The term “philosophy” is derived from two Greek words: love and wisdom. However, the definition of philosophy greatly differs from this, as it is often referred to as “The study of the fundamental nature of knowledge, reality, and existence, esp. when considered as an academic discipline (Philosophy, 2009)”, “The love and pursuit of wisdom by intellectual means and moral self-discipline (Philosophy, 2013)” and even “the rational investigation of the truths and principles of being, knowledge, or conduct (Philosophy, 2012).” The variation in definitions is a result of misguided interpretations and the result of evolving technology. Despite that, Grant states that philosophy is not simply the study of academics nor is it a subject that can be taught as most believe it to be. It is wired in the human mind as an instinctual quest for understanding of the unknown. It “is for those who have moved beyond any simple certainty (p. 27).”
Philosophy is for the individuals who have realized the true mystery of human existence.
The aspect of love is relatively easy to comprehend, based on the fact that most people can express their understanding of love. The things we love are sources of our absolute worth and value (not in a numerical, but in a physical and emotional sense). Most things that appeal to our materialistic side such as iPhones, luxury cars and expensive clothing give us a sensation of satisfaction. While more emotional things such as our family and friends give us more of an emotional sensation of love, admiration. Most people can distinguish from these two feelings, however sometimes people love things for the wrong reasons. For example loving money over one’s own family, a classic example of how greed can overpower rational thinking and the feeling of love.
Wisdom on the other hand is not so straight forward. There are many interpretations of what wisdom means and many of these interpretations are confused with “knowledge”. Wisdom is not to be...