How do you deal with philosophical disillusionment? I'm a student at Michigan State double majoring in dance and philosophy, and lately I find myself frequently residing in a sort of spiritual bankruptcy, existential suffering induced by an entire lack of clarity or definitive right or wrong. I've even considered dropping philosophy, because at times it's almost as if I'm playing with fire by studying the subjects--it's just so mentally draining--and the subject is constantly on my mind — Asked by scottyluvsu

Short of teaching in the field, successfully making it as a writer, or going on to law school or some other harmoniously inviting graduate program, philosophy may be more drama than it’s worth. Not just existentially, but in your wallet and your future. This isn’t to say you shouldn’t pursue a deeper understanding of yourself or the world around you, it just may cause you more pain and distraction than you can afford at such a hectic point in life. Unless you’ve found your calling here, and that doesn’t seem to be the case, I advise you to keep looking until you find a degree program that resonates with you enough for you to focus through to graduation. You may decide to go back to school 5, 10, 15 years later for something else, and that’s fine, but speaking from experience, don’t spend longer than need be in the decaying orbit that is higher education—at least on your first degree. Get. it. done. 

As for the resolution of philosophical disillusionment, changing your degree, dropping out, or any other logistical deviation isn’t going to quell your discontent. And unfortunately, no can provide you with a solution but yourself. Every adult contends with the jaded territory of maturing into a world spinning out of balance faster than can be restored. We’re inundated by noise, and the largest questions a soul searcher can pose will seem to be among the ones most buried. We all struggle to find and maintain inner peace. It’s part of the human condition. The deeper you scratch, the less “right and wrong” will make sense. For those who have gone before us and flown where others have drowned they will tell you the same. Keep your mind open and accept all that comes your way with courage and kindness.

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  1. metaconscious posted this

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