TwIsTeD Reflections

What is the first thing that comes to mind when the word 'philosophy' comes up? Most of us would probably think of old men with weird names, like Plato or Socrates, sitting together and coming up with troublesome questions such as 'what is the meaning in life?' or 'why does the universe exist?'

It is because of this reason which why majority of people tend to shun philosophy. It is viewed as a subject without any quantitative findings, which makes most students even more uncomfortable. To make matters worse, majority of the questions asked within the realm of philosophy seems to be without any answers, unlike, say, science.

That is where the concept of philosophy is wrong. Philosophy is not a subject, it is a way of life. The answers are simply not important, it is the questions that matter, and the pursuit of these answers. Or rather the emphasis on the journey, than the destination. You do not need to know who Democritus is to be a philosopher. If you are studying about Plato, you are studying history more than philosophy.

Science is also not different from philosophy; it is the result of it. Early scientist in ancient Greece, cradle of western civilization at that time, were mainly philosophers in pursuit for the answer. Rather than trust in mythology that was persistent at that point in time as the 'true' answer of existence, they investigated nature, and science was born. The word 'philosophy' itself means 'love for wisdom' in Greek.

Philosophy does not refer to set rules. The sentence that starts with 'My philosophy is...." in itself does not make any sense. Philosophy, in fact, ignores rules. It ignores general perception, it ignores other's opinions, it ignores lifestyles and upbringing. It teaches us to break these rules in order to find that 'true' answer, impossible to find as it may be, and be better for it.

So what do I mean by philosophy is a way of life? As I have said before, the essence of philosophy is to question. Question what? To question everything. From your existence to the universe, from why your younger brother is so irritating to Death. Everything. And in doing so, you will find more meaning in the actions you perform. Brushing your teeth every morning will no longer be a routine, it would become a quest. Studying for a test wont be just another necessary thing to go through, but a chance to gain knowledge. When each action has meaning to it, you will find that your life itself will have a purpose.

I'll bet many of you would half expect me to type 'Carpe Diem!', another famous philosophy, but what i have said is true. It is ironic that while searching for answers to those important questions, as silly as each question may seem, the answers probably lie in the search itself.

Furthermore, one would also enjoy a greater sense of calm. Minor troubles do not seem to hurt as much, in fact they seem rather petty, while the joys in life are enhanced. As your life is enriched, you will view the lives of others in a different light. If only we would simply question.