Philosophy and the Pursuit of Absolute Life

Philosophy is not merely an accumulation of knowledge, but a living force that opens doors to genuine self-realization and inner freedom. At the core of this profound teaching lies the desire not only to understand the world but also to develop the ability to live in harmony with oneself and the surrounding environment. True philosophical understanding explicitly calls us to an active, practical life, where every step offers an opportunity to approach the highest good—absolute and eternal life. From ancient wisdom to modern perspectives, the idea that one must live with an awareness of the self inspires us to choose the path of self-knowledge, turning life into an exciting journey toward deep meaning. May this energetic quest for truth become your powerful impulse for harmony and wisdom, filling every moment with vitality and the drive for perfection.

What is the purpose of philosophy and what role does it play in the search for the meaning of life and the understanding of the world?

According to the sources examined, the purpose of philosophy goes far beyond the simple accumulation of knowledge. Philosophy acts as a means to grasp the highest goal of human existence, allowing one to gain true self-understanding and attain inner freedom, as well as to manage both the external world and one’s own life. In other words, philosophy is not an end in itself, but rather a tool to fulfill the highest human need—the pursuit of absolute, eternal life and a profound understanding of the world.

Thus, one of the sources states:
"Regarding the purpose of true philosophy, it is completely rejected by rationalism, which considers philosophical knowledge an end in itself, the highest form of spiritual activity. And indeed, since philosophy is the satisfaction of the theoretical need for knowledge, it is an end in itself. But that theoretical need is merely one of many, while man has the overall highest need for a complete or absolute life, for which everything else—and consequently philosophy—can be only a means. This absolute, eternal life, which in itself is the highest good and bliss, is clearly possible only when man is not subject to any external conditions alien to him..."
(source: link )

Moreover, philosophy plays a significant role in the process of self-knowledge and the spiritual development of a person:
"Philosophy, as man’s desire to know himself, defines and expresses the entire process of spiritual development. This vibrant, immediate connection between religious consciousness and philosophical thought has long been noted in the worldview of all ancient peoples, and the religious significance of philosophy had long been clearly defined in the formation of all the great religions of the ancient world."
(source: link , page: 267)

It is also important to emphasize the practical aspect of philosophy – namely, that it is originally oriented toward life:
"In the fundamental, real—practical rather than theoretical—starting point of all philosophy, there is a purpose. A philosopher philosophizes not only for the sake of philosophizing. Primum vivere, deinde philosophari, goes the old Latin saying, and since a philosopher is first a human being and only then a philosopher, he must live; only then can he philosophize, and indeed, he philosophizes in order to live."
(source: link )

Thus, philosophy serves not only as a method of understanding but also as a life choice aimed at attaining wisdom, the meaning of life, and harmonious interaction with the external world. It is a constant process during which a person strives to understand himself and his place in the world, enabling him to realize the ideals of the highest good both theoretically and practically.

Supporting citation(s):
"Regarding the purpose of true philosophy, it is completely rejected by rationalism, which considers philosophical knowledge an end in itself, the highest form of spiritual activity. And indeed, since philosophy is the satisfaction of the theoretical need for knowledge, it is an end in itself. But that theoretical need is merely one of many, while man has the overall highest need for a complete or absolute life, for which everything else—and consequently philosophy—can be only a means. This absolute, eternal life, which in itself is the highest good and bliss, is clearly possible only when man is not subject to any external conditions alien to him..." (source: link )

"Philosophy, as man’s desire to know himself, defines and expresses the entire process of spiritual development. This vibrant, immediate connection between religious consciousness and philosophical thought has long been noted in the worldview of all ancient peoples, and the religious significance of philosophy had long been clearly defined in the formation of all the great religions of the ancient world." (source: link , page: 267)

"In the fundamental, real—practical rather than theoretical—starting point of all philosophy, there is a purpose. A philosopher philosophizes not only for the sake of philosophizing. Primum vivere, deinde philosophari, goes the old Latin saying, and since a philosopher is first a human being and only then a philosopher, he must live; only then can he philosophize, and indeed, he philosophizes in order to live." (source: link )