Philosophy or the love of wisdom was probably coined by Pythagoras. It accesses many parts of ourselves: intuition, reasoning, self-knowledge, imagination, dreams, perceptual knowledge and testimony to answer the question, “What is the truth?”
World Philosophy Day that falls on November 17, helps us reflect on the core questions of human existence. The process is facilitated by discussions, by dialogue, by observation and exposure to each other’s culture. It encourages critical thought and helps working towards tolerance, understanding and peace. It is a democratic process. The capacity to resolve conflict through discussion, understanding and convergence of divergent points of view.
Every culture has its own philosophy, so does every religion. Marx’s communism, Nehru’s democratic socialism, Hitler’s dictatorship, and Socrates pursuit of wisdom encouraged the youth to ask many inconvenient questions. He was forced to drink hemlock and as he died he shared answers about death. Let us take the information we are deluged with and transform it into knowledge and later, into wisdom.
Logic, intuition and emotion, all impact the way we live our lives. A ‘Hundred schools of Thought’ flourished in ancient China, in addition to Zen, the Tao and the ideas of Confucius. So during the weeks ahead, discuss your beliefs. The African philosophy of Ubantu speaks happiness in unity and togetherness, which is probably the final goal for all humankind if we want to enjoy world peace. So let us meet, debate, disagree and finally arrive at a consensus for a peaceful and happy world.
The writer is the author of Everyday Happiness Mantras, Innovation Sutra,
and Happy Street
