my views on philosophy

Philosophy is not a practical subject for a person to study.  In philosophy, there are no facts, no claims, and no final truths that come from the subject.  Philosophy is an endless process of creative thinking, evaluating, and questioning that is unique to each person who practices it.  As philosophers attempt to find the meaning to life and human existence, rather than accepting what others may consider as the truth, they seek to find answers as to why people consider it to be “the truth.”  They dissect information, breaking it down into tiny bits and pieces that can be further questioned, to the point that they are able to prove that “the truth,” may in actuality, not be concrete facts or reality.

            For a philosopher, there is never a simple answer to a question, and they question the motives that could have led a person to believe that something is true.  Philosophers are able to understand that everything in the universe can and does affect every piece of matter, thought, experience, physical makeup, chemistry, reasoning, belief, and action, and seek to find answers as to how each of these aspects can affect the other.  They never accept things as “they are,” but rather attempt to find answers as to “why it is the way it is.”  As the philosopher thinks carefully, critically and precisely about issues within our world, they are able to delve into the depths of insight that will allow them to understand the issue on a grander scale as they seek the meaning of truth.  The average man will accept others views, perceptions, standards, and facts as being rational; therefore, believing it to be true, but they are placing barriers within their mind that keeps them from experiencing life and all of its natural wonders on their own terms. 

            On the contrary, philosophers never accept what is to be considered rational, and allow their mind to wander into unchartered territory, while seeking knowledge, understanding, new concepts, and reasoning.   As they break down each issue, while seeking the meaning, they are able to have a much clearer and wider implication of how all the pieces fit together in the whole.  As they take apart and attempt to understand each individual piece of the puzzle, they are able to draw out their own conclusions and philosophical theories which brings them to the point of self-actualization, as they know that they have answered, in their own unique way, what the meaning of life is, rather than accepting and succumbing to what others believe to be true.  “A sense of wonder started men philosophizing, in ancient times as well as today.  Their wondering is aroused, first, by trivial matters, but they continue on from there to wonder about less mundane matters such as the changes of the moon, sun, and stars, and the beginnings of the universe.  What is the result of this puzzlement?  An awesome feeling of ignorance.  Men began to philosophize, therefore, to escape ignorance.” (Aristotle).

            “I have one longing only: to grasp what is hidden behind appearances, to ferret out that mystery which brings me to birth and then kills me, to discover if behind the visible and unceasing stream of the world an invisible and immutable presence is hiding.”  (Nikos Kazantzakis).  So my question is:  “Can we ever really know anything?”  This is a philosophical question that could have many answers, perceptions, views, and theories.  Depending on the angle in which you view this question, or the way in which it is presented, could affect the question itself or the process in which a philosopher takes in order to seek the answer to the question. 

            First of all, what does the person mean by the word “know?”  The word “know,” is a symbol in which we attach meaning.  When a person encounters the word “know,” the average person will attach a meaning that has been conditioned in their mind throughout time.  The average person will probably connect the word “know” with an experience such as when a person has asked them if they know something which they interpret as being able to recall a piece of information within their minds.  For a philosopher, they are able to realize that the word “know” is a symbol in which people interpret and attach their own meaning; therefore, they seek ways in which the word “know” has applied to different issues throughout time, and are able to break down the word into subcategories of definitions or interpretations.  At this point, the philosopher will define and present each separate category as an issue within itself, and seek to ask questions and find answers and meaning in each subcategory which will allow them to discuss the answer to the question on a more elaborate and widespread scale.  By breaking down the question itself, and asking themselves as many questions as possible, they are covering as many bases as they can so that they can understand how the question itself affects and fits into the grander scheme of things.  Once a philosopher has done this, and feels as though he has looked at the question from every possible angle, satisfied every need they may have had for answers, and drawn out his/her own conclusions on the issue, have they reached their higher selves. 

            At this point, the philosopher should feel complete contentment and fulfillment that they have satisfied their need for answers, but even at this point, a philosopher’s work is not done.  Just as the question itself was broken down into bits and pieces which are part of the whole grand scheme of things, the philosopher will realize that their conclusions on the matter are, too, just one part of the puzzle to the whole.  Other philosophers, themselves, have reached their own contentment on the same issues, and in order to see the whole to the question, they must collaborate with other philosophers on the issue to see and understand an even greater whole. 

