Studying Philosophy.

I have been reading/studying some philosophy lately.  I figured it would be good for the ol' brain development.  Not that I'm seeking to become a philosopher.  Generally, I think that philosophers come to some zany conclusions, but that isn't to say that I don't respect their minds or their willingness to ask some really GREAT questions.  Their great questions are both natural and valuable for everyone to consider.

In fact, I think we would all do a little better if we both studied philosophy and became willing to think about some tough thought-problems of our own.  It takes some real courage to do so, as well as endurance.  This is because if you start asking tough questions, your whole world may be shaken up-and you might no longer know what you believe, or why you believe what you believe, or if what you believe is indeed reliable and a sundry of other such difficult mental conundrums that may arise.  Staying in that place of tension (at least in some areas of our minds) on a regular basis is scary and difficult and requires tremendous emotional stability to continue doing over a long period of time.

Bust of Aristotle

Unfortunately, the painfulness of this path is precisely the reason why loads of people cease to think for themselves whenever they get the chance-they come to certain trivial conclusions about who they are, what their life is supposed to be, etc.  They cease really thinking and continue in their limited viewpoints until some sort of "crisis of faith" (for whatever it is they've put their faith in) comes along and derails them.

I wish I could say that I was free from all this, but I have been all too guilty both of loathing having to think through things thoroughly and of remaining immature in my thinking.  Were it not for lots of crises in my life, I don't think I would seek out the answers that I should either.

Nevertheless, I am grateful for the shake-ups because when we get through these kinds of questions and get them answered, we eventually develop a new platform of thinking, a foundation upon which to build our thoughts and minds.  When we become sure of the things that we know to be true, then new doubts and questions that come along the way cease to be really all that scary; instead they become revelations of weak points in our armor that are mendable and ultimately, strengthening.

Assuredly, if we work through these mind-bending problems, we'll (A.) become unshakable and emboldened in living life powerfully everyday because of the confidence we have in our position and (B.) able to help others who are asking the same questions (yet sometimes they didn't even know they were asking these questions!).  Finally, (C.) we should arrive at such points with humility and grace because these roads aren't fun, but always develop good character (provided we're really getting things answered.)

So to conclude and bring this little article full circle by making the point I was trying to make: the process of learning how to think is of critical importance (obviously) and a good study of philosophy is helpful toward that end.