Blog #3

Romantic and classical are the two categories of human thought that Phaedrus analyzed and categorized. Romantics see the world in terms of its surface and appearance, and are predisposed towards emotions and intuitions. They don’t usually take consequences into consideration and act based on what they feel at the moment. Classicals’ thought processings exemplify an analytical, rational approach to knowledge and understanding. Every action is weighted to see if it makes sense to do it; they don’t let emotions get to them.

I would say most people have characteristics from both categories, myself included. The biggest characteristic that makes me more of a romantic is choosing idealism over realism. I’m excited about how things should ideally be. I’m always looking forward to new things, even if I might not want change. I like to think I can change how some things are, because there are better alternatives to solve problems. It’s hard for me to understand that it’s not as simple as trying to just change what’s wrong, because sometimes there are other factors you don’t consider that get in the way. I like to see the world in my ideal view, one that makes change and solves problems. The way certain situations currently are causes a lot of disappointment because I can’t understand how this is allowed to happen. The world is really unfair, and that’s not something I like to think about or accept. My emotions get in the way of my thinking very often, misguiding my decisions and actions. While I try to mostly think rationally, there are times when my emotions overcome me.

I originally thought of myself as more of a romantic since I thought I shared a lot of characteristics with the view. After further research, I see my characteristics mostly align with the classical view. I am not at all a spontaneous or blunt person. I believe in politeness over honesty and analysis over spontaneity. While emotions get in my way sometimes, I rarely act on an impulse to do or say something. I’d rather weigh my options and decide which is the best decision. The outcome is as important to me as the action is. I wouldn’t say anything bluntly or rudely to someone unless their ignorance to it affected them negatively.

This, like all things, should be balanced. Therefore, I don’t agree with the narrator. I believe that we need to be balanced in order to be our best selves. Being completely classic or completely romantic is no good, being an extremist is never no good. In order to be the best you can and get the highest quality of life-- reach aréte-- you need to be a balanced person. Not only with your personality characteristics but also in every other aspect of your life. Being balanced means you can live a fulfilling life, as you will reach happiness in several aspects of it.