Aloha, PhiloSurfer!
We continue the construction of our Club.
This week we carved our motto on top of the wooden door of the beach shack:
The PhiloSurfer Club
Become the Surfer & the Wave
This motto reminds us that every time we cross the beach, the ultimate threshold, our little egos dissolve into a much larger spectrum – the ocean.
Thus, becoming the surfer & the wave suggests a journey of personal growth and transformation.
Speaking of the ocean, all terrestrial species come from it. Humans are basically water. And even your blood is chemically identical to saltwater.
We’re ocean swells!
Not bad, huh?
An inspired author wrote that we were indeed created by the ocean as a transportation device.
Don’t you love that idea?
And another thinker (whose name I don’t recall either) said that we’re the Universe contemplating itself.
That’s exactly what re-flection means (bent back).
So, let’s push hard on our back foot & make some drop-knee reflections around one piece of advice given to us by the father of modern-day surfing.
Duke Kahanamoku
His recommendation is:
“Never turn your back on the ocean.”
Seems straightforward & shallow?
Not a single bit.
The ambassador of Aloha is telling many more things beyond the obvious meaning: if you turn your back to the ocean, you’re at risk of being hit by a wave.
For example, there’s the environmental interpretation.
You must take care of the ocean!
Turning your back on the biggest mass of water is destroying the Great Coral Reef in Australia, with many terrible consequences for the planet.
And there are still many other ways of learning from Kahanamoku’s advice.
5 Reflections by Pros
Let’s see what 5 philosophers have to say about this 7-word maxim.
Thales: “Never turn your back on your inner nature.”
For this presocratic philosopher, turning your back to the ocean is the same as forgetting who you are and fighting your most inner nature. Since everything is composed of water, how can you behave as if you are something else?
Spinoza: “Never turn your back on the divine nature.”
In a similar fashion, Spinoza emphasizes the connection of all things and advocates for a harmonious relationship with the natural world. Turning away from the ocean will disconnect you from the divine essence that permeates all existence, and not recognizing this inherent interconnectedness will block you from a deeper appreciation of the ocean’s beauty and wisdom.
Nietzsche: “I dare you to turn your back on the ocean.”
On the opposite side, we find this German philosopher for which the ocean represents the abyss of existence. His recommendation? Instead of embracing nihilistic despair, he dares you to confront life’s vast uncertainties and challenges with a defiant spirit, transcending traditional values and creating your own meaning amidst the chaotic waves of existence.
Sartre: “Never turn your back on uncertainty.”
For this existentialist philosopher, turning away from the ocean is a metaphorical rejection of life’s inherent unpredictability and limitless potential. By confronting life’s obstacles head-on, you can truly experience the freedom to shape your own existence and discover meaning in the face of the abyss of possibilities.
Lao-Tzu: “Never oppose the force of the ocean.”
The wisdom of the Tao teaches you that you should flow with its currents instead of resisting or turning away from the ocean. Staying mindful and engaged, much like a Zen practitioner, is about understanding what forces are beyond your control and letting go of your resistance to them.
Let’s summon up:
- Avoid being hit by a wave.
- Respect the environment.
- Embrace inner nature.
- Connect with the divine.
- Confront life’s uncertainties.
- Be free to shape your existence.
- Flow with the forces that shape our existence.
And the list could go on and on.
TL;DR
“Mai Huli`oe I Kokua o Ke Kai.”
(Never turn your back on the ocean)
Always face the adventures and reflections that life brings your way.
Catch you on the next wave of wisdom!
Hang ten and aloha!
