Free time
I’ve decided that hard work is the bane of philosophy. Whenever I have lots of free time I’m full of philosophical thoughts. Whenever I’m a lot busier at work and/or in life in general, It’s as if I have hardly a thought worth putting down— I’m just focused on everyday life. Hence, at least for me, philosophy is the direct result of free time. I know this seems obvious, but I just noticed it lately. (When I had lots of free time.)
Can you imagine a world where everyone was so busy that there was no philosophical thinking? And with no free time, how would we be creative? If you’ve ever tried being creative on a schedule, you’ll know what I mean. The open-endedness of free time and free play is what leads us into new paths. We are by nature creative and speculative beings. It’s one of the reasons we have developed as far as we have.
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Feel free to reply to any comment by clicking the "Reply" button.An unconsidered life is not one worth living, Socrates said. I wonder is he right? And thinking constantly about life can be downer if it's not balanced with more immediate needs. Work can be healthy that way, if it's not one of those jobs better suited to a robot. I don't work anymore so I find things like cooking a great escape from deep thinking.
brentan
Level 8
July 29, 2018
2
True, there is a need for balance, or you get too far removed from "real life."
When I think of the 'unconsidered life' I think of what makes life meaningful. For me it is my values and my goals. It is appreciating what life has given me and what it has made of me. I think self-reflection is important, if only to learn from our mistakes and live a more giving and fulfilling life.
That's why philosopher are generally male, well to do and idle They have only a tenuous connection to the earth,
Spinliesel
Level 9
July 29, 2018
1
Some of them are that way, but not all. And I think a certain amount of philosophy and creativity are necessary, and a positive addition to life.
Perhaps this is why philosophers of the past were the idle rich?
MsDemeanour
Level 8
July 27, 2018
3
Yes, I think either wealthy or content to live in poverty, like Socrates and Spinozo.
Except for the sophist in ancient Greece, being able to make a living doing philosophy--professional philosophy--is a relatively recent development.
That was my thought also.
Yes, I think so. And also at the beginning of the Enlightenment, a lot of the people who moved science forward were "idle rich."
@tnorman1236 They were the only ones who did not have to strive daily to keep their lives together and the chickens fed.
What do you think philosophers did all day? They couldn't run, fight or play handball.
GipsyOfNewSpain
Level 9
July 26, 2018
1
I think politicians would be very happy if we were so busy with work that we had no time to ponder upon anything.
Jolanta
Level 9
July 26, 2018
1
True.
@nosferatu_cat Wasn't it the blackest cynicism?
This is probably part of why the masses are easily manipulated and/or tricked by the things our government does.
"Ain't nobody got time fa dat!"
Piece2YourPuzzle
Level 8
July 26, 2018
3
They say 15-20 hrs a week kept the hunter-gatherers going. At 40 hrs a week (plus additional time lost to chronic illness!) I had zero time left over for anything beyond work and life maintenance tasks. I know exactly what you mean.
Somebody benefits from John Q. Worker having no free time, for exactly the reason you outlined...
stinkeye_a
Level 8
July 26, 2018
3
And we know who that "somebody" is.
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