Joshua Co

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I have always thought of Philosophy as a social science asking the question, what is the
purpose of our existence? Through my class I have a better question, which is, how are we to live
our lives? The topics I was most engrossed in were: Socrates unexamined life, the Zen mind,
and the courage to take the Leap of Faith.
In the Apology we are taught that an unexamined life is not worth living, that is, we
would not actually be living to the fullest if we dont seek out what is true and real. In Platos
narration, Socrates went on a quest to find one who was truly wise, and pointed out that to know
that you are not wise, than to not be wise but think you are. I take this as being humble in life and
always searching to improve oneself. When we set goals for ourselves, getting high grades,
getting better in sports, or being more learned, we must never be complacent by the achievement
for that is where our growth has human beings will end. I believe that we must always be striving
to improve ourselves, and by examining ourselves and understanding that we can always
improve, we become a better version of ourselves. When I finish my studies in DLSU and
graduate, I should not be satisfied with my current knowledge and current status, but always try
to read more to become more educated, and work harder to get a better position in life. With this
in mind, I can always go back to myself and see what I lack so I can continue to improve on
myself as a person.
In the Zen mind, it teaches us how to be truly genuine, which is what I believe brings us
closer to being human. When we see something we automatically judge it based on our
preconceived ideas of what it is or what it should be. When we do things we always put a reason
to it based on our notions of morality and ethics, and what is and should be. Because of the way
we humans work, and from generations of capitalism, we have developed this corrupt mindset
that influences the way we act and the reasons why we act before anything else happens. I
believe that this is the reason why things like discrimination, hatred, and war occur. We must
never judge anyone based on how they dress or how they look. We have to get to know the
person before we even begin to treat them in certain ways. And we must do things genuinely, not
because it is right based on our morals or because we are expecting something in return, but
because we know it will help and benefit others. By thinking like this, I can be a better person to
those around me.
Lastly in the leap of faith, what we are to do with our existence. That is, according to
Nietzsche, to preach about the afterlife is to deny this life. We must also understand the most
precious gift we have, which is our freedom. This means that we must live in the now, and since
we walk without a guidebook, live with the effects of our actions, the misery and all that come
with it. Therefore although Jean-Paul paints a very grim image of life and hope, he highlights the
price of freedom. This implores us to live our lives to the fullest. Meaning take every
opportunity, live in every moment, and learn from every experience. By this I dont mean to do
stupid and reckless things, but to invent and discover ourselves, become who we are. Through
this I can maximize my youth and make the most of everything I have, and to most importantly
not throw life away. For me, this gives me a better appreciation for freedom and life in general.