What is Philosophy?

Aristotle once said that philosophy, the love of wisdom, begins with wonder—a sense of awe often sparked by our observation of the astonishing world around us. However, this wonder is frequently overlooked, suppressed, or even stifled.

Philosophy is not about finding rules or guidelines and sticking to them. Life is much more complex than that. Humans are meant to constantly evolve physically and mentally; our philosophy should evolve with us. As we grow older and hopefully wiser, we become more open to new ways of living. We learn a thing or two from the people around us and incorporate some of their traditions into our lives. Philosophy, to me, is about challenging the way you see and experience your reality. It is an active pursuit of continuous learning. There is no end game to life, nor is there one philosophy that reigns above the others.

I blindly decided to major in Philosophy as a sophomore in university and can honestly say this way of thinking, analyzing, and interpreting has allowed me to become a more conscious human. I am actively challenging the thoughts that enter my mind all the time. This might sound exhausting, and it can be, but it has become second nature to me. I hold the power to decide which thoughts I entertain. I am not consumed by a thought or idea. I can let it go as easily as I can let out a sigh.

As always, I encourage you to read with caution and challenge the words in front of you. Philosophy is not about accepting everything you read or hear; it is about taking what works for you and making it your own.