Consider the Stoics for an ancient example. For them philosophy meant long and arduous meditations on one's own nature and attempts to assume the right attitudes of indifference, harmony etc. There was a prominent social and stately aspect to Stoicism of course, but if you read Seneca or Marcus Aurelius, it is impossible to ignore the non-social facet of their philosophical lives. Originally, Aurelius's writings were probably not even intended for any public but as a means of self-reflection and self-exhortation.
Or think of Diogenes the Dog who constantly trained self-sufficiency. It was not only counseling, lecturing, or organizing group discussions. I believe that we have to revive this personal and autonomous side of philosophy. We should enlarge the scope of the contemporary concept of philosophical practice.
Philosophy is often a silent mission. And perhaps also solitary. When we are alone, and without news and media, we have all the time to ourselves, no time is squandered. We are not distracted by others in our perceptions of the world and ourselves, and there is a feeling of tranquility that follows from removing ourselves from the restless social world. As temporary or permanent hermits we are without social constraints and therefore free to do and think what we like, how we like. This disengagement from social preoccupations is precisely the time for philosophy as a personal, independent engagement.
Consider the Stoics for an ancient example. For them philosophy meant long and arduous meditations on one's own nature and attempts to assume the right attitudes of indifference, harmony etc. There was a prominent social and stately aspect to Stoicism of course, but if you read Seneca or Marcus Aurelius, it is impossible to ignore the non-social facet of their philosophical lives. Originally, Aurelius's writings were probably not even intended for any public but as a means of self-reflection and self-exhortation. Or think of Diogenes the Dog who constantly trained self-sufficiency. It was not only counseling, lecturing, or organizing group discussions. I believe that we have to revive this personal and autonomous side of philosophy. We should enlarge the scope of the contemporary concept of philosophical practice.
Philosophy is often a silent mission. And perhaps also solitary. When we are alone, and without news and media, we have all the time to ourselves, no time is squandered. We are not distracted by others in our perceptions of the world and ourselves, and there is a feeling of tranquility that follows from removing ourselves from the restless social world. As temporary or permanent hermits we are without social constraints and therefore free to do and think what we like, how we like. This disengagement from social preoccupations is precisely the time for philosophy as a personal, independent engagement.
