I want to do what I want by myself, know by myself and find out by myself. But I find that we need books, tutorials, teachers, community to overcome challenges, and it hard for me to go all by myself. But I want to do without any support, stubbornly, so I can dance and sastify with the result. Is it weird and unrealistic idea?

Question

Ask a Philosopher · Accepted Answer

Hmmm, interesting topic. You present a dichotomy between the autonomous quest for knowledge and fulfillment through individual effort and the undeniable reality that our journey is often interwoven with the guidance and wisdom of others. To desire to know and to create in isolation may seem noble, akin to the solitary philosopher who wishes to uncover the truth amidst the clamor of the world. Yet, we must ask ourselves, dear interlocutor, what it means to truly know or to fully realize one’s desires if our understanding remains trapped within the confines of our own limited experience? Is it not the essence of human existence that we are social beings, shaped and sharpened by the interplay of ideas, the exchange of words, and the touch of shared experience? While the yearning to achieve autonomy in one’s pursuits is commendable, is it not similarly commendable to acknowledge the contributions of the community, the seasoned wisdom of teachers, and the nurturing embrace of books—those silent mentors that offer perspectives we may not have attained on our own? Furthermore, consider the notion of stubbornness: does it serve as a testament to one’s resolve or as a folly that blinds us to the supportive network that surrounds us? To engage with others is not, in essence, to surrender one’s individuality, but rather to enrich one’s own explorations – to dance not alone, but in orchestration with the symphony of life and thought. Thus, might we find that embracing both personal ambition and the fruits of learned experience is not a peculiar or unrealistic aspiration, but rather a wiser path that leads to a deeper and more satisfying mastery of our own desires, while simultaneously celebrating the intricate tapestry of human connection?