Tips for Writing Philosophical, Thought-Provoking Pieces
Artwork by Celestial Creations
Philosophy is a beautiful, broad field filled with thought-provoking perspectives that showcase our unique mindsets and the way we interact with reality. However, sharing the contents of the deepest layers of your mind can become quite a complex task, especially because philosophical concepts are never a straight road — they’re more of a web.
The further you zoom out, the more clarity you feel you gain. The closer you zoom in, the more contradictions and questions you’re left with.
It’s a never-ending cycle of feeling like you’ve figured it all out, only to realize you’ll never have a definitive answer anyway.
All we’re left with are beliefs that feel real enough to live by.
Philosophy is a journey through the mind. Here’s how to take readers on a trip through yours.
Less Words, More Meaning
Create concise sentences that pack a punch. Let them be direct and clear by being selective with your vocabulary.
Instead of diving right in and describing every little detail, try formulating one sentence that captures the overall message of what you’re trying to say, and then expand on it.
This can be a statement or a question you’re investigating.
Examples:
The universe is an algorithm because it shows you more of what you give your attention to.
You become what you assume you are.
Your words are spells— learn how to use them wisely.
Ask Lots of Questions
The point of these pieces is to encourage the reader to think and come to their own conclusions. Don’t be afraid to bombard them with questions to get their mental gears turning.
Ask questions before you share your interpretation, and questions you still have or caveats to consider in your interpretation after sharing it.
Keep it well-rounded by sharing what you feel is necessary while cycling back to the fact that we don’t have all the answers, and most likely never will.
Use Evidence When It Feels Right
If you’re writing about time not existing in the way we perceive it, or anything metaphysical, it could help to have some scientific backing or an example that most people can relate to because they’ve experienced or observed it.
For example, something like “You attract what you are.”
Many people believe this because they’ve experienced it firsthand.
If you can’t support an idea with science, bring resonance into the equation.
When you’re making claims with no foundation to build on, it can become difficult for the reader to understand your perspective.
Where did this idea come from? Why do you believe it? Is there anything that exists in our world currently that can support your idea? Is this a theory that can be tested, or more of a thought experiment or speculation?
Philosophical pieces take readers on a trip through your psyche, and without a touch of realism or insight into your mindset, the ideas can become ungrounded and hard to follow.
Help the reader understand why your perspective exists.
Reminders That Everything Is Subjective
One thing that you should always do when it comes to philosophy is clarify that there are no right or wrong answers because everything is subjective.
Remind the reader that the only thing that differentiates objective from subjective is belief.
Just because a concept is accepted by the majority doesn’t mean it’s true for everyone.
Take flat-Earthers, for example. There’s an abundance of evidence proving that the Earth isn’t flat, yet they still choose not to believe it.
Life is subjective. The way you view your reality is unique to you, and that is what shapes your experiences.
Just because something is true to you does not mean the readers will accept it as their truth. People will disagree with you, and that’s the beauty of philosophy.
We give each other food for thought by sharing our varying perspectives.
Don’t convince—invite.
If you need support refining your writing or developing a creative idea, book a consultation and let’s elevate it together.