15 Signs You Might Be A Philosopher

Philosophy is a way of thinking about the world, society, and the universe. Unlike religion, which relies on faith, philosophy applies reasoned thought to its problems, like the question of free will or moral obligation. Like religion, philosophy tries to explain the mystery of human existence and the world.

Examples of philosophical questions are these:

What is love?
What is good?
What is philosophy?
What is beauty?
What is science?
Do we have free will?
What is the relationship between mind and body?
What is evil?
What is truth?
What is a person?
Does the world around us exist?
Does God exist?

In doing philosophy, people learn to clarify questions such as these and to evaluate beliefs held about them.

A philosopher is someone who practices philosophy. The term ”philosopher” originates from an ancient Greek word ”philosophiae” that means ”lover of wisdom.” It was coined by a person named Pythagoras of Samoa.

Some philosophers came from the Middle Ages in Europe, like – Saint Thomas Aquinas or William of Ockham. Others came from Asia, like Gautama Buddha or Confucius, while some philosophers are from ancient Greece, like Aristotle and Plato.

Here Is A List Of 15 Signs You Might Be A Philosopher:

#1 You Ask Lots Of Questions

A stagnant mind devoid of curiosity doesn’t have the capacity to create, ask questions, or provide answers to difficult questions.

#2 You’ve Been Told You’re “Too Intense”

This stems from your dislike of small talk. If it were up to you, philosophical discussions would be the norm, and mindless chitchat would be banished.

You’d much rather sit down with someone and discuss the meaning of life — or at the very least, exchange some honest thoughts. Meaningful interactions are the philosopher’s antidote to social burnout.

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#3 Bedtime Was Your Favorite Time Of Day

Some kids hated bedtime. But you loved it since when you were older, it meant staying up all night reading next to your night light so your parents wouldn’t know you were still awake. Also, when you were a kid, bedtime meant storytime.

That little streak of rebellion sealed your fate as a born philosopher.

#4 You Value Listening

Philosophers are excellent listeners. You listen to understand, not simply to respond. The act of listening is your way of showing respect and love, and as such, you deeply appreciate when those you communicate with recognize that you carefully think through the messages they share.

And if you’re asked for advice, the help you share has been thought out fully for that specific person.

#5 You’ve Been Called An “Old Soul”

Philosophers think before they speak, and they observe and take in a lot of information, leading them to appear wise to others. You also tend to think hard and be analytical. This can make you seem wise.

#6 You’re Connected To Your Inner Dialogue

Your inner dialogue analyzes your environment, narrates what’s going on around you, and even replays conversations that took place years ago. No matter what situation you’re in, there’s this constant silent conversation going on in your head.

You can keep yourself entertained for hours, thinking about how things could have gone differently. Occasionally it’s hard to fall asleep since you can’t quiet your mind.

#7 You Like To Solve Problems

While most people are running and hiding from problems, you purposely seek them since you love nothing more than a fresh new challenge.

Your propensity for finding solutions to the problems in front of you is a sign of a creative mind. While there is a strong debate on whether critical thinking and creativity work in the same plane of consciousness, both are interconnected since problems let you draw solutions from your experience and knowledge.

#8 You Notice Details That Others Don’t

The upside of being overwhelmed by too many stimuli is that philosophers frequently have a keen eye for detail, observing things that may escape others around them.

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#9 You Are Fascinated With Learning

You’ve had a penchant for learning since you were a kid, and that strong desire to discover everything there is to know about your favorite subjects drove you to books.

#10 You Have An Authority Problem

Philosopher types don’t always get along well with management since they would rather march to the beat of their own drum.

#11 You Observe Everything

The world is a huge dinner party, buzzing with eccentric characters and the perfect fodder for the creation of all types. Your conscious is a straightjacket, and your brain is a steel trap.

#12 Your Inner Monologue Is Hard To Shut Off

You have a distinct inner voice that is always running in the back of your mind — and it is hard to shut off. Occasionally, you can’t sleep at night due to the fact that your mind is still going. Thoughts from your past haunt you, such as ”I should be better than I am” or “I can’t believe I said that stupid thing… 5 years ago!”

#13 Other People Ask You For Your Opinion

Your advice may indeed be highly valued, and it’s likely that you’re constantly being asked: “What do you think?”

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#14 You Are Very Curious

Philosophers are insatiably curious about the world around them. You want to understand how things work, why some things are done this way and not that way, and what makes people tick.

You don’t need someone to entertain you; you know how to make life interesting for yourself and those around you.

#15 You Appreciate Experiences More Than The Material Things In Life

You’ve most likely found that you don’t get a lot of pleasure out of material things; however, a walk in the woods makes you feel alive and well – that’s what a philosopher needs to thrive.

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References

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/philosophy
http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Philosophy

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Bulgarea Candin

As a founder and chief author at InsightState.com, Bulgarea Candin helps readers on their spiritual journeys. His writings are designed to inspire creativity and personal growth, guiding readers on their journey to a more fulfilled and enlightened life.