I used to have a bad habit.

Whenever someone asked me a sincere question, I couldn't resist bringing up grand principles, concepts, or theories. It felt as though if I spoke with enough abstraction, it would seem like I truly knew what I was doing. But the other person often looked bewildered. It wasn't because they weren't smart; it was because they weren't asking "how the world works", they were asking "what do I do right now?"

Gradually, I came to realize that the writings of many great philosophers were never meant to solve specific problems. They are more like inspirations, or entry points, requiring you to step inside, fill in the blanks, and carry the consequences yourself.

Because there are no standard answers in life, and no one can walk your path of cause and effect for you. Unfortunately, not everyone is looking for inspiration.

Some people just want a grounded answer, a direction that won't go wrong for the time being, something they can simply follow. For them, abstraction has no power; it only breeds a deeper sense of loneliness.

I’ve started learning to distinguish: is this person looking for a new way to think, or are they looking for a lifebuoy? Philosophy isn't suitable for every occasion. Sometimes, helping someone stand firm is far more important than leading them to fly high.



—— 🎐 XC Scribbles · 壹佰貳拾肆 CXXIV 🐑