Philosophy: The Journey Through Life's Tough Questions
Written on
Chapter 1: The Weight of Loss
Four years ago, I received devastating news from my cousin: my mother had passed away on Valentine's Day. At that moment, my world crumbled. I was in the middle of my workday, tackling a complex document review as a writer for a Fortune 100 company, and suddenly, all of it felt meaningless. It was as if I stood before a towering, dark mountain, one that wouldn't disappear no matter how hard I wished it away. I found myself grappling with the unknown, desperately trying to find a way to ascend and understand what lay beyond.
Every year, countless adventurers attempt to conquer Mount Everest. Yet, few have braved the mountain of uncertainties surrounding loss, returning to share their stories. Over the past year, my loved ones have faced a series of daunting challenges: death, cancer, surgeries, and financial struggles. How should I respond to these existential trials?
To cope, I gravitate towards familiar activities in which I excel—reading, writing, and acquiring gadgets. I keep myself busy, hoping to forget about the looming mountain. I try to immerse myself in the flow of creativity and productivity, but the moment those activities cease, the shadow of the mountain re-emerges.
When confronted with life's profound questions—such as the meaning of existence, how we ought to live, and how to face our mortality—it's easy to dismiss them as futile exercises. Why not focus on practical skills like learning Python to boost our income? Why not dive into affiliate marketing or engage in political campaigns instead? There are so many productive ways to distract ourselves from the pain.
Section 1.1: The Relevance of Philosophy
What value does philosophy hold in a world dominated by instant communication and countless avenues for financial gain? Life is fleeting; why spend precious time pondering unresolved questions that have persisted since the time of the Ancient Greeks?
At first glance, one might perceive philosophy as nothing more than an elaborate distraction. After all, science has gradually claimed many domains once governed by philosophy, consistently diminishing its authority. Aristotle's expansive writings covered every conceivable topic, yet no contemporary philosopher would dare to publish on matters like blood circulation or the fundamental elements of the universe—those days are long gone.
Subsection 1.1.1: The Quest for Meaning
Despite its challenges, the quest for a meaningful life remains a central pursuit. We still grapple with questions that science cannot resolve, such as the rights of animals. While social media may offer little insight, philosophers like Peter Singer provide profound perspectives. I enjoy a delicious burger as much as anyone, but what if my choices contribute to the mass suffering of animals simply because I was preoccupied with learning Excel or deciphering cryptocurrency trends?
Section 1.2: Philosophy as an All-or-Nothing Pursuit
I believe philosophy presents an all-or-nothing proposition. It can either be dismissed as irrelevant, destined to be overshadowed by science and technology, or it can be recognized as the most significant pursuit—addressing questions that remain ever-present and, if left unexamined, might lead to a life filled with trivial tasks, evading the confrontation of that imposing mountain.
Chapter 2: The Nature of Existence
Life itself is a remarkable gift; none of us had to exist. This realization makes it crucial to avoid squandering our lives on trivial matters. The internal conflict I face is twofold: I could be wasting my time delving into the thoughts of philosophers like Spinoza and Nietzsche, or I could be equally misusing my life by neglecting their insights in favor of learning yet another programming language.
Section 2.1: Understanding the Mountain
What ultimately draws me towards philosophy is the acknowledgment of the mountain's existence. While non-philosophers often perceive it as an unwelcome obstacle—prompting feelings of despair and confusion—philosophers engage with it, seeking to understand its essence. They discover that the mountain is alive with possibilities; every river flows from its heights, and without mountains, valleys could not exist.
If philosophical exploration concluded at this understanding, it would still be a valuable endeavor. However, it goes further, leading to profound revelations about the self.
The first video, "Philosophy Book Club: The Consolation of Philosophy by Boethius," delves into the rich themes of existential thought and the human condition, urging viewers to reflect on their own lives and philosophies.
The second video, "What is Philosophy?: Crash Course Philosophy #1," provides a comprehensive overview of philosophical inquiry, highlighting its relevance in addressing life's pressing questions.
Section 2.2: The Illusion of Self
Philosophy ultimately leads us to question the very nature of our existence. Perhaps the individual climbing the mountain is merely an illusion, a construct we create for daily life. This introspection brings us to the fundamental question that truly matters: "Who am I?"
Philosophy remains the sole inquiry that addresses this critical question. Some spiritual thinkers and contemporary cognitive scientists even suggest that reality itself may be an illusion. Yet, even without delving deeply into these concepts, philosophy illuminates the path toward overcoming the challenges posed by our metaphorical mountains.
In our daily struggles, we can take solace in the achievements of innovators like Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos, who navigate their own mountains while we seek to understand our place in the world.