If you could have dinner with any philosopher, who would it be?
When it comes to philosophers, they are seen in a different light. If it is imagined that people are standing in one imaginary single fleet of stairs then philosophers would probably be seen on one of the highest stairs by many. After all they are people who have given special efforts in the pursuit of knowledge and thus they are the ones looked upon for profound wisdom, guidance and most importantly answers.
On a rather humorous note, I will say that presently if asked, most people would probably suggest they themselves have become a philosopher with the internet as their greatest strength. One of my relatives, who didn’t complete her education and did not have any form of career, remained dormant with her views most of her life, but when Wi-Fi entered her house and a video surfing application entered her phone, all of a sudden she became all knowing, although most of the information is often full of glaring inaccuracies and she has become quite intolerable with her insistence of knowing the right thing.
When we begin to think of known philosophers, Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, etc are some of the popular names that come to our minds, like they are supposed to since they are introduced to us fairly early in life right in our schools. If you sit to find how many philosophers have been there or are there, it would take some time because even if you were to divide them by geography or political boundaries, you will have a long list; and even if you try to segregate them on basis of who make more sense you or who is more impactful and appealing to your psyche, I am afraid you will still end up with a long list.
People like myself, who are momentary wisdom seekers, and are afraid of the lack of wisdom in their answers along with the lack of control over emotions when using words, we rather find some peace in presence of a person who is more confident with his/her thoughts and is not afraid of stepping in front with his/her thought or answers.
I have had such people in my close proximity, my grandparents, some selected friends and the sense of familiarity in, bond, culture and geography although may prove a limiting barrier ahead, yet this is what I would like to be present when I look at an empty chair on the other side of the dinner table I am sitting at.
Written by Anuran Chatterji
Early Morning Memories 