John Perry
John Perry: A Life of Philosophy and Activism
Full Name and Common Aliases
John Perry is a renowned American philosopher and activist, born on October 31, 1943.
Birth and Death Dates
Birth: October 31, 1943
Still Alive
Nationality and Profession(s)
American, Philosopher, Academic, Author
Early Life and Background
John Perry was born in Chicago, Illinois, to a family of modest means. His early life was marked by a strong interest in philosophy and literature. He grew up in a neighborhood that was predominantly Catholic, which had a significant influence on his worldview. Perry's parents valued education and encouraged his intellectual pursuits from an early age.
Perry's academic journey began at the University of Chicago, where he earned his Bachelor's degree in Philosophy. He then proceeded to Harvard University for his graduate studies, earning his Master's and Doctoral degrees in Philosophy. His academic career was marked by a commitment to social justice and activism, which would become a defining feature of his life's work.
Major Accomplishments
John Perry has made significant contributions to the fields of philosophy, particularly in ethics and moral theory. He is best known for his work on the concept of "personal identity," which challenges traditional notions of selfhood and personal continuity. His ideas have had far-reaching implications for various disciplines, including psychology, law, and politics.
Perry's academic career has been distinguished by numerous honors and awards, including a Guggenheim Fellowship and a Humboldt Prize. He has also held visiting professorships at several prestigious institutions, including the University of Oxford and the École Normale Supérieure in Paris.
Notable Works or Actions
John Perry's most influential work is arguably his book "A Dialogue on Personal Identity and Immortality," co-authored with John Martin Fischer. This groundbreaking text has been widely studied and debated within academic circles, pushing the boundaries of philosophical inquiry.
Perry has also been an outspoken advocate for social justice and human rights. He has been involved in various campaigns against capital punishment, nuclear disarmament, and environmental degradation. His commitment to activism has earned him recognition as a leading voice in contemporary philosophy.
Impact and Legacy
John Perry's contributions to philosophy have had a profound impact on the field. His work on personal identity has inspired new generations of scholars and thinkers. His commitment to social justice has made him a respected figure in academic and activist communities alike.
Perry's influence extends beyond academia, as his ideas have informed public policy debates on issues such as euthanasia, abortion, and animal rights. His legacy serves as a testament to the power of philosophical inquiry to shape our understanding of the world and ourselves.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
John Perry is widely quoted and remembered for his thought-provoking ideas on personal identity, ethics, and social justice. His ability to bridge the gap between academic theory and practical activism has made him a beloved figure in philosophical circles. His commitment to challenging conventional wisdom and pushing the boundaries of human knowledge has inspired countless individuals around the world.
In conclusion, John Perry's life is a testament to the transformative power of philosophy and activism. Through his groundbreaking work and tireless advocacy, he continues to inspire new generations of thinkers, scholars, and change-makers. As we reflect on his remarkable life and legacy, we are reminded that the most profound contributions often come from those who challenge our assumptions and push us toward a more just and equitable world.
Quotes by John Perry
The essence is that many procrastinators are “structured procrastinators,” people who, like me, get a lot done as a way of not working on what they should ideally be working on.
You may lack will power, but that doesn’t mean you can’t take a lot of steps to make yourself more productive.
Task triage is the habit of making a realistic assessment of what degree of perfection is required for a task at the point of accepting it, so one doesn’t need to rely on one’s habit of procrastinating to lower the bar.
The emergence of China is driving fundamental change in the Asia-Pacific region. This process will provide an opportunity for Brunei Darussalam to re-position itself within the regional economies.
The anceints devoted a lifetime to the study of arithmetic; it required days to extract a square root or to multiply two numbers together. Is there any harm in skipping all that, in letting the school boy learn multiplication sums, and in starting his more abstract reasoning at a more advanced point. Where would be the harm in letting the boy assume the truth of many propositions of the first four books of Euclid, letting him assume their truth partly by faith, partly by trial?
Task triage is the habit of making a realistic assessment of what degree of perfection is required for a task at the point of accepting it, so one doesn't need to rely on one's habit of procrastinating to lower the bar.
The fantasy of doing a task perfectly is common with procrastinators; they set the bar for success very high. Then they are afraid to approach it. As the deadline approaches, they must set the bar lower.
Nothing focuses attention like a real deadline. If you are in a field where life and death, or having a job or not having a job, depends on not missing deadlines, you need to learn to manipulate yourself to meet them; often a good way of doing this is teaming up with non-procrastinators.