Can anyone help?

Question

It sounds kinda odd sometimes, but I am a deep thinker. I always lay awake at night thinking about things like, who am I, does the universe end, and other deep questions like that. I tired researching some info about deep thinking, but I didn't really find anything. I was wondering if anyone could help. If you can thanks! And if not that's ok. I'm 14 by the way.

Answer 1

Well there are plenty of people who've thought about these things before - so your not alone!

I've seen "Philosophy for Dummies" recommended on this site, although I haven't read it it might be a good entry point. It should give you a nice overview and give you an idea of the different areas of philosophy you might like to read more in. Philosophy is a very wide subject covering maths, religion, theories of science, logic, art criticism etc. I myself am just no good at maths and can't be bothered with art criticism (Turner painted how Hendrix played guitar and that's good enough for me!)

Raymond Smulyan's "What is the name of this book?" is a fun book of logic puzzles. It just concentrates on one branch of philosophy, logic, but its good fun. It also gives you a few good puzzles to try on your friends. And it will make you think!

Agsin, if your of a remotely logical bent a book called "Godel Escher Bach" is fun and manages to bring in a lot of technical stuff without completely frying the brain (the Escher pictures are fun aswell - another thing to share with friends)

Betrand Russell's "A History of Western Philosophy" is constantly mentioned on this site: with good reason. Its well written and gives a good "broad sweep" of philosophy from BC to 1900 (ish). It might be best to read it in a couple of years if your still interested, it is long and its most interesting if you already have an idea of and opinions on some of the issues that philosophers have been arguing about these past few millenia.

Or, have a word with the teachers teaching the 17 - 18 year old kids and ask them what a philosophy course for 17 -18 year olds has as its course materials.

Finally, post and reply to questions on this site (but only the sensible ones!)

Now: if its just a case of "teenage angst" then what you need is (and I know this from experience):
- A darkened room
- A bed to lie on
- Headphones
- Pink Floyd's Darkside of the Moon

Answer 2

Well, 14 is the age when most teenagers are ready to stretch and grow. Someone mentioned Bertrand Russell, but unless you don't mind reading about atheists, I wouldn't bother with him right away. I'm coming from a Mormon point of view, and 14 and 15 is the age I started reading the Bible and Book of Mormon in depth. I also have taken honors philosophy classes at the University of Utah, and I have a degree in psychology and one in English with a Creative Writing Emphasis. I see you like theater and dance - that is cool because I am getting more into writing music and plays and teen message theater. If you are looking for something more philosophical, try reading some of what Helen Keller wrote about her life. It's pretty interesting. Have a happy day!

Answer 3

Its very cool to be deep thinker but think in better direction sometimes you wont have the answer but come up with even more questions. I once tried to count all the stars and it came to an end when I heard someone say for each star you see their is a million galaxies! so stay away from questions you cant answer and use your deep thougth for inventing ideas, I myself use the bible for questions like yours but you have every right to find an alternative but in the bible it has a beginning and a ending.
my job I sometimes I have allot of free time because well im the boss: ) and I do allot of deep thinking and it goes on things I can answer and comfuse me.. well I hope you come up with great ideas...

Answer 4

This happens. I went through the same thing. Probably most people your age do. If you're not careful you'll end up a philosopher :-) The stuff you are thinking about is (some of it) philosophy stuff.

You might try reading an introductory book on philosophy - don't start off reading any of the famous philosophers, just something that's meant for beginners and covers a wide variety of topics.

If that does nothing for you, give it a few years and try it again.

Answer 5

Hi snappypappy, I was just like you at your age. Eventually I went to college, and I was still like that. I'm 35 now...and still like that. :-) Deep thinking doesn't keep me awake at nights anymore, though I still often do my best thinking at night.

It's actually good that you have such an active mind. The brain really is like a muscle, in that it gets stronger with frequent use, or atrophies if you don't use it a lot. People with active minds are also less likely to get Alzheimer's in their old age.

I'm guessing that at your age, a lot of your mental energies are probably involved in the creative process. Lots of ideas, but maybe you're not sure how to express them or maybe you don't have all the knowledge to flesh them out. That's OK, because the great thing about learning is that it's cumulative. By learning I don't just mean school stuff, but skills, hobbies, experience, wisdom, and just stuff you're interested in.

Answer 6

Ow... Welcome to the club.
I was like you when I was your age, until now I'm still with that "deep thinking" thing. You do it because of the natural character of humans to be curious. But, yours does not apply to an average person. Average people couldn't afford to think that way because they're level of curiosity of imagination plus intelligence wouldn't reach yours, and whether you like it or not, we are just the same. Soon, with that deep thinking, you may be able to find on your own, answers that might be logical enough to satisfy your curiosity. BUT, you'll have to take consider of things before you come up with conclusions:

1. It should be LOGICAL. - When we say it's logical, it should mean that there is a way for you to prove it. How? By way of applying the previously defined LAWS such as Law of Gravitational Force or other laws made by scientists. You can also refer to some existing Theories such as the Theory of Relativity. With that, you may have a strong brilliant idea.
2. You should NOT limit your ideas into one. - Which means, you have to go further deep thinking rather than staying with one idea.
3. Please... Do not go crazy or act as a nerd - It's important... In what way? People wouldn't think you've become crazy although how you are thinking is absolutely correct. Do not say the phrase "I don't have to mind them, they're idiot." Although it may be true that they are indeed idiot... Think of this, they are more than us... Which means, the generally accepted intelligence are the IDIOTS. We, deep thinkers might not belong to the society in a way.

I'd like to give you some advice.. I tell you, when I started deep thinking, everything else in me was affected especially my academic performance. Remember Bill Gates? Or Enstein? They've become as if dumb in the class because of their grades, you might also be one... So, be careful.

Answer 7

I started that at your age and have had a lot of fun with it all my life.
More power to you!
Just be aware that it will often make you feel lonely (even in a crowd of people) because you'll find few to share it with. But whenever you do, it's glorious!
Help? If you want to talk, let me know.

Answer 8

Oh boy - do I have the book for you: Sophie's World (see the links)

Answer 9

help with what?

what is the question, oh deep thinker?