Philosophy: The rational investigation of the truths and principles of being, knowledge, or conduct.
There are two types of power, first is worldly power. Worldly power is the power to persuade; this persuasion gives the allusion of well being without the 'wellness' actually existing. It's roots are in ones selfishness. For instance, one can alter there visage to appear a certain way without actually being as such. I saw a commercial the other day for a 'corset' for men. A tight shirt that prevents the extra belly fat from hanging over the belt line. So the worldly power is all about appearance, whether it is truthful or not.
The second type of power is Philosophy, getting to the truth, and being virtuous. We have both implicit and explicit associations. Many times these two things do not line up. For example, I can claim to not be racist. However, if I were to take a series of tests, matching faces with adjectives, I may find out that implicitly I actually am racist. In the same sense one can claim to be just, even appearing so on the outside; but inside there is very little semblance of virtue. When our implicit associations conflict with our explicit associations, meaning we hold two beliefs that contradict one another, we are unbalanced. We are not in harmony with ourselves and therefore we are not happy. What philosophy does, is it helps us align our associations so that we become balanced. Our implicit and explicit associations become the same. Once we are true to ourselves and to others, only then will we find contentment and happiness.
This is called the Appearance versus Reality Distinction. This can be taken into account when caring for two things, our bodies and our souls. When we care for our body, we have two choices. The first choice, which uses worldly power, is that we can appear as if we are fit, using cosmetics, or plastic surgery. We can eat food that appears, or seems good for us, which is junk food, but in reality it has negative effects on our well being. In regards to caring for the soul, the worldly power causes one appear good without actually being good. Again this leaves the individual to be unbalanced, unhealthy, and therefore unhappy.
The second choice we have is to use philosophy. If we want to be fit, philosophy says, exercise and eat right. For exercise and health food choice give us the conclusion we desire and balance our implicit and explicit associations. To care for our souls we need legislation and justice. Philosophy tells us to strive for virtue, and to strengthen our character. This second choice is clearly the better of the two, even though it is harder. The 'real' is unpleasant but helpful', wheres the 'appearance' is pleasant but not helpful. The 'real' is very similar to medicine. It may not be pleasant but the outcome is well worth it.
For many the appearance may seem to be enough, but here is the problem with that. Aristotle draws up a theory of our soul; in which we have two parts. Our souls contain an irrational and rational side. Our irrational side also has two parts; the vegetative which pertains to growth (just like plants), and the appetitive. The appetitive side of irrationality has to do with seeking satisfaction for our bodies. This kind of soul exists in all living things, for all living things seek to please their physical needs.
On the other hand we have our rational soul. It is here that we are set apart from all other animals. We have the ability to reason, and to use this reason to guide our actions. It is in our reason that we are set apart, and by using our reason we can find happiness and balance in our lives. The best situation is to have our Rational side control our irrational/appetitive side. An easy example to illustrate this is in regards to food and hunger. When we are hungry our appetitive side demands food. However, also in our appetitive nature we want satisfaction. If we are controlled by our appetite, we will eat junk food, and things that are not actually good for us. Why? To sake the yearnings of our irrationality. This of course leads to unhealthiness, and even earlier death. Clearly it is not beneficial. Using the same example we control our appetitive nature with our reason, we satisfy our appetite while eating good, healthy, wholesome foods. Not only is this more beneficial but, actually will become more enjoyable, and will elicit the most happiness in the end. This pertains to all aspects of our physical needs, and can be exemplified in a like manner.
If our appetitive nature controls our reason, we become enslaved by our desires. We become little more than animals, because our sole purpose revolves around satisfying our cravings. Most people will claim to want independence/self-sufficiency and freedom. Therefore we must utilize philosophy to gain freedom from ourselves. "The proper function of man, then, consists in an activity of the soul in conformity with a rational principle (Aristotle)."
The pleasures of the mind are much better than the pleasures of the body, especially when the mind controls the bodily pleasures. For the pleasures of the mind are substantial, long lasting, and fulfilling; while the pleasures of the body are insubstantial, brief, and unfulfilling. Philosophy is important, in fact, it is essential. It is utilizing philosophy in our every day life that brings us true happiness; not perceived or imagined, but actual happiness. This can be taken too an extreme, whereupon our emotional capacity shrinks and we are become stoic to those around us. "Wisdom ceases to be wisdom when it becomes too proud to weep, too grave to laugh, and too selfish selfish to seek other than itself." -Gibran
"To know is the best, and this will bring happiness. To know that you don't know is good. To not know that you don't know that you don't know, is the worst, and results in unhappiness." --Idea of Plato
"A useless person is one who cannot see the truth for himself nor can he learn it from others." --Aristotle
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