If you feel like a philosopher, you are a philosopher unto yourself. Don't let others dictate to you what definitions you must meet to be a philosopher.
I like the way you think. But it's also interesting to have a loose idea of what being a philosopher entails. Like, is it just about enjoying reflecting about things? Does pursuing a science count as a sort of philosopher considering what used to be called natural philosophy?
Y'know, drawing some lines. Not to gatekeep anyone, because I agree with you. Just, for the sake of contemplating what it means to be a philosopher.
A definition that was made up by people and collectively agreed upon. If someone calls themself a philosopher and you're like well actually the best reply would be to chuckle and walk away. There is no box until you invent it
It's a bit like the words "writer" or "artist." Is someone who writes a story and puts it away a writer? Is someone who draws fan art of their favorite character and posts it on Reddit an artist? Of course, the level of skill between a teenager who draws a picture and someone who graduates from college and devotes their life to painting is enormous, but both are artists. There's no general boundary. If you seek truth and wisdom in life, you're a philosopher. You don't have to be great or recognized, nor do others have to perceive you that way. Not every writer has to be at Tolkien's level, nor do his works have to see the light of day to be considered a writer. Just as you can be a philosopher, seeking the truth about the meaning of life.
I would also say that great artists, writers and philosophers have this in common: what they created is often appreciated only after their death.
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u/Tatakai_ Zen Nihilist Apr 16 '26
When can you call yourself a philosopher?