Reading Philosophy books is heavily under-appreciated. While reading has many advantages in terms of learning new words and creating a happy distraction, philosophy has many profound insights to offer. Come learn what they are in just a few short minutes.
Philosophy is often seen as an abstract and complex subject, but its value lies in its ability to expand our knowledge and broaden our understanding of the world.
By delving into different disciplines of philosophy, you can gain insights into various aspects of life and develop a more comprehensive worldview.
Today I’d like to show you the importance of reading multiple disciplines of philosophy; with a particular focus on stoicism, absurdism, and help you shape a better world lens.
Stoicism: Cultivating Emotional Resilience
Stoicism is a philosophical school of thought that originated in ancient Greece and has since influenced countless individuals throughout history. At its core, stoicism teaches us to focus on what is within our control and to accept the things that are not. By embracing this mindset, you can cultivate emotional resilience and find peace amidst the chaos of life.
Stoicism encourages us to detach ourselves from external circumstances and instead focus on our own thoughts and actions. This philosophy teaches us that we cannot control the events that occur in our lives, but we can control how we respond to them. By reading stoic texts and understanding the principles of stoicism, you can learn to navigate through challenges with grace and composure.
Stoicism also emphasizes the importance of living in accordance with nature and accepting the impermanence of everything around us. By recognizing the transient nature of life, you can develop a sense of gratitude for the present moment and learn to let go of attachments. This mindset allows you to find contentment and fulfillment, regardless of the circumstances we find ourselves in.
This is why I feel like reading philosophy related to stoicism is highly important for daily life!
Absurdism: Recognizing the Necessity of Completing the Mundane
Absurdism, on the other hand, takes a different approach to understanding the human condition. This philosophical school of thought, popularized by thinkers like Albert Camus, explores the inherent meaninglessness of life and the absurdity of our existence.
While this may sound bleak, absurdism actually offers a unique perspective on finding purpose and embracing the mundane.
According to absurdism, life is inherently meaningless, and any attempt to find objective meaning or purpose is ultimately futile. However, this does not mean that life is devoid of value. Absurdism encourages everyone to create their own meaning and find fulfillment in the small, seemingly insignificant moments of life.
By reading about absurdism, you can develop a deeper understanding of the necessity of completing the mundane tasks that make up our daily lives. While these tasks may seem trivial, they are an integral part of existence, and by embracing them, you can find meaning and purpose in the ordinary.
Absurdism teaches you to appreciate the beauty in the mundane and to approach each task with intention and mindfulness.
Without the monotonous tasks that we all complete, you can’t begin to appreciate the beauty of liberation we can feel when undergoing the duties that brings us joy.
Remember: The pleasure of life is found in the journey we embark on, not in our final destination.
The Power of New Thoughts
Reading philosophy from various disciplines introduces us to new thoughts and ideas that we may have never encountered before. This exposure to different perspectives can be incredibly powerful, as it challenges existing beliefs and forces us to reevaluate our own worldview.
When we encounter new thoughts, we are prompted to engage in introspection and critically examine our own beliefs and values. This process of self-reflection is essential for personal growth and intellectual development. By reading philosophy, we can expand our intellectual horizons and gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us.
Last point before I wrap up (I Promise.) Reading philosophy allows you to engage in a dialogue with some of the greatest thinkers in history. you have the unique opportunity to learn from their wisdom, contemplate their ideas, and apply their insights to your own life.
This engagement with philosophical texts not only expands your knowledge but also enhances your ability to think critically and analytically.
Remember that old acronym “WWJD” on all of those bracelets?
Instead you can posit “What Would Marcus Aurelius Do?” Any philosopher at all!
To wrap things up
Expanding your knowledge and world lens through reading multiple disciplines of philosophy is a powerful tool for personal growth and intellectual development.
To recap and make a TL;DR here’s why you should at the very least read up on stoicism or absurdism if you have never heard of either.
Stoicism teaches us emotional resilience and the importance of focusing on what is within our control. Absurdism helps us recognize the value in completing the mundane and finding meaning in the ordinary. Plus, I never really stop talking about the benefits of reading,
(See this post here or the slew of other ones I’ll be releasing over the next few months.)
Reading new thoughts from various philosophical disciplines invokes introspection and challenges us to reevaluate our own beliefs.
By incorporating reading philosophy into our regular habits, we can broaden our understanding of the world and gain insights that can positively impact our lives.
I hope you Enjoy, If you would like to suggest a topic or post, feel free to ask over on twitter!