Why Philosophy?

Philosophy translates as the love of wisdom (from the ancient Greek philo (to love) and Sophia (Goddess of Wisdom). Is there any part of life or society that would not benefit from more wisdom? If you think not, you might be a lover of wisdom. Marsilio Ficino, the great Renaissance Philosopher (one of the key figures of the Renaissance) said ‘with all her strength, wisdom gives us mastery over every human activity according to our desire’ and ‘wisdom makes sure that we rightly use riches, health, beauty, strength and the other things which are called good’. Wisdom is the common factor in living well. Wisdom, then, seems to be a good thing to love.

Taking this further, loving wisdom is loving life. All parts of life benefit from wisdom and Philosophy has many ways to help us love life and wisdom.

Knowing Thyself

In ancient Greece, seekers of life-advice and metaphysical insight visited the Oracle in the Temple of Apollo at Delphi, above the entrance were written the words ‘Know Thyself’. To live well in the world, to access wisdom, we must know ourselves. What is our nature? What is our potential? What does the good life mean to us? How do we live and how could we live? What inspires us, what uplifts, what is most meaningful to us? And who, in truth are we? Are we our thoughts? Our feelings? Our body? Our relationships? Our possessions? Can we in fact be defined by any of these? Who is asking these questions? Know Thyself.

A space for wisdom

Whilst we have many activities in life, both through duty and desire, how can we ensure there is space for wisdom? Are we just rolling through from one plan, one day, one week, one season, one year to another? What is it to discover the essence of this life and its meaning, how do we experience stillness beyond and during the waves of life? Philosophy means turning towards wisdom, nurturing a space for knowing ourselves and ensuring that having wisdom in life is not left to chance, but is a commitment we make to ourselves.

Timeless and Universal

Studying Philosophy connects us with wisdom-seekers from all times and places. From the Upanishads of 2000 BC, to Plato of 400 BC, Marcus Aurelius of 100AD, Sankara of 800 AD, Marsilio Ficino of 1400 AD, William Shakespeare of 1600 AD, Simone Weil of the 1900s and Eckhart Tolle of today, the pursuit of Self Knowledge and experience of the truest Self is common to all time. From ancient Greece, to India, Rome, England, France, the USA, in fact anywhere people are and in any age they live, the desire for knowledge, unity and peace is shared, it is a reflection of our essential nature. Philosophy is not limited by situation, occasion, geography or culture, it is universal and appeals to our own universal nature.

Practical

Wisdom provides guidance to all spheres of life. A wise person has confidence, good friends, strong and healthy relationships, is good company and brings out the best in themselves in others. Wisdom helps us in our vocation – a calm and clear mind is efficient, refined and effective. A seeker of wisdom is reliable and helpful, seeks to understand and makes timely and wise choices. Wisdom is practical.

Confidence

Philosophy reminds us of our deeper and higher nature. Experiencing depth and transcendence we know our larger selves. Knowing ourselves as large, situations are experienced with calmness, confidence and love. A confident person knows wisdom is always available and is open to and interested-in life. The word “confidence” comes from the Latin ‘con’ (with) and ‘fidere’ (trust), Philosophy helps us to meet life with trust and with trust are open and we shine.

Happiness

Michel de Montaigne said that the most certain sign of wisdom is cheerfulness. In Philosophy grow understanding, compassion and confidence. Life is understood as an ever-new journey and the present moment is appreciated. The wise of ancient India tell us that our essential nature is Truth, Consciousness, Bliss. Philosophy teaches us that this nature is not something to acquire, but something we can foster and experience, knowing this essence of ourselves and seeing it in others is the most real source of happiness.

Love

Philosophy is something available to all people, as wisdom is part of everyone’s nature. Truth, Consciousness and Bliss are part of everyone’s nature, Philosophy encourages us to experience the deep unity of these qualities in and with our fellow man and the world. Experience of unity is a flow of love, it comes from unity itself. Philosophy expands and nourishes love.

Good Company

Seekers of wisdom share a love of truth. They practise reason and encourage the good in each other. They celebrate and multiply the success of others on the path to wisdom, and understanding the best of humanity, nourish that. A shared love of wisdom is a source of good company. To be reminded of and inspired by our highest self is to be in good company
Philosophy, a path to wisdom, understanding and knowing ourselves, to the experience of unity within ourselves and the universe. That’s why Philosophy.