Skip to main content

A Philosopher Actor

 Centuries ago there was an ideal philosophical concept known as the Philosopher King. The idea being to be a great ruler you should be a philosopher because philosophy leads you to the best life where you are courageous, moderate, just, and wise. 

I have modified this concept as my new approach to life instead of becoming a Philosopher King I aim to be a Philosopher Actor.

It is said by the ancients that the aim of philosophy is to lead a good life. My good life is to be a good husband, man, and actor. 

I recently have been doing a deep dive into Uta Hagen's books: A Challenge for the Actor, and Respect for Acting. She advocates for an almost monk like discipline towards the arts and the acting craft. 

I have always felt this level of commitment to my acting but I didn't want to be considered too extreme but after reading Uta's books I feel I have permission to do so.

I have also been reacquainting myself with the philosophy of Schopenhauer and the Taoists. Layering all this on top of my deep love of Stoicism has led me to the following conclusions: my disability and the daily struggles are part of who I am and are neither good or bad. 

I am an actor for the love of it and I want to be professional because that is the highest form of acting but fame or money does not matter. I also aim every day to be tranquil and calm; able to see clearly the reality of the world. 

I have almost died four times in my life and each time I was scared. I now believe next time it happens I will not be as I am a true believer in God's will. 

I will go forward from this day acting with courage, balance, justice, and wisdom. So if the history books write about me, they will call me the Philosopher Actor.



Centuries of Wisdom


People always look for what the world can give them;

Looking past the grains of sand which make up centuries of wisdom.

There are only a handful of things in life that make my spirit soar;

This is why I aim to be the Philosopher Actor.


I have learned from the great warrior sage and the greatest guru of the stage;

Live what you love honestly because it doesn't matter if you leave any imprint on history's page.

Pursue the art of acting with religious zeal;

And for God's sake, be real.


I have learned my disability is part of me but my pain is only as strong as I let it be.

God shows me not to be afraid of death because He alone wills my every breath.

People always look for what the world can give them;

Looking past the grains of sand which make up centuries of wisdom.


Chris Van Ingen

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

More Than Politics

 Every election our vote is about more than politics; it says I am part of this nation and my voice will be heard.  This election is about Team Australia. Which leader has a plan to build Australia's future and who wants to divide us? This election is about more than politics; it is about stable leadership. It is about aiming high, looking forward, and thinking big.  My life has been about disability rights. I am living proof that disability rights is more than politics and this election people with disabilities' votes matter.  If I was American I would die. Medicare is the envy of the world. No less than two American presidents have tried to bring in an Australian Medicare style system. Universal healthcare is a human right.  All leaders have been saying that we live in uncertain times and as a result, thinking about acting in Australia's defence becomes about more than politics. We need to make Australia impenetrable to anyone that wishes to do us harm. We nee...
Post a Comment
Read more

Sexuality Through the Ages

 It is twenty years this year since I was first approached by the School of Occupational Therapy to speak on the topic of transition to adulthood, disability, and sexuality. Since that time I have expanded to deliver disability education across Australia and yet disability and sexuality is still the most common topic I get asked to speak on.  With this in mind I am going to shock you all by saying I wish I had never had to speak on the topic. Sexuality is such a fundamental part of life that from the teenage years till death it should be assumed that anyone engaged in helping a human being with the occupation of life should automatically include the topic of sexuality.  Society has conflicting views when it comes to talking about and expressing sexuality. Add the word disability into the mix and people tend to run away or shut their eyes.  I started my sexual life like all young people by going through puberty. In the mid-nineties the environmental factors and condit...
Post a Comment
Read more

Circle of Life or Circle of Tech

 I have written extensively about how assistive technology helps me be independent. In blog posts such as More Than a Test Drive and Tony Stark's House (an Assistive Technology Dream) . My disability has turned the circle of life into a circle of tech.  Every few years I have to go through the assistive technology merry go round because all of my equipment seems to break down at the same time.  I am in the process of applying for a new hoist and sling, shower commode chair, bed, front door opener, and new abductor cushion.  I also am aware in the not too distant future I will have to attempt to try and get a new wheelchair. Every time I have to apply for a new piece of equipment my therapists and I have to make the case as to why that particular piece of equipment is 'reasonable and necessary'.  The frustrating thing about this is, even though it might be clear that I need a piece of equipment, one or two words in the funding form can make a difference on wheth...
Post a Comment
Read more