Intellectualism And Philosophy
Intellectualism is the development of Mind absent the Heart.
It is a result of a Materialistic worldview, wherein emphasis is directed to the physical world, at the expense of the spiritual.
Philosophy is not a product of intellectualism.
Today the term 'philosopher' has come largely to refer to those who have successfully memorized the thoughts and ideas of others.
In the past, Philosophy was a living science, part scholarship, part personal experimentation. We must work to reclaim Philosophy from the grip of Intellectualism.
Logic and critical thinking have their place, yet all rests on the foundation of intuitive knowing. We cannot find ethics and morality by study, for we already know their truths deep inside.
Philosophy is developed by starting with what we know and working with that, in our own experience, to expand our minor truths into deeper insights. This is why it has been often symbolized by a candle or a lantern: Philosophy (literally the 'pursuit or love of Wisdom') illuminates our path through the unknown darkness of the world around us.
Intellectualism is merely the computer brain grappling with subjects that lie just outside its grasp. We must avoid the tendency to satisfy the desire of intellectuals to turn every exploration of truth into a semantical tangent.
Truth needs no defense. We must yield to greater truths when they are presented to us, but becoming embroiled in petty arguments over commonly acknowledged facts is pointless. The intellectual is something of a mental vampire, we must always be on guard against their relentless assaults.
Intellectuals learn and master a twisted 'thinking' process, wherein mental techniques are employed to justify an egoic status. Intelligence is nothing without Heart, without kindness and the desire to liftup others.
When we read the greats, such as Plato or Aquinas, we are guided through their humble thinking process, in doing so, they help us to develop our own philosophies. They are never 'showing off' their cognitive prowess. They are in love with thinking itself, not with themselves.
Impartiality, patience, detachment and sobriety of thought are the hallmarks of true thinkers. Emotional manipulation, strawman arguments, personal attacks and the like are the working tools of today's intellectual leaders.
At times, it is difficult to stay the course and not become caught up in the frivolities of purely decorative mentalism. But, as the old saying goes, what does not kill us makes us stronger, and we must be grateful for the challenges others put in front of us.
Every thinker must have a strategy for maintaining emotional composure, and the only truly effective approach is honest detachment.
The Beauty of Truth must ever be our passion, while at the same time we must continuously remind ourselves of our compassion for other beings.
This is easier when we remember that we ourselves pale in the full light of Truth. We are no less ignorant than anyone else, no matter how (in earthly terms) wise we may become.