Where does apathy in being philosophical come from?

[kavih]

As the title asks, I have been wondering lately if there is a common origin for the apathy I see in most of society's ability to philosophize. I say "common origin," because I know there will be non-common origins for why someone is apathetic to philosophy, but I'm looking more so for a wider trend to point a finger at.

 

When I look amongst the people I interact with in my neck of the woods, it seems to be a result of the culture fully embracing non-philosophical dialog. But since culture is defined by those who accept and perpetuate it, is there some kind of childhood trauma that could explain people's willingness to be that sheep like? Or is it simply ignorance, such that anyone can become philosophical, once they get exposed to a truth that deeply resonates with them? There is also fear of ostracism at play, since challenging mainstream ideas puts people in a vulnerable position.

[dsayers]

is there some kind of childhood trauma that could explain people's willingness to be that sheep like? Or is it simply ignorance, such that anyone can become philosophical, once they get exposed to a truth that deeply resonates with them? There is also fear of ostracism at play, since challenging mainstream ideas puts people in a vulnerable position.

 

I think it's all three of these. Abusers isolate their victims to reduce the risk of their victims escaping or their abuse being understood. Conclusions are inflicted rather than rational thought being taught for example. So to some extent, it's that they literally don't comprehend the language of rational thought.

 

Then there are those that do but immediately reject it to in order to manage their anxiety. We're born into a world we understand and as we grow up, we filter out certain things that aren't necessary to our survival for efficiency's sake. To face that what we understood to be our world was fallacious and even malicious can invoke a very strong biological imperative to survive.

 

Then there are some of those with the fortitude to overcome that step that will reject it because of the social implications. As for why, it's just a repeat of the last paragraph, though less primal and more conscious decision. This is why I would argue that the State is not a rational conclusion, but sheer momentum of the past. This is why it's so very important that we change the world by living our values. We need to make it so that the people in our lives would be very uncomfortable to support and promote aggression. The day will come when it's unfashionable to do so and there you go: free society without bloodshed.

 

What do you think?

[Kevin Beal]

Not having people to talk to about it, I think.

 

Bouncing ideas off of people, expressing my doubts and working through challenges in conversation with people who are going through the same struggles as me makes it feel more real, visceral and is motivating.

 

I don't think that most of the listeners to the show are particularly philosophical, and as long as they have real virtue, then I don't have any problem with that. But being a philosopher is to understand the world and it's ills the way a nutritionist understands preventative health. It's not easy, especially when the first commandment is "know thyself", and what's hidden in one's shadow fills them with overwhelming dread.

 

Having other people who are sensitive to that to talk to can make a person who's committed, inspired and motivated.

My therapist I was seeing had a great quote that I think is especially true here:

"people learn through relationship"

 

I don't think that it's all just a thinking problem to be ponder and think through. Some of it is surely the relationships themselves.

[kavih]

This is why I love the NAP and the awesome people, like Stefan and FDR, who help spread it. I am very much looking forward to when it is "unfashionable," but I am not idly waiting either. Many countries have banned spanking, so that already shows progress. American society definitely seems like a huge hurdle to get over, though. Any ideas or suggestions for better ROI when talking to someone about the problems with aggression? If they are a stranger, I tell them the scenario Stefan helped me learn, which is to compare spanking a child to a man beating his wife. The first time I tried it, a couple people said they had never looked at it like that, so hopefully it changed their minds.

The day will come when it's unfashionable to do so and there you go: free society without bloodshed.

 

What do you think?

 

Not having people to talk to about it, I think.

 

Bouncing ideas off of people, expressing my doubts and working through challenges in conversation with people who are going through the same struggles as me makes it feel more real, visceral and is motivating.

Absolutely. There may be many people willing to open their minds and come out of their apathy, if they know they have others to share their ideas with or learn from. I'm a perfect example of that, back when I was first introduced to the NAP via Ron Paul. I'm very glad I kept exploring and have ended up here with FDR, because the fundamental ideas of truth and virtue discussed here are what really matter in the little and big scheme of things. I really like one of Stefan's latest shows where he says something to the effect of "little things are big things."

[bootoo]

If it takes the whole family all day to secure enough food/supplies to survive then their only thoughts will be on securing food and supplies.

 

If you are an upper class gentleman in 17th century Europe you dont have to worry about where your next meal comes from, you dont even need to spend any time in getting it, it is brought to you, you also have very threat of death on a day to day basis. Some of these people chose to spend their safe and free time studying and thinking and talking - and you got the enlightenment 

 

Today, even tho even a lower class gentleman in the USA basically doesnt have to worry about where his food is coming from or if his death is imminent, but instead has TV and drugs and a million other distractions keeping them studying thinking and talkin about nonsense, and you got the upcoming zombie apocalypse.

 

If philosophy is important to you, work on freeing peoples time up and work on giving quality content for people to study, think and talk about. Like FDR does!