This much I know: AC Grayling, philosopher, 60, London | Life and style | The Observer
August 11, 2009
I used to be a terrible hypochondriac when I was young and a great reader of medical dictionaries. One day I realised that I was not actually frightened of terminal illness but of not getting done the things I wanted to get done.
This is not an endorsement, but this guy is a great source of some interesting and provocative ideas such as comparing Richard Dawkins with Jesus Christ and reminding us that we need to take time to think about the 1000 months of our lifespan.
I don't buy all of his ideas, but I enjoy the way he expresses them.
I also like some of them such as:
I'm not sure it is possible to think too much. You don't refresh your mind by partying in Ibiza.
Life is all about relationships. By all means sit cross-legged on top of a mountain occasionally. But don't do it for very long.
Every professor of philosophy needs a nine-year-old daughter. Mine has a habit of saying, "Daddy, that is a very silly idea." She is always right.
Nevertheless, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom" (Prov. 1:7) Grayling is still working on that one.