What is philosophy?

Philosophy is the love (philo) of wisdom (sophy).

Is philosophy useful?

For me, it began as an exploration of the fear of death. But as I delved deeper, philosophical inquiry transformed into a way of being—a path toward living a better life. This book is a compilation of lectures by the Spanish master José Ortega y Gasset on the very question: “What is Philosophy?” The author offers profound insights into “what philosophy is”, “why we study it”, and “the nature of doubt and existence”. I found it immensely rewarding. There was a particular moment, while reading his brilliant exposition on Descartes, where I felt as if I’d been struck by lightning; I couldn’t help but gasp aloud. You have to understand, back in my school days, the orthodox philosophy was strictly Marxist materialism; anything resembling idealism was dismissed as heterodoxy.

So, what wisdom has philosophy given me?

I’m afraid I cannot answer that. As Hermann Hesse once said: “Knowledge can be communicated, but not wisdom.” Gasset echoes this sentiment:

What would one gain by sharing the results he hopes to find at the end of a difficult journey right at the start? Why should we begin our philosophical inquiry at the finish line?

If you, dear reader, wish to embark on your own philosophical journey, this book is an excellent starting point. And if some parts feel a bit dense, I’d suggest reaching for Immortality on the shelf next to it as a companion.