Have you come across a situation where you felt so lost that your heart began to tremble— as if you are experiencing tremors in your chest? Is there any chance that you presumed waking up in an abstract world, where you cannot understand anything around you— simply being dumbfounded?
Well, these questions cannot be avoided in life. That is why I am not a believer in ideals. I do affirm that in life, it is not always cupcakes and rainbows; the certitude is, life could sometimes be unpleasant. Contrary to what other people claim, it does not only provide a sweet, victorious, and comfortable experience. But after someone spends a reasonable amount of time here in the world, life starts to disappoint. The latter simply means all your expected outcomes will not be met. All your aspirations will be thawed due to a multitude of inside or outside factors. To understand life is about acknowledging the obligation anchored in every one of us, it is the hardest attempt to enlightenment, it is because only you can unveil what life is all about. It is challenging for the reason that it has subjective preconceptions, and there is no universal explanation of life.
Given that fact, Philosophy exists to lend us a guide in life; objectively defined as the "mother of all knowledge." It is a journey of unraveling the truth, defining the truth, and absorbing the truth. It is like a compass that we could use to find ways how to thrive, whenever life clouds our comprehension. Its purpose is to hone our minds and fortify them, so that in times of trouble— we can maintain our stillness.
This article features 4 of the Philosophies that you could use as a framework in your life. Guided by well-known philosophers, we are going to explore different lenses— paving our way to comprehend life from various perspectives.
STOICISM
This philosophy is about developing an extreme mental fortitude. Some people mistakenly claim that it is all about indifference, however, that is not always the case. Every one of us has to heed when circumstance calls, as Marcus Aurelius put it "You commit injustice by doing nothing". In a sense, stoicism is about choosing a reasonable time to react, this philosophy abhors using emotions as the primary basis for decisions. It values reason more, they do believe that reason must be used to come up with sound response.
How does it view life?
" You have power over your mind— not outside events. Realize this and you will find strength."
- Marcus Aurelius
Stoics view life as it is. If I were to express their ideas using lyrics, it would be "que sera sera, whatever will be, will be. The future is not ours to see". The stoics free themselves from upheavals and mental turmoil by letting go of expectations. They realize that life has numerous surprises, some of which might impede their expected objectives. They find comfort by surrendering their worries to fate. For them, the utmost power of humans lies within how they respond to provocative and unfortunate situations. They value self-composure, and they find happiness through acceptance. To learn more about stoicism feel free to check my previous article (Conquering Ego: An Advice from Stoics).
TAOISM
This philosophy, in the most layman's definition possible, is all about interconnectedness and order. Its ideas are about living life in harmony through the connectedness to the universe. Taoism embraces naturalization; this means detaching from earthly desires, worries, and selfish actions by being one with nature. Taoists often practice serenity by delving themselves into their natural setting— breathing the air and absorbing positive auras. Taoism believes that humans are innately good creatures, it strongly condemns the idea of "bad people". It claims that there are only bad manners; if someone practices virtue (connecting with nature), he will then start to act accordingly.
How does it view life?
"Those who flow as life flows know they need no other force."
- Lao Tzu
Taoists believe that everything will happen according to the will of the universe. Life for them is like a river, and as humans, our devoir is to just go with its flow. This philosophy despises attachment and expectations, they assert that these latter are the root cause of suffering. For someone to enjoy and find happiness in life, he needs to embrace simplicity. Letting go of the excess is a way to diminish someone's burden that impedes him from progressing. Taoism also believes in "wu-wei" This term simply means being with the flow. Lao Tzu used the analogy of stone in the river. Explaining that "when river flows the stone goes with it— giving it the chance to witness the other side. But if the stone stays, it will be stagnant, waiving its chance to be in a better place".
EXISTENTIALISM
This philosophy, if I were to sum up its meaning, it pertains to accountability. This notion argues that institutions like governments, churches, schools, and role models like competent peers, teachers, or even our family members cannot give us the meaning of life. Only us is involved in a constant journey of seeking life's purpose and meaning. Every decision that we make is anchored in our reason. The results of the choices that we put together are the reflection of our actions. In everything that will happen in our lives, we are accountable for it— setting aside external factors.
How does it view life?
" He who has a why to live can bear almost any how."
- Friedrich Nietzsche
This philosophy claims that there are no predetermined meanings of life. Humans are responsible for the latter's definition. Out of all the philosophies in this article, this is the most controversial. Because it encourages people to raise questions about what's determined to be "conventional". It asserts that life is like a bus, the driver is you. If the trip is successful, all the recognitions will be yours. Whereas, if the trip falls into despair, then the blame is on you. Individuality is its emphasis.
CYNICISM
This philosophy was born out of the ideas of Diogenes. A philosopher who wandered freely throughout Greek cities as a result of his exile. A person who was branded as a dog philosopher, because as he wanders, he acted some unacceptable behaviors in society. He was peeing everywhere, mocking the powerful, and even masturbating in public. The idea is that a cynic detaches from the standards being imposed by society. This philosophy also believes in comfort by living a life of freedom, and living life as they desire. Like Taoism, it rigorously despises materialism.
How does it view life?
"He has the most who is most content with the least."
- Diogenes
Diogenes' philosophy has been increasingly popular. It was the reason why, Alexander the Great one of the most powerful and influential figures back then, visited him. The emperor asked him if he needed pennies, food, riches, or anything so that he could deliver. Surprisingly, Diogenes' response was "Stop covering my sunlight". This moment has led contemporary philosophers who adopted his idea to infer that cynicism is about being happy in your own way. Happiness could be achieved in life if someone ceases to patronize what is on the mainstream. Life is all about mastering your way of living, do not be a blind follower of the mob.
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