Nowadays, many people turn to personal development books to enhance themselves, promote personal growth, and strive to become the best versions of themselves. However, for me, this transformative role is occupied by philosophy. While personal development books serve as a gateway to self-knowledge for others, philosophy is my path to self-discovery.
My first encounter with philosophy occurred during middle school, marking a significant turning point in my life. It was a treasure I stumbled upon, a piece that changed my life trajectory from one of confusion and aimlessness to a person with a defined set of thoughts, ideas, and a unique life perspective. Philosophy rescued me from the labyrinth of my own mind.
It’s important to note that philosophy doesn’t provide ready-made answers to life’s questions and dilemmas. Instead, it equips you with the necessary tools to navigate these challenges. Philosophy encourages introspection and the quest for answers within yourself. Whether you discover those answers or not, what remains certain is that you embark on a journey of self-exploration and a deeper understanding of the world — an odyssey of self-discovery and exploration.
Philosophy is, at its core, a pursuit of meaning. It presents an extensive encyclopedia of ideas, enabling you to explore and seek your own sense of purpose and meaning in life. Rather than dictating what you must do to achieve your goals, philosophy encourages you to contemplate what you can do to attain them. It doesn’t hand you a purpose; it provides the pathway to finding your purpose.
By compelling you to think, explore all possibilities, delve into various doctrines, and engage with the thoughts of countless philosophers, philosophy cultivates critical thinking. It transforms you from a passive consumer of knowledge to an active thinker who not only analyzes existing knowledge but creates their own. This fosters the development of rational and critical judgment.
Furthermore, philosophy serves as your gateway to morality. If you find yourself grappling with your beliefs and harboring doubts, philosophy offers rational and logical tools to navigate these struggles. It broadens your mind to consider an array of beliefs and perspectives, fostering a more open and inclusive mindset.
It’s essential to clarify that I’m not here to pass judgment on personal development books. If these books have been a source of knowledge and growth for you, I commend your dedication to self-improvement. Instead, I am sharing my personal journey with what I hold closest to my heart and what has immensely aided my growth — philosophy. My intention is to encourage people to explore the world of philosophy and its profound thinkers, as it offers a remarkable opportunity to discover purpose and meaning in life.