Perhaps when you think of great philosophers (if you do think of great philosophers), images of Aristotle, Plato, or Socrates will come to mind. Maybe it is just me, but I find their teachings a little dense. So I found myself looking for modern day philosophers whose style and teachings I could adapt and apply more easily in my own life. And by being the right place at the right time, these great minds appeared -- Amy Schumer and Maya Rudolph. You might think that these funny people only care about making us laugh, but if you listen and dig a little deeper, I think they have a lot to offer. I, for one, would rather learn while I am LMAO, than trying to decipher compound sentences filled with lots of SAT words that probably Aristotle himself never used.
Humor me while I share some amazing insights from Maya Rudolph who gave the commencement speech at my niece's college graduation and Amy Schumer, who opened for Madonna at Madison Square Garden a few weeks ago. I think you will agree that these great minds will ultimately be characterized as great philosophers of our times. Their insights (which I have paraphrased) cover a range of relevant topics -- self-esteem, acceptance, rituals, religions. Take what is relevant and leave the rest. Laughing is optional.
On Progress for Women in Hollywood: It is so exciting to be in an industry that evaluates you solely on your appearance, while every day you are decomposing.
Now I am not suggesting we abandon Confucius, Descartes and the rest of the gang. But none of those guys starred in movies or had their own TV shows -- just saying.
Note: 1,3,4,5,7,8 Courtesy of Amy Schumer; 2,6,9,10 Courtesy of Maya Rudolph