4. Approaching Philosophy Wisely
Any art or skill-set is always composed of two interrelated realms: theory and practice. Philosophy, or the art of living well, is no different. In fact, philosophy holds the noble distinction of having first invented the crucial division between theory and practice.
If we wish to understand life, and to live well, of course we must study and develop theories regarding the art of living well. However, we should not get lost in this realm and forget that the whole point of theory is to put it into actual practice. For Stoics, this means to live virtuously or with excellence (in the three spheres of Logic, Ethics and Physics) and in accordance with Logos or the Whole.
This may sound obvious, but in fact for many of us, who can become enamoured with analysis and reason, it isn’t ... Indeed, the ancient Stoics considered the excessive love of theory to be a red flag, and an indicator that the philosophical practitioner was weak or at risk in some way. Furthermore, the excessive pursuit of theory by an initiate, or even a more advanced practitioner, can pose actual dangers as well, because an untrained mind can get lost, hurt, or unhinged if it goes exploring too early into deep philosophical waters. For a number of reasons, this is neither prudent nor wise. As Epictetus warned his students: “Keep well out of the sun, then, so long as your principles are as pliant as wax.”
The way to approach philosophy is to go gradually and slowly, and to balance theory with actual practice.
And there is a method to this process that must be tailored to each person’s unique personality and situation, and therefore the unfolding of theory and practice must be done within a wise framework and sequence. This is precisely one of the reasons why a person pursuing philosophy, or the art of living, should receive real guidance from a philosopher or teacher; and by “philosopher” we do not mean an intellectual or a philosophy professor, but a master practitioner in the art of living - which is precisely what ancient Stoic philosophers were.
If you were to decide to go trekking in the mountains, including the highest peaks, and had little or no experience, what would you do? Would you consult some websites and read a few mountaineering books, and then simply head off alone into the mountains? No you wouldn’t, because that would be foolish in the extreme. In reality, the same applies with philosophy, and even more so with theoretical philosophy.
It is essential that we have a teacher or guide and proper support for staying balanced while navigating this territory. This is critical. One doesn’t take a journey into the Himalayas without a guide who knows the ancient paths.
– Jack Kornfield, Buddhist teacher
If you really wish to go trekking in the mountains, then certainly inform yourself and study, but just as importantly take it slowly and gradually. And be sure to practice: actually walk and go trekking, and first at the lower, safer altitudes. And if you determine that this path really is for you, and that you wish to pursue more serious mountaineering, then it’s essential to seek training with the Sherpas or the philosophers; namely those who actually trek through the territory, from the lowlands to the peaks, and know - from all the direct practice - the routes, and the path, like the back of their hands.