Philosophy and Peace

“Hey look at that,” Jenn says while pointing to a sign on the Subway.
“This poster can make you happier than any other on the subway,” was the claim.
It was an advertisement for a course called Philosophy Works at the School of Practical Philosophy. I decided to enroll in the ten week course after researching them online. I did this for several reasons. First off I love Philosophy and this is a basic introduction to the study. It also appeared to be simple and practical, just the way philosophy should be. And I thought it would be interesting to meet other people that the poster spoke to. What are their stories and where are they in life? Lastly, it would give me something else to do while Jenn is at school.

The first day was instructive and as advertised, practical. We talked about what philosophy is (the union of love and wisdom), and the question was posed, "Why take this class?" Some claimed they are tired of the hustle and bustle of the city and want to learn a peaceful escape. Others wanted to find like minded people. One woman has an autistic child and she believes they have more happiness than society gives them credit for, so she wanted to learn how to be in the moment like her seven year old son. It was interesting learning from this class and I am looking forward to putting philosophy into practice for the next ten weeks.

While I was in the class, Jenn was out exploring. This role reversal was possible since the class I attended was on a Saturday. (It is possible for me to attend class at night or on Saturday mornings. There will be several weeks where Jenn has to be in the city at night, and I will attend while she is working dinners for her school).

The first place she found was a place called Belvedere castle. This description comes from centralpark.com:

Named for the Italian meaning "beautiful view," Central Park's Belvedere Castle offers park goers exactly what its name implies. Sitting high on top of Vista Rock, the second highest natural elevation in the park, the castle is located mid-park at 79th Street. And with its two balconies, it supplies wonderful panoramic views that include some of Central Park's most beautiful and famous landmarks...

(Read rest of the description here).

Here is a view of Turtle Pond from the castle. I especially love how the trees reflect off the water.



More breathtaking views:





Here is a full view of the castle from a distance. One of the true masterpieces of architectutre we have seen so far in the city.



Further along her journey into central park, she finds a statue of Romeo and Juliet.



Here is another work of art. This is the Museum of Natural History.



And then she ran into the highlight of her Saturday. Both of us love The Beatles and Strawberry Fields is a place dedicated to John Lennon. Here is another description from centralpark.com:

Located near Central Park West between 71st and 74th Streets, Strawberry Fields is a 2.5 acre area of Central Park that pays tribute to the late Beatle, John Lennon, singer, songwriter, musician and peace activist.
John Lennon and his wife Yoko Ono lived in the Dakota Apartments adjacently located to this area of the park. It was here, walking into his home, on December 8, 1980, that John Lennon was murdered...

Read the rest of the description here.




Before I could publish this post, I made the trip to Strawberry Fields with her. People were gathering in tribute to John Lennon for his birthday a week later:



We have come to cherish any peaceful moments we can get within the madness of the city. These are the parts of New York City we love, and will treasure forever.