Not merely Filipiknows, we are Pinoysophers

In our present situation, we are aware that we are our country is suffering from poverty.
As a matter of fact, we belong to the so-called third world countries. This brings a big challenge
to the youth, to Filipino students like me. I would never forget one famous quote that our hero
Dr. Jose Rizal said, The youth is the hope of our nation. As this statement echoes in my mind,
I also recognize the fact that Rizal envisioned a prosperous and happy Filipino nation.
I am a Filipino. I am a student. This is what I always put in my mind. Truly, I take up
philosophy as my course and I know that other students are also studying the same as a minor
subject. I believe that a student should give importance to philosophy. Unlike what others think
about philosophy, it is not speculative. Nevertheless, I would even assert that it is very practical.
I believe that everyone should first know what philosophy is. Whatever line of job or role one
takes, as long as that person continues to strive in life, one indulges in philosophy and
unconsciously one philosophizes.
Every aspect of knowledge in this world owes its existence to philosophy. It is what
the etymology of philosophy stands for, love of wisdom. Knowledge and wisdom are
somehow different from each other, knowledge are pure facts and somehow speculative while
wisdom is what we apply in its practical sense. And in our everyday lives, we are challenged to
use wisdom. Wisdom compared to material things cannot be taken away from us. A famous
Filipino saying goes like this, Ang karunungan ay kayamanang hindi mananakaw kailanman.
With all of these, I believe that the wisdom Philosophy brings to its students shows more
important aspects of life than any material things in this world.
What is the main problem of our nation today? Why are we poor? Most if not all of us
would agree that the reason for this is corruption; and that we are aware of. Obviously, we know
that some if not most our leaders are corrupt. I also believe that these politicos themselves know
that they are engaged in corruption. But why do they continue to do these things which are
considered evil? It all boils down to one thing; they want to accumulate more possessions than
others. Again, what do they value? They value material things. And I would say they do not give
value to wisdom. Maybe, Plato is incorrect in saying He who knows what is good will do what
is good. In my opinion, to know is not enough. It is also not a guarantee that one would
automatically do good. One should be practical. One should use wisdom.
To heal a sick nation with the disease of corruption may be quite impossible but I still
believe that the growth of new cells can make a change. This time the youth must be wise. The
future will depend on the youth; so the youth must know what could help them understand not
the price of everything but the value of anything. There is more to wisdom and human dignity
than owning great mansions and fancy cars. One should be able to philosophize and use wisdom
to attain the good. One should act and the time is now. Future leaders must understand that
unless they overcome personal interests, the cycle of poverty will continue.
The end to corruption starts within us. We must get rid of the attitude of wanting to own
things more than the others, that in the process, we kill those who have been left with nothing.
As for every Filipino student, taking ones studies for granted, taking philosophy for granted is
trudging towards corruption. For if we continue to do such thing, We corrupt our future. We
lose the wisdom that we need to help us rebuild this nation. As we study, we must have that
desire to help uplift the future of our country. Let us then look into the words Aristotle: Study
without desire spoils the memory and it retains nothing that it takes in. Also we must remember
that in our desire for the good, we must not be selfish but must think of the welfare of others.
The challenge for all Filipinos, especially for us students who dream to become future
leaders is to transcend from being merely Filipiknows; in a sense that we tend to be passive
citizens who have the knowledge but do nothing. Let us remove from our system of being
Filipiknows; and instead be the kind of citizens who collectively participate and act. As
citizens of our nation, we should be able love and use our wisdom and become Pinoysophers.