Parmenideum Philosophy Society: Thought for the Month

In the preface to his Dictionnaire Philosophique, Voltaire writes the following concerning the systematic pursuit of philosophical thought:

“… the ordinary man is not made for such knowledge; philosophy will never be his lot. Those who say that there are truths which must be hidden from the people, need not be alarmed; the people do not read; they work six days of the week, and on the seventh go to the inn. In a word, philosophical works are made only for philosophers, and every honest man must try to be a philosopher, without pluming himself on being one.”

Why is philosophy not popular, in the sense of being practised by many or indeed a majority? Why do only a relatively few pursue it?

Perhaps it is too hard some might answer, and others might claim it to be boring. But if that were the reason, why do at least some people pay it attention and in some cases pursue it with relish?

Perhaps philosophy requires a dedication of time that most people cannot afford, in amongst their busy lives preoccupied with survival and flourishing. Or perhaps it has nothing to offer really, so most clever people avoid it as a waste of time.

Some thoughts on this are welcome. Unless of course no one is interested…