Burke on: The Sublime

There's a particular pleasure to be felt in the mighty things of nature: thunderstorms, the stars, vast deserts, oceans, the icecaps. One philosopher who analysed our pleasure was Edmund Burke, who pinned a word to this sensation and theorised about why it was so nice: he gave us the concept of The Sublime.

Produced in collaboration with Mad Adam Films

[noltron]

As an American in today's sociopolitical environment, it is *so* comforting to experience the sublime - the thought that the universe is much bigger than my country, much bigger than our puny little planet. The history of life on earth is incredulously long that we cannot even fathom it, let alone the history of the whole universe itself (which is somehow equally unfathomable to us, and yet simultaneously orders of magnitude longer and larger).

[asma-uool]

i realized after watching this video that my thinking "this could all be solved if i ran away into a forest" was, in fact, sublime. because it made me realize that my issues are small compared to the universe, and gave me comfort

[ChipsNsalsita]

It's like you read my mind this morning. I have people at work ask me how I can handle such a stressful job and never seem overwhelmed by it. I could never quite put it into words. But this is it. I literally remind my self of the sublime nature of being alive and nothing else seems to matter as much. This was lovely to watch Thanks School of Life!

[Umirua]

Edmund Burke is by far one of my most favorite of western philosophers

[charlesjoseph]

School of Life. We can't get enough. But go at your natural pace. We want to continue to see your best stuff. Signed Big Fan

[cladivostoc]

I'm absolutely obsessed with the SUBLIME ... It's humbling and just deep. Ah 💜

[feelthebeat]

I'm really impressed by how you turn such dauntingly expansive philosophical works into short, beautifully presented videos. I always have an urge to research the topic after watching these. Thank you!

[ahmedomari]

If I could, I would've Just eat, watch SoL's videos, and sleep... till the moment I'm dead, Thank You for these amazing videos.

[solosaphien]

I truly admire the work of the schooloflife. It is a relife to know there is people out there who still appreciate this kind of knowledge.

[benaaronmusic]

I once had a a feeling of the sublime when I starred into the night sky for a long period of time.
To know that there are countless stars and endless planets left me feeling like a speck of dust.
I realized how insignificant my life will be in the entirety of the universe.
We might as well do good, be happy and enjoy the ride!

[GSSCHOPAWE]

I always loved this feeling of view a thunderstorm out my window and everyone seems to forget minor anxieties and conflicts and come together and appreciate on another

[ggidd]

Contentment and peace is what I get from this channel. Thank you so much. :)

[phophisms]

I am in love with this idea. Keep blowing peoples minds SoL.

[vvsans]

I love this channel. It's truly one of the best and most underrated out there.

[pianoman-frfh]

My first encounter with the sublime was in a discussion with my professor, his massive intellect was the greatest check and humbling experience of my life. The school of life this is great work keep it up!

[athenassigil]

The 19th century romanticist movement was born from this! Shelley, Wordsworth, Byron etc all applied this format of thought to bring the arts, emotion and contemplative thought to a better appreciation of our world and our place in this vast universe. Good video, as always.

[knowthyselfandyoullknowthe]

I have one word for you: Sublime ! Wow, thank you so much, I cried watching this because I didn't even knew that someone had already put what I have always felt inside into a philosophical and brilliant perspective. I'll have to read Burke now ! Thank you, thank you !

[codacreator]

Lacking the ability to distinguish and appreciate the sublime is at the core of our intolerance of others and the struggles that still assail mankind. I imagine some of these people as being devoid of imagination. Standing before pieces of the hull of Titanic, they are unmoved. I feel hopelessly sad for them, but also for us.

[ivan_says_hi]

legit my favourite YouTube channel of all time. Keep reaffirming my belief with every new video :D

[nikkolev]

Now I know the word that expresses these feelings I have when I see something like a big storm, for example. In such moments I feel like some kind of inspiration strucks me and I think thoughtfully about philosophical concepts and think deep about everything.