            As you can probably see, there will never be a complete truth as the puzzle gets bigger and broader with every step that is taken, and as every part of the puzzle is put together, things become clearer until you realize that it is only part of the whole.  As the “whole” grows, so does the bits and pieces that can be broken down.  With each piece that is broken down, there becomes insight that there are other pieces that can be further broken down.  One must realize that there is a universe out there that goes on for infinity, and accept the fact that we will never truly see and understand the complete whole of “what is,” but as a philosopher, we also realize that there is much territory and uncharted land out there for us to explore, and we are content and enlightened in the thought of doing so.  As Harold Levitt would say, “When you know you have all the answers, you haven’t asked all the questions.”

            When the topic of ethics arises in a philosophical discussion, I would conclude that there is an objectivity or goal/aim that is intended for the subject of ethics.  I believe that the idea of ethics was intended to encourage people to work together, achieve unity and peace, and be somewhat of a moral compass that will lead an individual to a state of  “higher being,” or “spiritual being.”  This will allow a person to live a life free of guilt, and with a clear conscious that their decisions were never made with the intent to do or create physical, psychological, spiritual, or emotional harm in another person’s life.  “Each individual is their own center, and the world centers him.”(Soren Kierkegaard).  I believe that as a person becomes self-actualized and reaches their “higher-being,” they are able to realize that each person has their own morals, standards, and values and is able to accept and appreciate each person’s uniqueness in these matters, but also does not feel the need to confirm to the beliefs of others.  The “higher-being” is confident in their choices, the way they choose to live life, and lives the life that they so choose but also takes into account how their actions affect the world as a whole.  When they can truly say that they think, believe, and act in ways that that allow them keep a conscious free of guilt, shame, or greed, then they can say that they have achieved the true objectivity to ethics.  The only true ethical obligation/principal that a person should have to live by is the golden rule, “do unto others, as you wish to have done upon you.” 

            People who truly seek to understand others, rather than judge, will look into the subject of ethics even further and be able to realize that there are reasons for people having different moral and ethical standards.  For there to be a world of peace, people will have to adhere to the “universal law,” also known as “the golden rule.”  Apparently this is easier said than done considering we still have wars, hate, greed, and poverty within our world, which, I believe, is partly due to the fact that people have not taken the allotted time to educate themselves on the reasoning as to why these things are happening.  They are quick to judge, dismiss, or discredit others values, customs, cultures, and ways of doing things; rather than taking the time to understand why they are different than us or accepting the fact that we are each unique individuals.  I believe that people waste too much time focusing on what people do wrong or differently, rather than what people do that is right.  When we criticize or judge a person’s opinions, views, actions, or behaviors we are placing imaginary walls that are used as barriers and obstacles that refrain us from the opportunity to truly understand why the person is the way that they are.  In order to break down those walls, or to keep from placing barriers in our way, we must learn to speak the language of love, caring, and compassion, which will allow us to build an open, honest, and trusting relationships with these individuals so that we can trust that they will be their true and authentic self and help us to gain further knowledge into their lives.  Only then will a philosopher be able to ask the true questions, and find the true reasons as to why.

            The second and most important reason that people are not able to apply and follow the “golden rule” in ethics is because they have not taken the time to ask themselves “Who am I?”  The art of knowing begins with a good healthy doubt so why not apply this to your thoughts about yourself?  If a person will take time to self-reflect, and doubt their beliefs, judgments, values, morals, and character just for the sake of becoming self-aware, they may find that some of their characteristics or personality traits are due to conditioning, demands and pressure from society, experiences, environments, and/or ego rather than because it is truly who they are or who they wish to become.  If they were to take the time to become self-aware, they may discover a life with purpose and a true calling that will lead them on a path to personal fulfillment and a life that they are able to construct, control, and lead without the external factors or influences from society or outside variables.

