Philosophy

The dictionary definition:

phi·los·o·phy (fĭ-lŏs'ə-fē) pronunciation

n., pl. -phies.

1. Love and pursuit of wisdom by intellectual means and moral self-discipline.

2. Investigation of the nature, causes, or principles of reality, knowledge, or values, based on logical reasoning rather than empirical methods.

3. A system of thought based on or involving such inquiry: the philosophy of Aristotle.

4. The critical analysis of fundamental assumptions or beliefs.

5. The disciplines presented in university curriculums of science and the liberal arts, except medicine, law, and theology.

6. The discipline comprising logic, ethics, aesthetics, metaphysics, and epistemology.

7. A set of ideas or beliefs relating to a particular field or activity; an underlying theory: an original philosophy of advertising.

8. A system of values by which one lives: has an unusual philosophy of life.

My life experience has been very diverse and I have come to realise that what we think and believe is very important. As is truth - not our own opinions, but raw truth. A humble, teachable mindset is particularly valuable - even if one has had an excellent education such as I have. Acquiring more wisdom is the most valuable goal.

Life, the world, and people to me are fascinating and I have devoted much time to the study of human nature, spirituality and philosophy* (*Ph.D).

I recommend the study of philosophy for many reasons, which include:

1. Thinking logically
2. Thinking creatively
3. Thinking laterally - outside the square
4. Problem solving
5. Objective analysis and evaluation
6. Effective planning
7. Succinct verbal and written expression
8. Effective reduction
9. Simplifying the complicated
10. Discovering hidden relationships and assumptions
11. Effective analysis and drawing accurate conclusions
12. Distilling, evaluating and summarising large amounts of information concisely & clearly
13. Evaluating data quality
14. Evaluating the usefulness of services and products
15. Communicating a point of view utlising varied techniques and arguments
16. Seeing the big picture
17. Uncovering truth
18. Growing as a person - personal development
19. Smart thinking
20. Taking "shortcuts" by learning from others wiser than yourself

A single conversation across the table with a wise man is better than ten years mere study of books.

Chinese proverb