One of the most notable quotes in Philosophy is René Descartes’s first principle: Cogito, ergo sum. It’s a Latin phrase which means “I think, therefore I am”. That which cannot think, does not exist. Ancient Greek philosophers such as Aristotle and Parmenides have expressed similar views regarding consciousness and existence.
While there have been critiques of the said phrase and what it intrinsically implies, most philosophers agree that our ability to think, to perceive and to be conscious of it affirms our existence. It can, therefore, also be argued that thinking is a critical part of our existence. Socrates’s dictum “ὁ δὲ ἀνεξέταστος βίος οὐ βιωτὸς ἀνθρώπῳ”, which may be literally translated as “but the unexamined life is not livable for a man”, supports this statement.
While the wise men eternally argue over the specifics of virtues and moral principles that ought to govern our lives and whether dogma should prevail over individual will, certain views are generally accepted by thinkers separated by time and location. Some of these have been summarised below:
- Clarity of thought requires discernment. To see things as they truly are, to distinguish between the matters which are worthy of one’s attention and the ones which are not, and to focus on substance rather than appearance, which can often be misleading.
- Peace of mind needs rational nonchalance. The world, by its very nature, is chaotic. One needs to decide whether certain matters ought to be addressed or left to unfold. Human agency has its limits, and one must be aware of them.
- Humility often requires a candid assessment of the self and the external factors. It helps to view oneself without disguise and self-deception.
- Endurance can be forged only by braving adversity. True strength necessitates that one engage with the challenges of existence. Suffering can teach us what comfort blinds us to.
- Pace towards one’s goal requires letting go of vain and detrimental things. Progress often demands pruning of one or more aspects of one’s life.
While contemplating crucial matters, one must keep in mind that humans have their own preconceptions and, as Pliny the Younger said,” Omnis enim prejudicatus est in suae ipsius judicio (Everyone is prejudiced in favour of his own powers of discernment).” Therefore, proper care must be taken to ensure that introspection and examination do not delude us and that we do not let our emotions lead us astray.