Greta wrote: ↑Thu Jul 26, 2018 1:13 am
commonsense wrote: ↑Wed Jul 25, 2018 10:50 pmHowever, inasmuch as it can be said that ignorance is bliss, thinking skills interfere with happiness. This would certainly result in diminished satisfaction with life.
Furthermore, (faulty) thinking is a necessary ingredient for many mental health issues. This, too, can make for a decreased level of functionality and a miserable existence.
On balance, philosophy is harmful.
A harsh summation.
I have to say that ignorance is far from bliss for me. Rather, philosophy (and science - I don't draw much of a line personally) acts like cognitive therapy for me, helping to raise my vision above the froth and messiness of constant surface change and to consider the deeper and broader aspects of reality, along with a realisation of the relative triviality of that which we think important.
For me, it's a bit like trying to achieve a deep deathbed perspective of life -
without the dying, of course
But then surely it helps to accept dying, that is depending upon one's depth in philosophy. Once the universe unfolds in our minds eye, it's beauty shines, it's enough to be thankful for the time we've had to absorb the truth of it all, it's complexity; yes, definitely beautiful.
I agree that it's also true that to rid ourselves of our flawed programming by those that are the most terrified of dying is paramount, and thankfully can only be the case if one truly delves philosophy's depths. Philosophy is the father, science it's progeny, the clearest picture is heeding it all, surely a monumental task, but just as surely worth it!
'Knowing' definitely illuminates realities complexity, but I wouldn't want to have it any other way, I mean who really wants to waste their only life living a lie??? Basically a fool. At least it seems to be our only life, that is at least with respect to our consciousness. That only our elements, that we've temporally borrowed, shall continue ad-infinitum, unfortunately, doesn't lend much comfort, because most of us true philosophers, want to see and learn forever. Or at least until such time that all can completely be known.
There is one thing that plagues me as I use the tools of philosophy though, and that's watching seemingly helplessly at the fools steer the human ship. Thus clouding the vision of the young, including all those older that have yet to be acquainted with the wisdom contained in a true philosophical quest.
Peace, my friends!