That we all face challenging times at some point or other is a universal fact. Life can be difficult at times; whether it’s dealing with personal losses or the ups and downs of everyday, it’s common to feel overwhelmed. In moments like these, we wonder how to make sense of our struggles. Many among us turn our attention to self-help books, podcasts or even therapy for some kind of support. However, one powerful tool that often goes unnoticed is philosophy.
The Anglo-Irish writer Oliver Goldsmith says of philosophy, “It can add to our happiness in no other manner but by diminishing our misery; it should not pretend to increase our present stock, but make us economists of what we are possessed of. Happy were we all born philosophers; all born with a talent of thus dissipating our own cares by spreading them upon all mankind.” Here, Goldsmith talks about how philosophy doesn’t directly increase our happiness, but helps manage the misery we feel.
Indeed, philosophy encourages us to reflect on our thoughts and helps us find meaning during difficult times. In fact, many readers have discovered that exploring philosophical ideas provides them with comfort and clarity. Some studies even show that engaging with philosophical texts tends to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.
World Philosophy Day is celebrated on the third Thursday of November each year. Established by UNESCO, this day aims to highlight the importance of philosophy in our lives and its role in understanding different cultures. It seeks to inspire us to explore different perspectives and engage in meaningful conversations. So, join us as we explore how philosophy can be our valuable ally in navigating life’s challenges.
A lot of our stress goes unmanaged as we move from one day to the next. This stress that accumulates can impact our emotions, thinking, behaviour and also lead to serious health issues. Philosophy can be a valuable ally in managing the stress and anxiety we feel.
According to research published in ResearchGate, philosophy encourages a more balanced perspective towards life. It helps us reframe our thoughts and develop healthier coping mechanisms. By applying philosophical concepts to our everyday, we can deal with stress and anxiety better and improve our mental wellbeing too.
Many of us find ourselves, from time to time, wondering about the purpose and meaning of life. These deep questions can suddenly erupt in our minds and lead to feelings of confusion or emptiness for days thereafter. Engaging with philosophy provides us with a safe space for reflection.
It can also help some of us find answers to questions regarding the nature of existence and our place in the world. For certain others, it can help understand life values and beliefs better. Philosophy helps us discover the significance and meaning of our experiences—it has the power to bring us peace and contribute to our mental health and overall wellbeing.
Philosophy provides us with tools to explore life’s meaning, develop resilience and cultivate compassion. Reading philosophy can enhance our overall mental wellbeing.
Philosophical concepts, such as Stoicism, teach acceptance and focusing on what we can control. This can reduce our stress and anxiety.
Engaging with philosophical literature can offer insights that encourage deeper understanding of yourself and the world.
Anyone can benefit from philosophy, regardless of academic background.
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