The Rubinshteinic Philosophy On The Sage

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Delving into the Realm of Sages

A few years ago, I embarked on a quest to unravel the mysteries surrounding the term "sage," seeking answers to the questions: What constitutes a sage, and how does one attain sage-hood? The inherent challenge with this topic lies in the abstract nature of the term "sage," which makes the term elusive for a wide understanding. While we can widely understand what a chair or table is, do we have the same clear understanding of what a sage is? Not necessarily.

One of my Philosocom readers suggested that the pursuit of sagehood is an ongoing journey of self-discovery. They further emphasized that sagehood is not a finite state but rather an evolving process. After delving into various video resources on this subject, I formulated my own definition of a sage...

A sage is essentially a synonym for "master," specifically a master of wisdom. Their expertise is not necessarily limited to a single domain... This stereotypical portrayal is entailed in various media forms, including books, movies, and video games. Carl Jung even developed an archetype centered on this concept. A sage is an individual sought after for counsel, which they provide with competence and effectiveness. Therefore a sage is a being capable of imparting the wisdom which they initally seek, on a regular basis.

The Overused Sage Label: A Critique

So, I offered my definition of a sage, acknowledging the term's inherent abstraction. However, I'd also like to address the pervasive and often uncritical use of the term "sage" in society. This casual application risks diminishing the profound significance of true sagehood.

The issue lies in the fact that words and their meaning can easily change over time with the fluid nature of human communication. For example, the term "minion" back in my day, used to be synonymous with the word "henchman" or "lackey". Today however, it got a distinct meaning thanks to a popular flim franchise for children.

The same can be applicable to the word "sage" when it is used carelessly and regulalry, until its original meaning loses its intended purpose, in favor of another meaning. It's important to recognize that true sagehood is not a title to be bestowed lightly, as for one to be a sage, one must be capable of dispensing wisdom on a regular basis and be recognized as distinct in this field. True sagehood represents a greater level of wisdom, self-mastery and other such virtues, attained through a lifelong journey of self-discovery and dedication to the pursuit of knowledge and truth.

The overuse of the term "sage", along with "philosopher" risks trivializing this concept , thus taking out its original purpose due the ever-developing nature of our language. When we label individuals as sages without enough consideration, we diminish the weight and significance of true sagehood, thus deluding ourselves, and perhaps them as well. It becomes a mere buzzword, devoid of the depth it can have.

I have no power to forbid you to do so. I am merely warning you about acting on petty emotion, and how doing so can impair our judgement, of even our own conception of certain words.

Therefore, I urge for a more thoughtful and discerning approach to the use of the term "sage." As well, of course, other words of abstract depth, such as "philosopher". Let us reserve it for those who have genuinely earned it: Those who embody the wisdom, merit, and self-mastery that true sage-hood represents.

Doing otherwise can easily lead to not only delusion but pretentiousness as well. And if we want to reduce both, we must acknowledge reality, and not deny it. It isn't elitism and it isn't gatekeeping.

No. I'm speaking of being faithful to the original meaning of certain words, in order to preserve their true intentions, over the course of communication's evolution. For if we do not preserve these meanings, like we preserve history, we can easily lose said meanings. And why should we lose these meanings, when they are imperative to our understanding of the reality they represent?

The Essence of a Sage: Wisdom, Courage, and the Pursuit of Knowledge

I believe that attaining true sagehood demands the courage to acknowledge one's own wisdom and the resilience to navigate the social implications of being an outsider among "average", or non-distinct, individuals. Perhaps, as there are social risks to being a philosopher, there might be distinct, greater risks in that regard, when being a sage.

The distinction between a philosopher and a sage lies in their possession of knowledge. A philosopher actively seeks knowledge, driven by an insatiable thirst for understanding reality. In contrast, a sage has already attained this wisdom, embodying it in their actions and imparting it to others. Loving wisdom signifies a deep-seated passion for the pursuit of knowledge, not merely its acquisition.

And it is through this passion, even if it makes one suffer, is when a philosopher can slowly but surely transform into an esteemed sage, capable of assisting anyone who wishes to become his or her followers or apprentices.

How can you know when you are a philosopher by heart, and yet a sage? By looking within you, and finding out how much you still crave for insight. Because when you crave for insights, you crave for something you want to attain. Wanting to attain something, means getting what you currently do not have.

I choose to suffer, and see my suffering as granted by seeking, hoarding and distributing insights. Not yet settling with the notion of being a sage, I want to be as insightful as possible. And I refuse to be satisfied, as long as more insights are to be gained, consumed and shared.

I will resume building an empire of wisdom until I die. It's the only thing I have left to do. My young age matters not.