Without any perplexed, big-concepts elaboration.
If you know someone, whether in real life or fiction, who deals with life setbacks in their own way according to their own principles, inner values, and the way they interpret existence, all of this could hold the title of: “their philosophy.”
Philosophy often involves both existential and intrapersonal intelligence. Since if you haven’t spent time getting to know yourself and gaining awareness on how you exist and deal with life—also known as introspection—how could you form a philosophy? It is not all Socrates and books. Never.
Philosophy outside of an academic context is simply a set of beliefs that directly reflects in one's behavior, especially towards life setbacks. To illustrate, consider the philosophy of pacifism: pacifists believe that mindless violence only brings unnecessary chaos. And thus, when a dilemma between friends occurs—showing hints of initiating a brawl or ping-ponging insults—they intervene, build peace, and stop it.
The interesting thing about this field is the variety of interpretations, since you cannot dismiss another philosophical worldview as objectively wrong just because it’s different from yours, unless it encourages any form of immorality or lack of coherent reasoning; you just disagree with it, and that’s valid. This allows individuals to reach different conclusions while reflecting on the same reality. You may enter into a debate to elaborate your point of view with logical, real-life arguments to support it.
Minds are shaped through external circumstances and deliberate actions, and it’s not just okay for them to clash—it’s inevitable.
Imagine a heated argument between two fish: one had lived its entire life in a clean water bowl; the other lived in the depth of the oceans.
And if you asked them: “What does water mean to you?”
Their answers are obviously opposite, but the thing is, NEITHER IS WRONG!
They just value different things!
One values simplicity, safety, and minimalism.
The other values risk, exploration, and adventure.
But even with such a thing, it does not cancel the fact that we have to treat each other with basic decency.
It’s unreasonable to start a brawl or build resentment over... abstract words and thoughts.
No matter how rich, cultured, and philosophical your mind is, it means nothing if your behavior isn’t as respectable, since living wisely and studying philosophy are not the same thing.
The thing that actually defines a person is the kind of impact they leave on our world.
It does not have to be some big chosen-warrior path.
Sometimes it’s shown through small, meaningful acts like a thoughtful favor, a genuine compliment, or just maintaining the moral baseline of not being cruel or harming others.
Speaking of minds, another thought has to be said.
Sometimes, it’s best if you actually don’t bother ruminating over philosophical matters.
Sure, it is knowledge, and knowledge is the food of the mind—I get it.
However, your brain can get obese and heavy, and it would be harder for you to focus on the external world and practical life experiences.
Emphasize “practical”!
You can’t live inside your mental realm where you ponder over abstract stuff to death.
I am not saying don’t learn; actually, keep feeding your mind and make it cultured and civilized, but have other things to do.
Things you can physically feel, touch, produce... ANYTHING!
And I have better things to do than giving you a self-improvement to-do list... make your own.
The point is that philosophy is a great aspect of learning, but maintain the balance between cognitive input and external output.
Thanks for reading,
I hope you enjoyed this article
Share your thoughts down in the comments
I will be happy to read them ദ്ദി(ᵔᗜᵔ) 𖹭 ֶָ֢
