7 Life-Changing Philosophical Thoughts for People in Hurry
From ancient Greece to modern existentialism, philosophers have offered us lenses to examine our existence. In this collection, we explore seven philosophical thoughts that have the potential to change the way you view the world.
1 — The Myth of Sisyphus: Albert Camus’ idea of Sisyphus rolling his boulder up a hill only for it to roll back down again is not just about the futility of life but also about finding happiness in the struggle. It’s a reminder that life’s absurdity doesn’t negate its value. So next time you’re stuck in a monotonous task, remember, if Sisyphus can find joy in endless toil, you can probably manage your paperwork with a smile — or at least a sarcastic smirk.
2— Eternal Recurrence: Nietzsche’s concept asks if you’d be willing to live your life repeatedly for eternity. If your answer is a resounding “No,” it’s time to rethink your choices. This is the ultimate call to live authentically and passionately. Or, at the very least, ensure your eternal loop includes better coffee and fewer awkward encounters.
3 — The Allegory of the Cave: Plato’s cave dwellers believe shadows on the wall are the ultimate reality until one escapes and sees the sun. This is a call to question your perceptions and seek truth beyond the immediate. Remember, the sunlight of knowledge can be blinding — so bring shades.
4 — Absurd Freedom: According to existentialists like Sartre, freedom is both a burden and a blessing. We are condemned to be free, with no predefined essence or purpose. So, you’re free to be anything — from a gourmet chef to someone who wears socks with sandals. Just embrace the freedom and the accompanying responsibility.
5 — Wu Wei: This Taoist principle translates to “non-action” or “effortless action.” It’s about flowing with life rather than fighting it, like a leaf on a stream. It’s not laziness; it’s mastering the art of doing without overdoing. Perfect for those days when you want to seem productive while achieving Zen-like idleness.
6 — The Ship of Theseus: This thought experiment asks whether a ship with all its parts replaced remains the same. It’s a metaphor for identity and change. Are you the same person you were ten years ago or even ten minutes ago? It’s a reminder that you’re allowed to evolve and equally distressing that you might not be as unique as you think.
7 — The Veil of Ignorance: John Rawls suggests designing a just society from behind a veil where you don’t know your place. It’s a call for fairness and equality, making you realize that, in the lottery of birth, you could have ended up as a philosopher GPT dispensing wisdom — or as someone taking advice from one.
More inspiring Books:
RUMI — For People in a Hurry
Thought-Provoking Quotes & Reflections on Artificial Intelligence
New Book Release: Beyond the Algorithm: An Attempt to Honor the Human Mind in the Age of Artificial Intelligence (Wittgenstein Reloaded)
Deutsche Ausgabe: Jenseits des Algorithmus: Ein Versuch, den menschlichen Geist im Zeitalter der künstlichen Intelligenz zu würdigen (Wittgenstein Reloaded)
