Time for us to become philosophers

Last Thursday was World Philosophy Day. How many of us were aware of this? I wanted to write something about it on November 20 but decided to wait and see if anyone would talk about it or if the newspapers would carry mention of it.

I am sad to report that I scanned the main headings in the English newspapers in Malaysia but did not find any article on philosophy; nor did I find any mention of World Philosophy Day.

I am sad because there is so much that philosophy can offer us. A pursuit of philosophy may not bring us material wealth but it will make us wealthy individuals, and through that a wealthy society.

I asked a couple of friends and they asked me this in turn: “You mean, there is actually a World Philosophy Day ah?”

Yes, there is and it is held on the third Thursday of November each year. UNESCO holds special functions to commemorate the day. It is possible that I may be wrong but I did not hear of anyone or any group holding an event to observe that day in Malaysia.

What a pity. This nation, and this world, will be so much better if we were to pay a little bit more attention to philosophy.

I am not talking about the somewhat professionalised philosophy of academia; I am talking about the wonder that I feel when I look around me at the intricate and amazing workings of nature, and at my own being; I am talking about my attempt to consider and understand the complexities of my human experience; I am talking about my feeble attempts at seeking answers to a wide range of questions.

Such ponderings will surely make us more humble and contribute towards better relationships with fellow human beings and the Earth itself.

Malaysia needs it right now, for an increasing number of people are becoming arrogant or taking arrogant stands on issues ranging from rights to religion.

We need to stand back and ponder our existence and the existence of others. It will show us how connected we are to each other and to Nature. That itself, I am convinced, will make us better humans.

Also, philosophy requires us to ask questions. Why is perhaps the most important word to a philosopher.

Malaysia could do with people who ask questions and seek answers, and not take things for granted or accept everything that is told to them by politicians or their leaders or which they read in periodicals or online or even in school history books.

Reason has an important role in philosophy and those who have some knowledge of philosophy are usually better at using their reason. What this means is that we will not jump to conclusions when we hear or read something but would ask questions such as: Is this true? Who is the source and is the source reliable? Who stands to gain if trouble starts as a result of this statement or action?

Reason will help us engage in dialogue rather than quarrels and it will help us see the other person’s point of view. It can guide us to seek a solution that is amicable.

It will help us see through the stupidity of some people who make illogical or racist statements, or who pose as champions of this or that. It will also throw a light on our own thought process, thus helping us avoid becoming stupid too.

It is very unfortunate that philosophy is not part of our education system. I don’t know of any Malaysian university offering a first degree in Philosophy, although one or two do offer either Masters or PhD courses in specific Philosophy.

That makes me ask if there is a Malaysian philosopher of stature. Do we have any Malaysian Plato or Socrates or Spinoza or Sankara or Lao Tzu or Ibn Sina? Will we ever have one?

We can only have one if we start philosophizing now. It is time for all of us to become philosophers – the type who looks in awe at the universe and asks questions and seeks answers and sees the relationship between humans and between humans and all of life.