            “The accurate, realistic assessment of self resulting from acceptance makes possible the use of self as a dependable, trustworthy instrument for achieving one’s purpose.”(Arthur W. Combs).  Many people will ask themselves the question:  “Who am I?”  There are two fundamental conditions that contribute to what a person can become in their lifetime which are:  the degree to which we experience a more or less consistent sense of self or identity, and whether the feelings we have developed about that self are predominantly good.  Since a person’s body and psyche are constantly changing throughout our stages in life, it is important that a person ask themselves “who am I” on a regular basis, especially in their separation years.

            As an individual becomes aware that they are acting and thinking based on their own internal guidance system, they begin to feel a sense of identity.  As an individual goes through growth stages in life, they should start to identify patterns in which they behave, think, and feel.  If an individual asks themselves “who am I” on a regular basis, they should be able to connect the consistent patterns which will give them a sense of who they actually are as a person.  An individual must be honest with themselves, and be able to view their experiences and actions from an outsider’s perspective in order to truly find and understand themselves.  Many individuals see themselves as the “center of the universe,” therefore; they may feel as though any negative thoughts or actions are justified, which will not allow themselves to view themselves in their true light.  “In collective actions, the ego is capable of descending to depths to which it does ot fall when it is acting on its individual responsibility.”  (Arnold Toynbee).

            Another important aspect for a person being able to fully connect and explore who they are as a person is a sense of self-worth.  Most individuals tend to place value on themselves depending on how others treat them.  When a person is treated with respect, kindness, and love, they will tend to see themselves as loveable, kind, and one worthy of respect, especially in the earlier stages of development.  These individuals are allowing their conditioning, experiences, and others create their sense of self-worth and identity.  For the individuals who have been treated unfairly or unkindly, this can create a great dilemma in their lives because they are allowing others to instill upon them the feeling that they are not worthy of love, kindness, and respect; therefore, their actions towards others will heed the same results.  “I think, therefore I exist.”  (Descartes).      

            Without self-reflection, and self-affirmation, we are allowing other’s to determine our fates.  We are allowing our past experiences and conditioning condemn us to a future that has already been determined by others.  Whether a person has been raised in a loving environment or an environment filled with negative influences, it is extremely important and beneficial for every individual to become self-aware and grow into their autonomous selves.  Through therapy, spirituality, reflection, and getting to truly know and understand ourselves, our actions, our thought, our beliefs, and the reasoning behind all of these attributes, we can connect with ourselves in remarkable ways.  As this happens, a person will feel an increased sense of self-worth and self-love that will allow them to control their destiny and future with the confidence in knowing that they are the ones who are responsible for all that they do.  When they are able to connect with their autonomous selves, they will commit themselves to the fact that it is only they who can place judgment upon themselves and their actions, and they will hold this fact to the highest regard.  They will no longer feel the need to impress others or conform to others ways of doing things, beliefs, or values because they have connected with the core of who they are, who they wish to become, and fully aware of how their actions will affect their future as well as the future of mankind.  They will feel a sense of loyalty to their higher selves, and with this connection comes the purpose to create a brighter future not only for themselves, but also for those whom they encounter. 

            When it comes to the quality of life, there have been many questions as to what is more significant, living and thinking rationally or living and thinking irrationally.  I believe that if a person lives life on rational terms, they merely exist.  If a person lives life on irrational terms, not only do they thrive, but they are living a life of purpose, exploration, growth, and a life that is original, unique, and meant especially for themselves.  These are the individuals are not afraid of the unknown, they question the norms, they live life on their terms, they test limits and surpass goals and expectations that others would set for them, and their quest for exploration never ends because they are seduced by the thought provoking question as to “why?”  They allow their minds to wander into unchartered territory and break barriers in which others accept as being “true.”  New and original ways of thinking and doing things are explored because they do not adhere to the norms, standards, thoughts, or theories of others but rather seek to understand through thought provoking questions, as to why others accept these things as being “truthful.”  In a sense, they are the architects of their futures, allowing themselves to create paths to discovery where no other individuals have ever thought to travel.  “But to live an entire life without understanding how we think, why we feel the way we feel, what directs our actions is to miss what is most important in life, which is the quality of experience itself.” (Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi).  This philosophical insight was best stated by James L. Christian, the author of Philosophy the fine art of wondering:  “The fact that philosophy must be as diligently studied as any other subject, not to remember data, but to set the mind in motion toward developing larger concepts, connecting ideas, and seeing through and beyond mere words and facts.  In a sense, intellectual growth happens to us; it is not really something that we do, but it happens to us only when our minds are given a chance to operate on their own conscious, of course, but when our minds are given a chance to operate on their own terms.  They take their own time to process information.  This undertaking is partly conscious, of course, but largely it is an unconscious process.  This is why much philosophic insight just happens, as though the light moves from the depths upward and not from the rational conscious downward.”   For us to truly understand what we believe to be reality, we must first break down that reality and view it from a perspective of irrationality.  Even then, what we conclude to be rational or reality may only be the truth for us, and not the truth of what is and what exists.  “The deeper science probes toward reality, the more clearly it appears that the universe is not like a machine at all.” (Lincoln Barnett).

