What is a great philosopher?

Philosophy Forums Philosophy
1

Why is everyone in this forum if he does not love philosophy?
What is philosophy that makes us fall in love with it?

I feel like as a philosopher I yearn for fame and glory so much, that it has decieved me so much, and it is very hard for me to admit that I do yearn for this as a philosopher. But this too what people yearns for as well if they love philosophy or not. Because people wants to be rich and powerful, doesn’t power means glory and temporaliy fame? The rich man respected, in his own work place and all employees knows him. So are the movie stars are love by the common people, because they yearn for fame, but I felt their fame does not last as long as great teachers ( philosophers) just as well powerful and rich men.

Tell me, if fame is the goal for philosophers, is it not it can only be achieved by refuting great philosophers?

2

Philosophers don’t do it for fame or glory… it’s just a byproduct.

I’m a philosopher because that’s just how I think…

To quote Paul Glee, “I paint in order not to cry”

if not philosopize… then what? There is no turning back

3

Yes, Gobo has it right.

What is a great philosopher? A great philosopher is one that all other philosophers hate with a passion.

4

Great philosophers have breadth and depth at the same time. I philosophize when i can’t tell things simply and clearly.

5

who knew i had an equal opposite?

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A philosopher is one who has an innate talent to complicate things that are simple and simplify things that are complex.

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Fame? Not really. Just wanna destroy what’s there and create what’s not there. I’m just a confused soul exploring his own confusion.

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What is this innate talent you speak of?

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For me, a philosopher should be someone whose goal is to divine the absolute truth in any given field or subject, and teach said truth to those that seek guidance in life.

Fame and wealth would just be a pleasant side-effect, not a goal.

10

This is absolutely beautiful and, honestly, it almost made me cry.

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Ack you’re right Mucius, I think I unconsciously spell it ‘Glee’ because whenever I read that quote on my wall I think it’d be more ironic if that was his last name.

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That’s cool. I assumed it was Klee, but preserved a certain amount of (unexpressed) reserve - just in case there might be a Glee running around, launching smart quotes.

I have a powerful headache and feel rather ethereal, which makes Klee’s words all the more striking in the small area behind my forehead.

You have quotes on your wall ? That’s nice. I have a picture of Syd Barrett in eyes’ reach, plus a few playwrights in my wardrobe…

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This abilty to see things in a different light and speak of what had seen.
Which is not taught nor learned.

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It’s part of this poster i have ‘artists on art’ - my fav.

Another one for the road:

‘An artist is not paid for his labor, but rather his vision’ - James McNeill Whistler

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Tell me in a simpler and practical way of understanding, because I can only imagine that this response is just another old man preaching.
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I think it would be pretty hard to simplify that anymore than it already has been.

You can either think outside of the box or not, there isn’t much of a midpoint even though there is a degree to a… degree.

You can’t explain it…

17

Dan, Nothing can be simpler than what I’ve said.

You’re a philosopher dan, you see things where there’s nothing to see.

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Having a the traits of philsopher is a gift as well as a curse. It gives by offering understanding and knowledge of the most fundemental conceptions within human reasoning, which the vast majority of individuals take for granted or invests no analytical thought in. However, the downside, I’d say, is that it really takes away that childish, imaginitive mystery from reality, and I miss that in a funny sort of way.

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Sometimes ignorance is bliss.

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I very much agree. How happy those days were…