Philosophy: Who Cares?

A lot of people don't know what philosophy it, what it means, or why it's important for that matter. Even within the field, I am starting to get the suspicion that no one really knows what or why the school of thought still exists. It's a neglected science that has been reduced to answering trivial metaphysical questions, engaging in dizzying mind games, and boring people with its dense texts and loftiness. So it seems. However, there is a way to view philosophy in a relevant, down to earth, and undeniably imperative way. This perspective is often overlooked, especially in America. Like the ancient philosopher, we now face a question of essence. That is, what is it that makes philosophy what it is, and why is it important. We know, but cannot articulate it.

I also cannot articulate what exactly it is, but can explain why it means so much to me. In case you were wondering. To my understanding, the greatest quality philosophy possesses is the importance of uncertainty, questioning, and contemplation. These are valued as ends in themselves as well as means to practical applications. Ethics, for example, are important to foster a "good" life for the practitioner as well as help society. The discussion of ethics and philosophical content also brings pleasure to those passionate about it. This passion is misunderstood from outsiders, and without the properly tuned minds (those privy to logical deduction and induction methods) it seems like we're all chasing our tales. In some cases we are, but when we stop chasing them we look up to find ourselves somewhere new. The world look a lot brighter after running in circles. Now, I'm being superficial and coy here, not getting down to the nitty gritty. Philosophy is important because it can help us arrive at, and overcome the pressing issues of our existence.

If needed, I would describe myself as an existentialist. I recognize absurdity and meaninglessness of human life, and find it to be the most pressing issue of our or any time. "What's it all mean?" is a question not alien to non-philosophers. The quick answer is, nothing. However, this is not an answer many can accept, nor does it provide a methodology on how to go about living. Nihilism is the idea that nothing matters, and is the negation of life due to such terms. I see it in a great deal of people's lives, they way the live, communicate, and value. I used to think people were oblivious, empty headed, numb-nuts unaware of their own futility. Some are, most aren't. I'd say a great deal of people are aware of how ridiculous life is, at least on a subconscious level. They try to ignore it, cover it up with a rug, or decorate it with shiny new objects. These just make it more apparent. Having stuff is fine, being that stuff is different. You are not your car, nor job, nor are you your friends or social class. You are a walking squishy blob of consciousness disproportionate to that which is unlike you. This is a big deal to me.

Most people like things in packages. We like to live in square houses, drive on square roads, walk on square sidewalks, and eat on square tables. We like order, regulation, certainty, and predictability. The universe can offer us none of this. Thus, we feel hostile towards it. This is reflected in our religion, our products, our work, our science, and our art. It is a constant struggle to make it all fit back in that box. The problem is, we're the real squares. Not hip to the vibrations of, well, reality. Relax, the lingo is supposed to be ironic. Furthermore, we expect as soon as we make a rule, the universe will listen. We call them "laws" and expect the universe to abide by them...or else! From a legal standpoint, this is like telling Godzilla to watch his step or we'll ground him.

Our lives, like science, are organized to fulfill a pragmatic purpose of some sort to justify some lofty end we're not quite sure of. The lines are blurry, but we like them that way. Allows for wiggle room. We set codes for ourselves, ethics, standards, and so on, This is out of the sheer terror of our freedom. This is freedom we're not quite sure we have. You see, we've been told to do this or that since we were born. We haven't realized our autonomy since we were younger than a month, and we can't even remember that far back! There are moment of clarity, where you realize you're life is really in your own hands, that you are alone and responsible for your actions. Yikes. Why are you responsible? Because the other squishy things will get mad and are equally afraid of disorder. They will do anything to control their little universes. Don't try and break their boxes down.

I am being cynical here, but with purpose. I realize all of this because I see it in myself. I know what that clarity and fear feel like, and what it implies. Freedom is both terrifying and wonderful at the same time. You're life is your own creation. I truly believe that. You may be a product of your environment, but you have the capacity to leave or to change you're internal environment to better suit the outer. This is what makes philosophy so important. Science and psychology cannot help you guide through the bleakness of existence. It cannot help you find your own light. Science states empirical data and psychology formulates diagnoses. Philosophy puts the gun in your hand and tells you to shoot or at least lets you know the gun is there.

I find myself repeating the same ideas over and over in my writings. Its because I cannot find a good enough way to put these ideas into words. Articulation is the biggest bitch of them all. The language used and attitude they imply mean worlds to the portrayal of the message. What this whole article is about simply owning yourself. No one can tell you how to live, or should have the power to do such. Look at the sky sometimes. Let it sink in. There's a whole lot of stuff out there. More than we can begin to fathom. Rules, expectations, appearances, and norms are nothing but the agreements of people on a day to day basis. Cash in your chips, option out of that agreement. It's not a matter of "sticking it to the man" but rather just waking up and going about your day as you'd like to. Figure out what you love, what makes waking up worth it and go for it.

This is philosophy, asking these questions and taking these risks. You can think all you want that everything happens for a reason, or some intelligent being is looking out for you. Limit yourself then. I know when you take a good, hard look at the world and yourself you know that's a bunch of shit. Wake up. Start looking for the boxes people place up all around us. The world is not four dimensional, nor is the people. I'm making assumptions here to spread the message. If I didn't have confidence in people's capacity for self creation I would not write this.