CHAPTER I
THE PHILOSOPHICAL SPIRIT
§ 1. PHILOSOPHY EXISTS
It is no simple matter to define philosophy. One thing, however, is certain; namely, that there is such a thing as philosophy. Every library of any consequence has books dealing with it; colleges and universities have departments and professors of it; the names of philosophers are inscribed on public buildings and memorial tablets; and history records the influence of philosophers on human affairs. Where there is so much smoke, there must be some fire. Philosophizing is beyond question a real activity of the human mind.
§ 2. PHILOSOPHICAL TERMINOLOGY IS DIFFICULT
It is equally certain that many terms used by men who are considered to be, or consider themselves to be, philosophers are all but meaningless to the average person of intelligence. Nietzsche once said that man is to superman as the ape is to man, either a joke or a sore shame. Many thoughtful men and women have, it must be admitted, found in the writings of philosophers no more than a joke or a sore shame.
Many philosophers have indeed failed to be either interesting, or clear, or convincing. Much of the evil repute of philosophy is due to the philosophers themselves. If you
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