Fred Bradford
Bio
Philosophy, for me, is not just an intellectual pursuit but a way to continuously grow, question, and connect with others on a deeper level. By reflecting on ideas we challenge how we see the world and our place in it.
Stories (153)
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What I Learned from Atomic Habits by James Clear
James Clear’s Atomic Habits is more than just a guide to forming good habits and breaking bad ones—it’s a blueprint for personal transformation. The book’s brilliance lies in its simplicity and practicality, offering readers actionable steps grounded in behavioral science to improve their lives incrementally. Here are the key lessons I took away from this transformative read:
By Fred Bradford12 months ago in BookClub
5 Life Lessons from Jean-Paul Sartre
Jean-Paul Sartre, one of the most influential existentialist philosophers of the 20th century, left behind a body of work that continues to challenge and inspire us. His writings on freedom, responsibility, and the meaning of life resonate deeply in a world where individuals often grapple with questions about purpose and authenticity. By exploring Sartre’s philosophy, we can uncover profound life lessons that remain relevant today.
By Fred Bradford12 months ago in Art
What I Learned from Critique of Pure Reason by Immanuel Kant
Immanuel Kant’s Critique of Pure Reason is often considered one of the most challenging yet profoundly enlightening works in the history of philosophy. Published in 1781, this monumental text seeks to answer some of the most fundamental questions about human knowledge: What can we know? How do we know it? And what are the limits of our understanding? Having delved into this masterpiece, I find myself both humbled and inspired by Kant’s intellectual depth. Here, I’d like to share some of the key lessons I have gleaned from this extraordinary work.
By Fred Bradford12 months ago in BookClub
5 Life Lessons from Martin Luther King Jr.
Martin Luther King Jr. is often remembered as a towering figure in the struggle for civil rights, a gifted orator, and a man of unyielding moral conviction. His words and actions continue to inspire people worldwide to strive for justice, equality, and peace. While King’s contributions to the civil rights movement are well-documented, his life and philosophy offer timeless lessons that extend beyond social justice. Here are five profound life lessons we can learn from Martin Luther King Jr.
By Fred Bradford12 months ago in Art
5 Life Lessons from Marcus Aurelius
Marcus Aurelius, a Roman emperor and Stoic philosopher, left behind a timeless treasure in his personal reflections, Meditations. Written as a guide for self-improvement, these thoughts were never intended for publication, yet they’ve inspired millions across centuries. His wisdom offers profound lessons on living a meaningful and resilient life. Here are five transformative life lessons from Marcus Aurelius:
By Fred Bradford12 months ago in Art
What I Learned from The Book of Five Rings by Miyamoto Musashi
When I first picked up The Book of Five Rings by Miyamoto Musashi, I expected a text solely about swordsmanship and the samurai ethos. What I discovered instead was a profound work of philosophy that transcends martial arts, offering timeless wisdom on strategy, discipline, and the art of living. Here are the key lessons I gleaned from this masterpiece.
By Fred Bradford12 months ago in BookClub
How Would Kierkegaard See Social Media?
Imagine for a moment that Søren Kierkegaard, the 19th-century Danish philosopher and father of existentialism, were to wake up in our world. How would he react to social media, a digital landscape brimming with opinions, performances, and endless scrolling? Would he see it as a tool for self-expression, or would he caution us against its pitfalls? Let’s explore how Kierkegaard’s core ideas might illuminate our relationship with platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok.
By Fred Bradford12 months ago in Art
Hume’s Skepticism
In an era characterized by a deluge of information, the prevalence of misinformation and "fake news" has become one of the most pressing challenges to modern society. As we grapple with issues of truth, belief, and evidence, the insights of David Hume, an 18th-century Scottish philosopher known for his radical skepticism, offer a compelling lens through which to view our predicament. Hume’s epistemology—his theory of knowledge—forces us to question how we come to believe what we do and whether we have sufficient justification for those beliefs.
By Fred Bradford12 months ago in Art
The Philosophy of Ludwig Wittgenstein
Ludwig Wittgenstein (1889–1951) is one of the most enigmatic and influential philosophers of the 20th century. His work has reshaped the fields of logic, language, and the philosophy of mind, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire debate and reflection. Wittgenstein’s philosophical journey was marked by radical transformations, encapsulated in two major works: Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus (1921) and Philosophical Investigations (1953, published posthumously). These texts present two contrasting views of language and its relationship to the world, reflecting the evolution of Wittgenstein’s thought over his lifetime.
By Fred Bradford12 months ago in Art
What I Learned from The Prince by Niccolò Machiavelli
Niccolò Machiavelli’s The Prince is often cited as one of the most influential works of political theory ever written. Despite being over 500 years old, its insights into power, leadership, and human nature continue to resonate. When I first approached this text, I expected a dry treatise full of obscure advice relevant only to Renaissance politics. What I discovered, however, was a profound exploration of pragmatism, ambition, and the complexities of governing. Here’s what I learned from The Prince and how its lessons remain relevant in our modern context.
By Fred Bradford12 months ago in BookClub
Alan Watts: The Way of Zen and The Wisdom of Insecurity
Alan Watts remains one of the most influential thinkers of the 20th century, celebrated for his ability to distill complex philosophical ideas into accessible, poetic language. An interpreter and popularizer of Eastern philosophy for the Western audience, Watts seamlessly bridged the cultural gap between East and West, offering profound insights on life, meaning, and existence. Two of his seminal works, The Way of Zen and The Wisdom of Insecurity, stand as enduring legacies that continue to inspire readers around the world.
By Fred Bradford12 months ago in Art
5 Life Lessons from Plato
Plato, the ancient Greek philosopher and student of Socrates, left behind a legacy of profound thought that continues to shape philosophy, politics, and ethics. His works, often presented in the form of dialogues, grapple with universal questions about life, morality, and the nature of reality. While Plato lived over 2,400 years ago, his teachings remain astonishingly relevant today. Here are five life lessons from Plato that can inspire and guide us in modern times:
By Fred Bradford12 months ago in Art
