What does it mean when we say we’re philosophical about something? Usually it’s applied to situations in which the persons emotional equilibrium is not easily disturbed. Sometimes we apply it to surprising developments of a positive nature, such as when someone inherits a great deal of money, or gets a fat book contract, but seems to view themselves and the world in much the same light as they did before The Event.
More often we describe ourselves as being philosophical when we are faced with something unpleasant, or even catastrophic, but about which we are not going to rant and rave.
So what is this philosophy? Each person has their own approach, I’m sure, but I also think there’s a bit of common sentiment to it that is nearly universal. Perhaps it’s merely a manifestation of calm and level-headed temperment. Or it may be a cultured way of saying we are resigned, that we’ve given up, even. Maybe it’s modern civilizations word for the belief in superstition and fate, the comprehension that one is not master of all things.
It may be a bit of all these. After all, upon close examination most of us find that we can not, indeed, control every occurence of our lives. Whether for good or ill, something–chance, fate, divine will–plays a role in our lives and occasionally wrecks havoc with the best laid plans. At these times we can either scream and run in circles, or be–philosophical.
I find, in the face of yet another wanna-be offer on our house that has in fact turned into a could-have-been offer on our house, that I choose to be philosophical. After all, even if that translats into a form of resignation, it may be that I am only resigned to wait until this good thing comes about, rather than resigned that no good things can come about.
I find that philosophy suits me.
