When I say you should read philosophy, no, I don't mean spend your time and money on a college class, or a seminar. Nor am I suggesting you go out and become an expert on every Grecian school of thought. Rather, I am here to share my philosophy on philosophy, if you will. Bear with me.
Philosophy is defined (in the dictionary) as the study of knowledge, reality, and existence, especially when considered as an academic discipline. Now, minus the academic bit at the end, doesn't that sound essential? It seems like a grasp on our own existence would be one of the key ingredients to a healthy mind. Yet, a lot of people don't take the time to study, to think about it. What they know, how they know it. The very nature of existence and the metaphysical clockwork that comprises it. So my challenge to you is this, my dear readers: I want you to pick up a book, read an article, or just sit for a while and really get engaged in philosophical thought. But, I wouldn't ask anything of you unless I offered some reasoning behind it.
The first reason, I think is the most important one. A certain level of self-awareness is essential for a healthy life. Introspection can be frightening. Oh so frightening. But it's important in order to live a life that is what one would call "authentic". It's the idea that to take control of your life, and truly understand your own mind separate from outside influences, you have to understand and reconcile your own state of being. One of the best ways to do this is to begin to use philosophy to understand your inner self or state of being better. Whether it be through Heidegger's Being and Time, Albert Camus' The Myth Of Sisyphus, or some other philosophical work, reading and considering all of these people's ideas can give you the tools to begin to analyze your own mind and existence.
In addition to increasing your general self-awareness, philosophy provides a way to dig into and begin to understand the world around you. Whether it be through metaphysics in the theories of William Of Occam (ring any bells?) or the schools of thought in ancient Greece such as Cynics, Stoics and much more, philosophy has so much to offer to a mind yearning to discover.
So, if you do have that desire to learn, a mind that questions, or a psyche that yearns for awareness, don't be afraid to read the thoughts of thinkers from all over. I promise you won't regret it.