            Is it possible for a person to live a happy life and truly consider it a good life?  I believe the answer to that question would depend on each person as an individual.  Each one of us has unique hopes, dreams, and expectations for our futures but I believe that for an individual to truly be happy, they do not seek an outcome or live their lives looking towards the future.  For a person to be truly happy, they live their life “in the moment,” and always find positive aspects to the moment they are in.  They may find happiness in the form of positive emotions, answers to their questions, gaining knowledge, a physical form of beauty, a spiritual connection, a lesson learned, or experiencing insight; either way, they can view every moment of every experience as the opportunity to grow, both emotionally and intellectually.  “As soon as a man does not take his existence for granted, but beholds it as something unfathomably mysterious, thought begins.” (Albert Schweitzer).

            I believe that the purest form of happiness comes when a person is self-actualized and living a life of purpose.  As a person becomes self-actualized, they become whole.  They feel connected with what is inside of them, their exterior, as well as the universe and their surroundings.  With this comes a feeling of authenticity, with confidence in themselves, their future, their dreams, their beliefs, and their values.  Social standards and other people’s opinions do not matter because it is him/her self that holds themselves to highest standard.  There is no reason to wear certain masks, or attempt to be something they are not because they have accepted themselves for who they are, and are not afraid to allow others to view them in the same light. 

            These individuals have taken the time needed to get to know themselves, inside and out, on such a deep level that they are aware of their potentials, their restrictions, their advantages, their disadvantages, their good and bad qualities, and their own chosen moral guidelines.  They do not feel the need to evaluate their thoughts, actions, and feelings because they are content that what they see, choose, or act is part of the whole of who they are and the sense of belonging to oneself is apparent.  They no longer seek to find answers about themselves, why they act, think, or feel in the ways that they do because they have already delved deep into their souls to understand themselves, to be sure they are not acting in ways that have been conditioned or expected, but rather they are doing so because it is the path that is right for them. It is the ultimate feeling of freedom, to just live, without outside variables, experiences, people, or a situation determining what comes from within.  There is no longer control of any sort; there is just life, to live, to be explored, and to further understand. 

            Self-actualization should be the ultimate goal of all people in order to live a life full of promise, purpose, and extreme quality.  To be connected to oneself, mind, body, and heart but also in relation to the universe itself.  With this, comes the feeling of contentment and peace, but also the desire to explore and understand the unknown.  There is no fear, as they can go into uncertainty with the confidence that their experience will allow them intellectual growth, opportunity to gain knowledge, and the opportunity to understand the world and the people in it on a greater level.  Fear is replaced by enthusiasm in knowing that they are about to experience things that up until this point, have been unknown to them.  They are filled with a sense of purpose, in the most general term, because they do not judge or condemn but rather seek to understand all that is, all that was, and all that will be!

            “Why are Americans so hungry for the approval of others?  The adjusted American lacks self-approval; that is to say, he has not developed a self-image that he can believe is both accurate and acceptable.  To do so he would require successful techniques for creating an accurate and acceptable self-image through honest introspection, candid association, and meaningful activity.  The patterns to which he has adjusted do not include such techniques.  Instead, the culture abounds with misdirections, which the adjusted American acquires..Perhaps above all he learns to seek self-acceptance indirectly, by seeking to substitute the good opinions of others for self-approval.  It is this that he becomes “other-directed.”  (Gail and Snell Putney).