The Horror of Rumination -- A Critique of Philosophizing
Updated: Apr 9
(For more on my critique of philosophy, for bias reduction, click here).
Why Philosophers Need Breaks Too
To gain a complete understanding of any subject, we must delve beyond the surface. This includes critically examining the very ideas we hold dear. How can we ever hope to grasp the full picture if we only consider one side of the issue?
As a philosopher, I spend a lot of time ruminating. That is, engaging in deep contemplation. While this is a powerful tool for uncovering hidden insights, it can also be a double-edged sword.
The Perils of Perpetual Pondering
Let me tell you from personal experience: when your mind is constantly consumed by deep thoughts, or racing thoughts specifically, it can lead to stress, impatience, and even sleep disturbances. Because I hate sleeping, I entertain these thoughts with an open mind, no pun intended. Even when exhausted, my gears keep turning and I let them because I view ruthlessness as a virtue.
However, less rumination meant fewer mental resources expended, allowing for a much-needed mental break. I'd like to argue that the more we make perpetual pondering a habit, the more we can get used to deep thinking on a regular basis. That could be done by making lifelong learning a habit. Then, we wouldn't need to rest so much over thinking the deepest of thoughts.
Some might argue that with all this pondering, philosophy itself is a bit...well, pointless. After all, haven't we been grappling with the same big questions for millennia? Finding definitive answers to these classic questions feels like chasing an infinite horizon. To quote Paul Trejo:
Philosophy seems pointless to many readers because after 2,300 years of Western Philosophy, there is almost nothing that all philosophers agree upon.
It's a fair point. And yes, sometimes I do wonder if we're all just like Sisyphus, endlessly pushing that boulder of existential inquiry uphill, only for it to slide down again.
However, while I acknowledge the challenges, I wholeheartedly disagree with the notion that philosophy is pointless. Otherwise, why would I, a self-proclaimed philosopher, create a blog with a dedicated succession plan for its continued existence? My work holds practical value, especially when it can help bring hope to people, the same as it brought to myself. Hence why I don't regret choosing philosophy as my purpose.
Training the Mind for the Long Run
Here's the key takeaway: Philosophers, like everyone else, are human. We have limited mental energy, and just like any athlete, our minds need rest to avoid burnout and those meddlesome sleepless nights. By improving my energy management skills, I can decrease the risk of a "Reaping Fatigue Era". So can you.
While it's okay to ponder the big questions, even us philosophers need to know when to take a break. That's the lesson I'm learning, and I hope I'll still manage to continue writing tons of articles and stay far away from kiling my time.
