Philosophy often has a reputation for being abstract, elitist, or just plain difficult. But in truth, it begins with something very simple: a sense of wonder. The kind of open, unguarded curiosity about the world that children have, and that Socrates once called the beginning of wisdom.
If you’re interested in getting into philosophy, you don’t need to read thick books or learn Latin terminology. What matters is learning to ask the right questions.
Everyone philosophizes, often without realizing it. If you’ve ever wondered what makes a life good, whether free will really exists, or how we can know anything for sure — then you’re already doing philosophy.
The key is to follow such questions deliberately and systematically. But how do you approach this vast and ancient field as a complete beginner? My answer is simple: read, reflect, and talk about it.
The art of questioning
Start with the big questions — but try to stay concrete. Philosophy traditionally divides into four core areas:
epistemology(What can we know?)
ethics (How should we act?)
metaphysics (What is the nature of reality?)
political philosophy (How can we build a just society?)
Pick one question and break it down. For example: “What is justice?” Is it about equality? Deservedness? Need? Write down your thoughts, and don’t worry about getting it “right.” There are no final answers in philosophy — only better questions, and clearer thinking.
Choose accessible starting points
Don’t be intimidated by Kant or Hegel. There are excellent introductions out there that don’t require a degree in philosophy to understand.
Jostein Gaarder’s Sophie’s World is a novel that walks you through the history of philosophy. The Philosophy Book: Big Ideas Simply Explained gives an overview of key thinkers and theories in a visual, beginner-friendly way. Nigel Warburton’s A Little History of Philosophy explains major questions with clarity and warmth. And Alain de Botton’s The Consolations of Philosophy shows how the great philosophers can help us cope with everyday struggles.
Once you feel more confident, you might want to dip into the originals. A great place to start is Plato’s Apology — short, dramatic, and packed with timeless insights.
Some personal favorites
One book I often recommend is Luc Ferry’s Learning to Live: A User’s Manual. It’s a beautifully written guide to how philosophical thinking evolved, from the ancient Greeks to the present day. Whether you’re a curious teenager or a thoughtful adult, this book offers both intellectual clarity and emotional resonance. Ferry also draws helpful comparisons between philosophy and religion.
Another gem is Thomas Nagel’s What Does It All Mean? — a concise and elegant introduction that lays out the central problems of philosophy in plain language. It’s often assigned to first-year philosophy students, and for good reason.
Since ethics is one of my personal interests, I can’t leave out Michael Sandel’s Justice: What’s the Right Thing to Do?. Based on his legendary Harvard course, it explores moral dilemmas through real-world examples, making even complex theories feel approachable. Sandel weaves together utilitarian, Kantian, and Aristotelian perspectives with debates that feel alive and relevant.
Philosophy means thinking for yourself
Books are just the beginning. The real work happens in your own head. Practice with thought experiments (What if you were just a brain in a vat?), train your logic (Can you spot a fallacy?), and reflect on your own beliefs (Why do I think what I think?).
Here’s one example: philosopher John Rawls asks us to imagine a “veil of ignorance” — a situation where you must choose the rules of society without knowing your place in it. What kind of system would you choose? Exercises like this sharpen your judgment and help you apply abstract ideas in a real-world context.
Talk about it — philosophy isn’t a solo sport
Socrates didn’t give lectures — he had conversations. Look for chances to discuss ideas with others: at university seminars, in philosophy cafés, online (forums like r/philosophy), or over a glass of wine with friends.
A great debate starter might be: “Is it always wrong to lie — even to save a life?” Talking through such questions not only helps you clarify your own views but also exposes you to perspectives you hadn’t considered.
Philosophy only matters if you use it
The Stoics taught calmness. The existentialists preached responsibility. Buddhist thinkers emphasized mindfulness. Philosophy isn’t just an intellectual exercise — it’s a way of living. Try it out. Keep a journal of your ethical decisions. Question your assumptions (Why do I think success equals happiness?). Or live a day as if it were your last — what would change?
Final thought: Philosophy is not a subject, but a stance
You don’t have to write academic papers to be a philosopher. It’s enough to stay curious, to challenge your own biases, and to be brave enough to live with uncomfortable truths. As Heidegger once said*:
“To think is to thank.”
So: begin. Wonder. Doubt. And enjoy the freedom that comes with knowing there’s rarely one right answer — just better, deeper questions.
Philosophy isn’t knowledge to collect. It’s a way of seeing. It doesn’t tell you what to think, but how. And in that lies its quiet, enduring power.
*in his lecture “Was ist Denken?” (Wintersemester 1951/52), documented in Heidegger Gesamtausgabe, Volume 8