Lifelong Learning at The School of Practical Philosophy
Finding the School of Practical Philosophy in Manhattan has been something of a revelation for me. By the age of 39, I might have thought my days of learning were over, certainly in a school environment. But after 23 years in full time education, I still had so many unanswered questions – not so much about the academic material I had covered, but about the important things in life. Like life itself. And how to live it.
In traditional schools and colleges, I had learned mostly about computers; how they talk to one another, how they store data, convert it to information, and process huge amounts of information instantaenously. For my masters I studied how people can more affectively interact with computers. All of this was of course very interesting, but it had little bearing on how I viewed life, which is something which is very definitely on the cirriculum at the School of Practical Philosophy. There was though a lesson to be learned from those computers though.
Non-technical people often view computers and software as complex things. They are exactly the opposite. You build a computer and program it once, and the machine then proceeds to deal with enormous workloads, under all kinds of external circumstance. And computers manage to do all of this without altering course. Without questioning purpose. We humans on the other hand, are a lot more complex, often muddling through tasks while in a state of flux. Without some sort of focus, we can drift and recoil, digress or rebel. What defines us – our ability to reason, and experience emotions, often somehow works against us, to block our pathway to true happiness. And that is exactly what the School of Practical Philosophy aims to explore: finding a true path, and staying on course through all of life’s tribulations.
In early 2015 I very unexpectedly had reason to visit New York City. By late 2016, New York had become my permanent place of residence, and the visits were now to my home in Ireland. It was a seismic change; one which brought as many difficulties as opportunities. The skyline in Manhattan was otherworldly when contrasted with the farm on which I was raised in the north west corner of Ireland. That first winter in the city was tough. While waiting for a green card and permission to work, I wandered around the city, the idea bing to familiarize myself with this new place that I would call home. Part of me believed I was sightseeing, but I was actually looking on with trepidation at the new life I had to carve out for myself, and the pressures that life might bring. In some ways, the more I wandered, the more lost I became. Like many other New Yorkers, I had noticed advertisements in the subway from the School of Practical Philosophy, offered ‘The Gift of Happiness‘. Curiosity got the better of me, so I signed up for the introductory classes. If nothing else, it would pass the time. For $10, I had little to lose, I reasoned.
Subway advertisement, summer 2016
The night before the first class, I had just returned from riding Amtrak trains right across the United States. And back again. Peering out through the railway car windows, it occurred to me that it was representative of my long periods in my life; that is to say, sitting watching passively, as life passed by. The previous summer, I had cycled across the America, from San Francisco to New York. I was weary, and seeking focus. As I listened to an outline of what the school had to offer, I was only mildly convinced that I would get value for my $10 at the School of Practical Philosophy. That was my first mistake. I was expecting to find life’s purpose and meaning in a building. I might never find it, but I know now that the direction in which I should set off looking is not within a building on the upper east side, it is within myself. On that first night, I would have been well served in recalling a quote I had benefited from in the past:
“There is a principal which is a bar against all information, which is proof against all arguments, and which cannot fail to keep a man in everlasting ignorance – that principal is contempt prior to investigation.” – Herbert Spencer.
Like most types of education, the School of Practical Philosophy will only really deliver knowledge if the student is willing to listen with an open mind. (From the Latin origin Educare, the concept of education is to Lead Out what is already there). That was indeed my experience as I sat through through initial classes. But I continued to attend, and continued to sit. And by learning to sit still, I eventually found myself moving in a positive direction. A little cliched perhaps, but I found a light, and began to move towards it.
One of the many beautiful rooms, at the School of Practical Philosophy. Manhattan, New York
Having now completed six terms, and having been introduced to the joy that is mantra-based meditation, I now know that I have found a fountain of knowledge at the School of Practical Philosophy.
Walking through the front doorway of the school’s beautiful 7 story Manhattan townhouse, I often experience the sensation that I am entering a universal citadel of wisdom and knowledge; a calm oasis in an otherwise frenetic city and life. Here, I have met people from many different countries, backgrounds, social standings and perspectives, yet everyone finds common ground together. That common ground is awareness, simplicity and shared consciousness; topics of which I am still only developing an understanding of. I may never find the answers I have always been looking for, but the questions that demand those answers are bothering me less with each passing term.
The School of Practical Philosophy, E79th St, Manhattan, New York
The teachings on offer at the School of Practical Philosophy are mix of eastern and western philosophy. No-one is asked to believe in anything in particular, only to have an open mind and to embrace the stillness that meditation offers. In doing so, a sense of togetherness and universal connectivity is nurtured, explored and enjoyed. We wonder together, and it is so much more enjoyable than to wonder alone.
When I showed up on east 79th street, the greatest thing I learned is that I have so much more to learn. And that’s ok. I am in good company. The volunteers who help the whole school to function, are extremely giving and knowledgeable, and that provides the cornerstone for shared growth.
As complicated as we can make life, it is always amazing to discover that the best route towards peace and serenity is to let go. The simpler the philosophy for living, the more in sync we are with the world’s natural rhythms. That, at least in simplicity terms, is the message the School of Practical Philosophy strives to share with students.
So far, my experiences at the School of Practical Philosophy have been enjoyable, rewarding, and have had a positive impact on my life. Shared experience and knowledge is so much more beneficial than muddling through alone. To try to make sense of, and find peace in life, can be an incredibly difficult and downright frustrating business when embarked upon alone. But finding shared purpose makes the pursuit of happiness seem more attainable. I would highly recommend the experience on offer at the School of Practical Philosophy. There are schools in many countries around the world, and classes are also available online.
For further information:
The School of Practical Philosophy, 12 East 79th Street, New York, NY 10075.
Telephone: (877) 744-5669
Website: www.philosophyworks.org
Email: info@philosophyworks.org
