What do you hope to learn? These monolithic human statues (called Moai) from Easter Island suggest the contemplative nature of philosophy, which can help us grapple with the big questions of life. The study of philosophy provides us with a unique opportunity to respond to Socrates’ challenge by inspiring us to explore profound ideas and develop powerful intellectual abilities, as well as to make better personal decisions.

This thread is a personal invitation for you to begin or continue your own personal philosophical journey. You can think about some philosophical themes and then explain your personal goals for the pursuit of wisdom. We can then discuss the insights and knowledge you would like to achieve and the ways you would like to develop your mind.

Socrates’ clear-cut challenge is that, if we live our lives unreflectively by simply reacting to life’s circumstances and not attempting to delve into its deeper meanings, then our lives have diminished significance. When our minds are unreflective, we are not utilizing the distinctive human mental capacity to think critically about imperative issues and develop astute conclusions about ourselves and our world.

Branches of Philosophy

Those looking to find eternal truth about the world and the universe will find nothing of real value. Those looking to find inner truth about themselves might find a useful nugget or two.

(1) You seemed to be interested, in learning how, to find the inner truth about yourself in a way that meets your needs. As you may notice, many of us get so caught up in the details and demands of life deadlines, responsibilities, all the little tasks of living that we don t make the time to step back and look at the whole picture. Why am I doing the things that I m doing? In what direction am I headed? These questions penetrate the surface of life to confront the deeper currents lying beneath.

(2) And the more you study philosophy, the more you will develop the understanding and insight you will need to make intelligent choices and fulfill your potential as an individual. Let's use a metaphor, just imagine yourself as an artist, creating your life portrait, and your paints and brushstrokes are the choices you make each day.

(3) A whole new way of thinking just opened up — How do you feel about the portrait you have created so far? Have you defined yourself as the person you always wanted to be, or are you a work in progress? Do you possess a clear philosophy of life that acts as a guiding beacon, illuminating the whole of your life and showing you the path to wisdom and personal fulfillment?

(4) During this relaxing yet profound process, maybe it will surprise you to notice that creating an enlightened self-portrait is your pre-eminent responsibility in life, and though it is challenging work, it is well worth the effort. The really important thing is just to be fully aware of your portrait is your contribution to the world, your legacy to present and future generations.

“Triple Self-Portrait” by Norman Rockwell, (1960)


This post has been edited by Critical_Fallacy: Mar 15 2012, 12:37 AM

*Takes a deep breath*

*Exhales*

If philosophy is anything at all...it would be the things that all people think about, and never talked about. Those who never talked about it has stopped thinking. And those did not stop, will start talking about it, and it kept going until it became what we ought to love so much. And what a wonderful journey into wisdom that will be.

So stay curious.

This post has been edited by Deadlocks: Mar 16 2012, 11:49 PM