How to Become a Zen Valedictorian: Decreasing Your Stress Without Decreasing Your Ambition April 18th, 2008 · 77 comments The Zen Valedictorian Decoded Last week, I introduced the Zen Valedictorian Philosophy. The Framework As with the Straight-A Method — which provides a structure for all of my study advice — here I will describe a general framework for the Zen Valedictorian Philosophy. PRINCIPLE #1: Underschedule The Zen Valedictorian has more free time than he has activities or classes to fill it. The goal of this principle is to leave room in student life for relaxation and participation in activities that generate happiness. To satisfy this principle requires two strategies: Simplification: Have one major. Previous posts that will help you understand and satisfy Principle #1: PRINCIPLE #2: Innovate The Zen Valedictorian strives to be interesting not widely accomplished. The goal of this principle is to stand out from the crowd by means other than simply outworking your peers. To satisfy this principle keep looking for low-hanging fruit. PRINCIPLE #3: Focus What generates stress?
Allegory of the Cave Plato realizes that the general run of humankind can think, and speak, etc., without (so far as they acknowledge) any awareness of his realm of Forms. The allegory of the cave is supposed to explain this. In the allegory, Plato likens people untutored in the Theory of Forms to prisoners chained in a cave, unable to turn their heads. From Great Dialogues of Plato (Warmington and Rouse, eds.) Here are some students’ illustrations of Plato’s Cave Go back to lecture on the Phaedo Go back to lecture on the “One Over Many” Argument Go to next lecture on Criticism of Forms Need a quick review of the Theory of Forms? Return to the PHIL 320 Home Page Copyright © 2006, S.