Deep Thoughts, Cheap Laughs: Why Philosophy is the Original Self-Care

Introduction
Philosophy is like that friend who gives unsolicited advice but somehow nails it every time. It’s ancient wisdom wrapped in a burrito of sarcasm and truth bombs. While most of us think self-care is about face masks and bubble baths (which, let’s be honest, are lovely), philosophy digs a bit deeper—right into the messy stuff like purpose, happiness, and whether pineapple belongs on pizza. Spoiler: Socrates would’ve debated it endlessly.

The Great Paradox: Philosophy IS Self-Care
Let’s start with the obvious: Philosophy doesn’t moisturize your skin, but it does exfoliate your soul. SELF-care, as we see it, is less about “treating yourself” and more about understanding yourself. SELF here refers to the universal self, your higher self, the part of you that silently judges your Netflix choices. Philosophy is the key to reaching that self (with a lowercase "s") and making peace with its quirks.

Aristotle might’ve called it eudaimonia, but we’re calling it: "Getting Your Inner Stuff Together, One Deep Thought at a Time."

Winter is Here, But Wisdom Will Keep You Warm
Let’s talk about winters—literal and metaphorical. They’re cold, harsh, and often accompanied by a strong desire to binge-watch your problems away. Philosophy is your metaphorical hot cocoa (spiked, if necessary). It teaches you to endure the storms and find beauty in the frost.

Marcus Aurelius didn’t survive the Roman Empire’s chaos by complaining about the weather. He embraced wisdom, faced the storm, and probably invented “Keep calm and carry on” before it became a poster. So, the next time life gives you winter, bundle up in Stoicism and ride it out like a philosopher on a sled.

Wittiness Saves the Day
Here’s the kicker: Philosophy does NOT have to be stuffy. It's best served lightly. Ancient thinkers didn’t have TikTok, but their sass was top-tier. I couldn't stop laughing the first time I read Plato's Apology (true story). Diogenes lived in a barrel and called out hypocrisy like it was his full-time job. Imagine what he’d say about your 87 unread self-help emails.

Humor is a survival tool, and wit is its sibling. Laughing at life’s absurdities doesn’t make you less philosophical—it makes you human. Plus, nothing says “deep thinker” like chuckling at the irony of trying to find yourself on a GPS app.

Conclusion
Philosophy is the original self-care, the kind that doesn’t sugarcoat but gets straight to the root of things. It’s thought-provoking, challenging, and—when you throw in some humor—a lot more fun than scrolling endlessly through social media.

So, the next time someone says, “Take care of yourself,” respond with, “I’m pondering the meaning of existence—what could be more caring than that?”