Would you make a successful philosopher?

Answer 1

One wonders how one would define "success" for a philosopher. Most philosophers probably would not feel that the usual tokens of material success signify success - money, prizes, fame. If a philosopher has those things, they probably come from something other than philosophizing.

Would you count only the well-known philosophers of long-standing, Hegel perhaps, whose writings are nearly unintelligible to most people?
Emmanuel Lasker, whose brilliant and elegant philosophy of the struggle has had no impact whatsoever on practical life?

Systems of philosophies often take a long time to mature. They may not become recognized, well-developed and respected until long after the originator of the system is dead.

The philosophical question here is: If one cannot recognize success in a philosopher, is it possible for that such a thing does not really exist?

Answer 2

I can be philosophical but I doubt I could ever be successful at it.

Answer 3

Actually, no. I draw too many conclusions. Philosophers don't deal in absolutes and I don't deal in maybes.

Answer 4

successful maybe, but a good one, yes!!
philosohers only get great when there death!
for every answer ther's a question, behind everything there's a reason.

Answer 5

I don't know about successful but happy, yes.

Answer 6

on some topics yes on others I have too concrete an opinion.

Answer 7

no - I wouldn't be able to twist my thoughts into some unintelligible self serving crap

Answer 8

Never.

Answer 9

lol, yes, I've studied philosophy as well

Answer 10

sadly, no. too much tragedy