“A Tale of Two Philosophy Students” (and other poems by Felicia Nimue Ackerman)
The following is a guest post* of poems by Felicia Nimue Ackerman, professor of philosophy at Brown University.
A Tale of Two Philosophy Students
Elinda livens up my class,
Her fervor all aglow,
But never fears to take a pass
By saying, “I don’t know.”
Eugene will not admit a doubt;
No way will he demur.
He’s frantic to increase his clout.
Why can’t he be like her?
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Advice to Students
Philosophy won’t make you rich.
Philosophy won’t make you wise.
But if it’s your passion, don’t switch.
Delight in your cognitive highs.
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Advice to Journal Editors
Be careful whenever you choose
The people to write your reviews.
A reader can hardly depend
On critics who favor a friend.
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A Tale of Two Philosophy Careers
Behold the unstoppable Greg.
Where there’s a round hole, he becomes a round peg.
Behold how he fits with the team.
His path is unswerving; he rises like cream.
Behold Larry still down below.
Does Greg make him jealous? He doesn’t quite know.