We also (modestly) got a little philosophical and practiced dying in our new podcast. During the Christmas season, we’re often troubled by loneliness—but according to some philosophers, loneliness is a luxury of the modern age. Why?
Because it’s a chance to live your life on your own terms, rather than according to others. To act authentically for yourself, regardless of the wishes of your family or society. “To follow your own truth.”
But be careful not to confuse this with isolation: that, on the contrary, is the result of our breaking free from family ties. After all, as Georg Simmel said, it is only modern man who is beginning to die—precisely because he is aware of his individuality and finitude. He does not see himself as a mere continuation of his lineage.
According to Hegel, it may ultimately be the funeral itself that brings us back into the community. And if we fail to hold it, we harm ourselves: for in doing so, we undermine our own community and our own sense of belonging.
And last but not least: it has always been interesting to philosophy that humans don’t merely “fail” like other animals, but in some way take charge of that failure. We often say that we’re fighting something—whether it’s other people or diseases. But we go even further. We learn from these experiences and correct past mistakes. We hurt ourselves, but at the same time we forgive ourselves and grow from the experience.
We grow through conflicts, and family conflicts are what “shape us together” and bring us all closer. And at Christmas, this is more evident than ever.
So, if you want to take a moment this Christmas season to gather your thoughts, find some peace, reflect, and escape the hustle and bustle of modern life, Tereza Matějčková recommends philosophy. And you can start with our podcast featuring Tereza herself!
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