4 ms·

Aristotle’s lisp, why Socrates loved dancing and other tales of ancient thinkers

58 points by diodorus 8y ago

niceperson 8y ago
NOT lisp the language.
- smadge 8y ago
  Yes. One of the classic Greek texts is “Structure and Interpretation of Computer Programs” by Aristotle.
  - niceperson 8y ago
    Many would confuse a "lisp" to the language. It's HN anyway.
    - smadge 8y ago
      When I read the article title, I immediately thought of the language LISP as well. The idea made me chuckle though, so I commented.
aristocles 8y ago
Wapo? Delet this.
nabla9 8y ago
--
- klodolph 8y ago
  Is δεν-είναι-διασκεδαστικό supposed to mean “defun”? That’s a different kind of “fun” right there (“fun” as in “I had fun at the park” instead of “fun” as in ”function”).
  - atmosx 8y ago
    It means "it's not fun".
atmosx 8y ago
> Once when the philosopher was enjoying an especially fine afternoon, his admirer Alexander the Great asked whether there was anything he could do for him. Diogenes answered that the conqueror could move out of the way since he was blocking the sun. This is quite interesting. Upon deeper inspection, Diogenes asks from Alexander not to deny him the Sun. Alexander being a conqueror, can make quite a few things... But Alexander cannot make sunshine, he can only deny sunshine by standing in the way/killing/destroying. I think Diogenes is teaching a lesson to Alexander.
- Khaine 8y ago
  If you want to learn more the History of Philosophy with any gaps podcast is fantastic. This[1] is the episode which discusses that meeting [1]. https://historyofphilosophy.net/cynics https://historyofphilosophy.net/cynics
  - freedomben 8y ago
    Highly recommend History of Philosophy Without and Gaps podcast. It's fantastic, thorough, and makes no assumptions about the listener's background. My only regret, is that I expect it will take him 10 more years (at least) to finish the history. I don't want to wait that long!
    - mercer 8y ago
      Have you listened to the 'sibling' podcast on Eastern Philosophy? I've been meaning to check it out but haven't gotten to it yet. I did quite like History of Philosophy Without and Gaps, as far as I got anyways!
      - Khaine 8y ago
        Do you mean the podcast on Indian Philosophy? I found it a bit harder to follow. I assume that is because the technical terms used by the Indian Philosophers were less familiar to me (i.e. veda, etc). Still I found it highly interesting.
yesenadam 8y ago
Diogenes Laertius is a fun read, full of entertaining stories and....urban myths, probably most of which never happened. The article admits that then says "Did you know..." as if it's all fact. By the way if you haven't, read Plutarch, who is vastly superior in every way, and taught history and practical wisdom to people for a thousand years, and goes on doing so.

58 points by diodorus 8y ago

niceperson 8y ago

NOT lisp the language.

smadge 8y ago
Yes. One of the classic Greek texts is “Structure and Interpretation of Computer Programs” by Aristotle.
- niceperson 8y ago
  Many would confuse a "lisp" to the language. It's HN anyway.
  - smadge 8y ago
    When I read the article title, I immediately thought of the language LISP as well. The idea made me chuckle though, so I commented.

aristocles 8y ago

Wapo? Delet this.

nabla9 8y ago

klodolph 8y ago
Is δεν-είναι-διασκεδαστικό supposed to mean “defun”? That’s a different kind of “fun” right there (“fun” as in “I had fun at the park” instead of “fun” as in ”function”).
- atmosx 8y ago
  It means "it's not fun".

atmosx 8y ago

> Once when the philosopher was enjoying an especially fine afternoon, his admirer Alexander the Great asked whether there was anything he could do for him. Diogenes answered that the conqueror could move out of the way since he was blocking the sun. This is quite interesting. Upon deeper inspection, Diogenes asks from Alexander not to deny him the Sun. Alexander being a conqueror, can make quite a few things... But Alexander cannot make sunshine, he can only deny sunshine by standing in the way/killing/destroying. I think Diogenes is teaching a lesson to Alexander.

Khaine 8y ago
If you want to learn more the History of Philosophy with any gaps podcast is fantastic. This[1] is the episode which discusses that meeting [1]. https://historyofphilosophy.net/cynics https://historyofphilosophy.net/cynics
- freedomben 8y ago
  Highly recommend History of Philosophy Without and Gaps podcast. It's fantastic, thorough, and makes no assumptions about the listener's background. My only regret, is that I expect it will take him 10 more years (at least) to finish the history. I don't want to wait that long!
  - mercer 8y ago
    Have you listened to the 'sibling' podcast on Eastern Philosophy? I've been meaning to check it out but haven't gotten to it yet. I did quite like History of Philosophy Without and Gaps, as far as I got anyways!
    - Khaine 8y ago
      Do you mean the podcast on Indian Philosophy? I found it a bit harder to follow. I assume that is because the technical terms used by the Indian Philosophers were less familiar to me (i.e. veda, etc). Still I found it highly interesting.

yesenadam 8y ago

Diogenes Laertius is a fun read, full of entertaining stories and....urban myths, probably most of which never happened. The article admits that then says "Did you know..." as if it's all fact. By the way if you haven't, read Plutarch, who is vastly superior in every way, and taught history and practical wisdom to people for a thousand years, and goes on doing so.