It has to be
My philosophy teachers. I doubt any of them read b3ta, but I hope to be able to tell them in person one day soon...

I started my last years at school without much idea what I wanted to do. I knew though, that I would almost certainly end up doing a science degree (I'm currently at uni, studying physics). My old religious studies teacher (Mrs. E) talked me into studying philosophy - I'd always been good at that sort of thing, and she assured me that it would look good on a personal statement or CV. It also seemed like a doss subject - they had a 100% pass rate for the previous year.

In some ways, it was a doss subject. I ended up with a B, despite not doing as well in the final exams as I should have. If you learnt the names and the theories, it was easy. You didn't have to understand them.

But I wanted to. As long as I can remember, I've looked for truth.

I was very depressed shortly after finishing my GCSE's. Not medically, but I'm sure most of you know what I mean. At that age you can't understand what's going on. The universe seems horribly unfair, and you're unable to believe that anything will ever get better. I was afraid of death - why should I stop forever? How dare the world decree such a short lifespan for me?

Studying philosophy as I did opened my mind. I'll never believe in a God, but I was made to think why. I was made to consider everything I'd done and why I had done it, in a way I never had before.

I realised at last that death was not something to be feared - I would become a part of everything again, as I was before I was born. That might not seem like much of a revelation to some people, but I felt such happiness and joy that I can't put it into words. I finally realised that I am a part of all the beauty in the world, and I will continue to be for ever, long after my body has crumbled to dust and vanished.

Every time I feel sad and sorry for myself, I think about that, and I find it impossible to be sad. I see all the wonder and beauty in the world now, and my only regret is that there are people who won't listen when I try to tell them about it.

So I would like to thank those who taught me that the world is greater than one man.
( MatJ LOOK, Mon 6 Oct 2008, 1:26, 8 replies)

You have no idea how good it is to read this
I'm currently sitting here in the early hours, desperately preparing for a Philosophy seminar this coming morning. Every time I think I've got it down, I find a counter-argument or something I don't understand. It's so frustrating, but you've reminded me why I'm studying this,

Philosophy is indeed thought of as a doss subject due to that horrible A level marking scheme where you can quote endless philosophers without really knowing what they're on about.

It is, however, the study of everything to the strictest degree, and is guaranteed to make you see things in a new light (i.e. closer to how they are). Good luck with the Physics!
(Adamish Time of death, Mon 6 Oct 2008, 1:47, closed)

I really am glad I studied philosophy
I remember the day I finally realised. I'd been to the pub, and I was out walking through the countryside near my house. I was leaning on a post at 2am in the morning when the realisation hit me, and I'm not ashamed to say that I cried with happiness for the first time in years. It was just like a huge weight had been lifted.

I'm certain beyond all doubt that if I ever (hopefully never) suffer from Alzheimers or dementia, that memory will be the last of all to go.
( MatJ LOOK, Tue 7 Oct 2008, 0:56, closed)

wow.
that's EXACTLY how i feel about death. as soon as it had sunk in that i would one day die, i spent the next ten or so years worrying about it.
when i was about 16, i began to seriously question my beliefs. i realised i didn't believe what my parents were telling me to, i believe that my body will eventually be broken down into its component atoms and recycled by the earth. i'm happy with that, i can live with it.
( Smash Monkey lowering the tone of the whole internet, Mon 6 Oct 2008, 2:54, closed)

right,
unless that one man is Chuck Norris obviously.
(apeloverage committed the vile act of onanism on, Mon 6 Oct 2008, 3:38, closed)

I don't know
I never quite thought of him the same after reading about his special jeans and action-gusset.
(Sundayturkey has the biggest mug of tea, Mon 6 Oct 2008, 7:21, closed)

*I like this*
.
( Monty Boyce, My cheese game is strong, Mon 6 Oct 2008, 10:05, closed)

There is no endangered species list
Only a list of animals that Chuck Norris allows to live.
( MatJ LOOK, Tue 7 Oct 2008, 0:53, closed)

Incidentally
uk.youtube.com/watch?v=NdD54rG9oQA
( MatJ LOOK, Tue 7 Oct 2008, 1:01, closed)