Philosophy as a Way of Life

Key Takeaways

1. Ancient philosophy as a way of life and spiritual exercise

Philosophy thus appears in its original aspect: not as a theoretical construct, but as a method for training people to live and to look at the world in a new way. It is an attempt to transform mankind.

Practical wisdom. Ancient philosophy was not merely an abstract theoretical pursuit, but a practical way of life aimed at transforming the individual. Philosophers in various schools, such as Stoicism, Epicureanism, and Platonism, developed spiritual exercises to help practitioners cultivate virtues, achieve inner peace, and gain a deeper understanding of the world.

These exercises included:

• Meditation on philosophical principles
• Self-examination and attention to one's thoughts and actions
• Contemplation of nature and the cosmos
• Practicing moderation and self-control
• Cultivating gratitude and appreciation for life

The goal was to achieve eudaimonia, or human flourishing, through the development of wisdom and virtue. This approach to philosophy as a lived practice contrasts with the modern academic focus on philosophical discourse and argumentation.

2. Socratic dialogue as a transformative practice

The Socratic dialogue turns out to be a kind of communal spiritual exercise. In it, the interlocutors are invited to participate in such inner spiritual exercises as examination of conscience and attention to oneself; in other words, they are urged to comply with the famous dictum, "Know thyself."

Dialogue as transformation. Socratic dialogue was not merely an intellectual exercise but a transformative practice aimed at self-knowledge and moral improvement. Through skillful questioning and examination of beliefs, Socrates led his interlocutors to:

• Recognize their own ignorance and limitations
• Question their assumptions and preconceptions
• Develop critical thinking skills
• Cultivate intellectual humility
• Strive for ethical self-improvement

This method of philosophical inquiry continues to influence modern approaches to education, psychotherapy, and personal development. The Socratic approach emphasizes the importance of active engagement, self-reflection, and the pursuit of wisdom through dialogue and questioning.

3. The art of living in the present moment

To take flight every day! At least for a moment, which may be brief, as long as it is intense. A "spiritual exercise" every day - either alone, or in the company of someone who also wishes to better himself.

Mindful presence. Both Stoic and Epicurean philosophers emphasized the importance of living fully in the present moment. This practice involves:

• Focusing attention on the current experience
• Letting go of worries about the past or future
• Cultivating gratitude for the present
• Recognizing the impermanence of all things

By practicing presence, ancient philosophers sought to achieve ataraxia (tranquility) and eudaimonia (flourishing). Modern mindfulness practices and therapeutic approaches, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, draw inspiration from these ancient techniques for cultivating present-moment awareness and psychological well-being.

4. Philosophy as a preparation for death and cosmic consciousness

Training for death is training to die to one's individuality and passions, in order to look at things from the perspective of universality and objectivity.

Transcending the self. Ancient philosophers, particularly Platonists and Stoics, viewed the practice of philosophy as a preparation for death in two senses:

1. Accepting mortality and overcoming the fear of death
2. Transcending individual ego and connecting with universal principles

This perspective encouraged practitioners to:

• Cultivate detachment from material possessions and worldly concerns
• Develop a broader, more objective view of human affairs
• Contemplate one's place in the cosmos and the nature of reality
• Strive for wisdom and virtue as enduring values beyond individual existence

By facing death and cultivating cosmic consciousness, philosophers sought to live more fully and authentically in the present, freed from petty concerns and aligned with universal principles.

5. Self-examination and attention to oneself

The spiritual exercise of meditation on the essential dogmas and rules of life will thus be an attempt to render oneself open to the universal.

Conscious living. Ancient philosophers emphasized the importance of self-examination and attentiveness to one's thoughts, actions, and motivations. This practice involved:

• Regular reflection on one's behavior and motives
• Comparing one's actions to philosophical ideals
• Identifying areas for improvement and growth
• Cultivating awareness of one's thoughts and emotions

Techniques for self-examination included:

• Evening reviews of the day's events
• Journaling and writing exercises
• Meditation on philosophical principles
• Dialogue with oneself or others

The goal was to develop greater self-awareness, align one's life with philosophical principles, and cultivate virtue and wisdom. This practice of self-examination continues to influence modern approaches to personal development, psychotherapy, and mindfulness.

6. The view from above: gaining perspective on human affairs

From this point of view, each instant appears as a marvelous gift which fills its recipient with gratitude.

Cosmic perspective. The "view from above" was a spiritual exercise practiced by ancient philosophers to gain a broader perspective on human affairs and cultivate emotional detachment. This practice involved:

• Imagining oneself looking down on the earth from a great height
• Contemplating the vastness of the cosmos and the smallness of human concerns
• Reflecting on the impermanence and insignificance of worldly pursuits

Benefits of this practice included:

• Reducing anxiety about personal problems
• Cultivating humility and compassion
• Developing a more objective view of human affairs
• Aligning oneself with universal principles and cosmic order

This exercise continues to inspire modern contemplative practices and is reflected in the "overview effect" experienced by astronauts viewing Earth from space.

7. The sage's relationship with the world and nature

The sage's consciousness of the world is something peculiar to him alone. Only the sage never ceases to have the whole constantly present to his mind. He never forgets the world, but thinks and acts with a view to the cosmos.

Cosmic harmony. The ideal of the sage in ancient philosophy represented a state of harmony with the natural world and the cosmos. Key aspects of this relationship included:

• Recognizing oneself as part of the larger cosmic order
• Aligning one's will with the laws of nature
• Cultivating wonder and appreciation for the beauty of the world
• Acting in accordance with universal reason or natural law

This perspective encouraged:

• Acceptance of events beyond one's control
• Ethical behavior based on cosmic principles
• A sense of connection with all beings
• Inner peace and tranquility amidst life's challenges

Modern environmental ethics and deep ecology movements draw inspiration from this ancient ideal of harmony between humans and nature.

8. Philosophical discourse vs. lived philosophy

True philosophy implies a transformation of one's vision, life-style, and behavior.

Theory vs. practice. Ancient philosophers distinguished between philosophical discourse (theoretical knowledge) and lived philosophy (practical wisdom). Key points:

• Philosophical discourse: Logical arguments, conceptual analysis, theoretical systems
• Lived philosophy: Practical application of wisdom, cultivation of virtues, transformation of one's life

The ancient approach emphasized:

• Integration of theory and practice
• Importance of embodying philosophical principles
• Transformation of one's entire way of being, not just intellectual understanding

This distinction challenges modern academic philosophy to consider the practical implications and lived experience of philosophical ideas, rather than focusing solely on abstract theorizing.

9. The revival of spiritual exercises in modern thought

What I am afraid of is that, by focusing his interpretation too exclusively on the culture of the self, the care of the self, and conversion toward the self - more generally, by defining his ethical model as an aesthetics of existence - M. Foucault is propounding a culture of the self which is too aesthetic.

Contemporary relevance. Modern thinkers, including Michel Foucault, have revived interest in ancient spiritual exercises and the concept of philosophy as a way of life. Key points:

• Recognition of the value of ancient practices for modern life
• Exploration of ethics as an "aesthetics of existence"
• Emphasis on self-cultivation and care of the self

However, Hadot critiques Foucault's interpretation, arguing for:

• A broader understanding of ancient practices beyond self-cultivation
• Emphasis on the cosmic and universal aspects of ancient philosophy
• Recognition of the ethical and transformative goals of spiritual exercises

This revival raises questions about the role of philosophy in contemporary life and the potential for integrating ancient wisdom with modern knowledge and challenges.

Last updated: April 7, 2025

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