The Tao of Dudeism

Let's stipulate that philosophy has painted itself into a corner, between the early 20th Century Pragmatism and the theories of Ludwig Wittgenstein. Basically, a discipline that nominally loves knowledge seemed to run out of steam with apparently all of the questions reduced to language.

However, a new viewpoint called Dudeism has insidiously crept onto the stage and, paradoxically, gave a new tonic to this Love of Knowledge. What is Dudeism? It incorporates the basic tenet that life is short and complicated and no one knows what to do about it. So screw it: just don't do anything. Stop worrying about where you're going, and what you will do when you get there. Relax. Have a beer. Bowl a few games.

Sometimes you make that strike or spare. Sometimes you get a 7-10 split. Sometimes your ball goes down the lane, and sometimes you bowl a gutter ball. Have another beer; and don't worry overly much about looking unfashionable in bowling shoes.

Be true to yourself and others. Abide. Go with the flow. Don't give into societal or aggressive tendencies.

Of course, the modern-day prophet of Dudeism is Jeff Bridges in The Big Lebowski. Historically, great dudes include Lao-zi, Epicurus, Heraclitus, Buddha, Jesus Christ, Ralph Waldo Emerson, and Mark Twain. The symbol for Dudeism is the Taoist symbol plus the three holes in a bowling ball.

Some people have even adopted Dudeism as a religion; and you can get certified as a minister In The Church of the Latter Day Dude.

Anyway, Dudeists celebrate the Day of the Dude on March 6th, it's their high holy day.