franz (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marie-Louise_von_Franz#Selected_writings). Of course, you should give Karl Jaspers and Maurice Merleau-Ponty a read as well as Erwin Straus. But as far as a “must read” book, “Siddartha” by Herman Hesse. Always a good book to read when beginning any journey.
Do you have a “must read” for me?
Namaste 🙂
Thanks! I’m excited to hear that you too are intrigued by the lessons available in Tarot and research beyond Cartesian-esqu reflection (though it has it’s place also!).
My must read for you is Ishmael by Daniel Quinn and Original Wisdom by Robert Wolff. These two books impacted me more in recent years than anything I’ve read thus far. Perhaps it was the timing…but they are quick easy reads but very thought provoking!
Thanks for the quick response! I love Siddhartha, too. Perhaps it’s time for a re-read (I do feel I’m beginning a new phase of my life!). Namaste, K
Yeah, Ishmael is a real gem. I have been meaning to check out Original Wisdom, so I will get on that. Thanks!
Did you know that Pope John Paul II was a phenomenologist too?
Yes I did. I read his dissertation on Personhood many years ago. And of course, one of the last blessed he elevated to sainthood was Edith Stein (Saint Teresia Benedicta of the Cross). She, of course, was one of the great early phenomenologists and a student/research assistant to Edmund Husserl. Her work on empathy is fundamental to any understanding of embodiment.
Do you study the phenomenological works of Blessed John Paul the Great?
Hi, Thanks for stopping by to check out my blog and the follow, hope you liked what you saw. Looking forward to seeing more from you, 🙂
Indeed I did like what I saw. I sent a few to my buddies on Facebook and Twitter. Look forward to seeing your work too. 🙂
Dig it dude. A deep appreciation for both Socrates and Yoda. Your bio reads like it could be a Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure movie. That’s high praise. Cheers, my friend.
LOL Thank you so much. That is high praise.
Actually, I often quote Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure when I teach about Socrates. The term ARETE usually is translated as “virtuous.” So we say, Socrates was very virtuous. But it would be better to translate it as “excellent.” Thus, when Bill & Ted introduce So-Krates and say he is “most excellent”, that is a hidden joke. Luckily the movie is still popular enough most kids get the joke. 🙂
I’ve nominated you for two awards! See here for details: http://juliannevictoria.com/2013/08/10/a-double-dose-of-thanks/
Namaste _/l\_
With your permission I will post this article in a new section of my site called blogs i love:
“Keith Wayne Brown is a scholar and a gentleman. His translations of the Tao De Ching are most enlightening. With a incredible eye for detail and a healthy dose of humility he guides us to a deeper understanding of Lao Tzu’s great work. His approach is to transcend dogma. He seeks only to offer as clear a picture as possible of the essential truth. Along with these beautiful translations Keith shares a plethora of his own and other bloggers most pertinent videos and posts, concerning consciousness, art, technology, current events and politics. In conclusion Reason And Existenz is a veritable cornucopia of contemporary culture.”
Gosh Michael. I can only say that you made me blush. I really appreciate this, and certainly. These are especially humbling yet blissful words coming from someone’s whose poetry and existential blogging I have been enjoying so very much.
Namaste my good brother. _/|\_
🙂
You walk the beauty way brother and this kind appreciation is inevitable. I honour your being and your becoming.
“The best warrior leads without haste
Fights without anger
Overcomes without confrontation
He puts himself below
And brings out the highest in his men.”
Tao De Ching
Verse 68
(Translated by John Star)
This is the link if you would like to reblog the post. http://mrmichaeldale.com/2013/08/19/blogs-i-♡-reason-and-existenz-keith-wayne-brown/
Michael, this is so kind of you. 🙂
I will reblog later today when I have time to formulate a fitting response. Thanks again. 🙂
A finer response I could not ask for. A jewel of encouragement and honouring I will treasure. Thank you
Dear Michael and Keith,
A leader is best
When people barely know he exists
Of a good leader, who talks little,
When his work is done, his aim fulfilled,
They will say, “We did this ourselves.”
― Lao Tzu, Tao Te Ching
All streams flow to the sea because it is lower than they are. Humility gives it its power. If you want to govern the people, you must place yourself below them. If you want to lead the people, you must learn how to follow them.
― Lao Tzu, Tao Te Ching
Yours sincerely,
SoundEagle
Hello Keith, Thanks for your liking my posts and I hope you will continue. Your site is informative as well as inspirational. Great Job! God Bless you, Barb
Congratulations on your Award. It is well deserved.
Thanks Barb. Much appreciated. Keep up the writing and keeping us all informed about your fellow authors.
Namaste _/|\_ 🙂
Thanks for the follow Keith (if I may call you Keith..and if I may not, I will ANYWAY! ’cause I’m a bum and stuff). Looking forward to reading your articles. Also, I’m not a very good artist, In fact, I often fail to see the point of a painting beyond the beauty of its creation. I’ll try my best to broaden my horizons in the future.
Thanks for the follow as well. I look forward to reading your posts. I enjoyed your recent piece on going to Wal-Mart.
Thank you, sir.
Thanks for the re-blog, Keith! Your page looks fab… I am all about philosophy, so I’m enjoying your collection of writings (original or otherwise). I’ll be passing your site on to friends–I have at least one resident philosopher. Drop by again soon! We’ll have new articles coming in hopefully every week.
Cheers,
Sinnamon Rohl
Thanks! I really enjoyed your overview of the current situation in academia. Look forward to wandering around your site. Namaste _/|\_
CALL ME MAGGIE 
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