What Studying Philosophy Really Does for Your Life
One year into our philosophy book club, Grant Potts and I reflect on how studying philosophy sharpens thinking, deepens friendships, and supports personal growth. Honest conversation about learning, gratitude, and showing up curious.
We hit the one-year mark of our philosophy book club, and life got in the way of the planned reading. Instead of diving into The Alchemist, Grant and I sat down for an anniversary conversation—pulling oracle cards, sharing gratitudes, and talking about what philosophy actually does for everyday life.
It felt like the right way to mark the occasion: no pressure, just real talk between friends.
The Joy of Showing Up Without a Perfect Plan
We started by admitting the book didn’t happen. Work, life, and other responsibilities got in the way. But that imperfection opened space for something better—free-flowing dialogue, card pulls from decks like The Artist’s Way, Untethered Soul, and Becoming Dragon, and honest reflection.
This mirrored what we’ve learned together: philosophy isn’t about rigid perfection. It’s about showing up curious and staying in the conversation.
How Philosophy Bridges Worlds and Sharpens Thinking
Grant described philosophy as a bridge between different ways of knowing—math and language, logic and intuition. For me, it’s a whetstone for the brain. You wrestle with ideas that don’t immediately make sense, then something clicks and the world feels a little bigger.
We both noted how it trains humility. You read a sentence multiple times. You sit with not-knowing. That discomfort builds clearer thinking and better questions.
Friendship as the Heart of Philosophy
One of the richest parts of this year has been the consistency—meeting monthly, talking deeply, and practicing being social in a meaningful way. Ancient traditions in Greece and China placed friendship at the center of philosophy. We’ve felt that truth.
These conversations aren’t just about ideas. They’re about connection, refining our maps of reality together, and learning to hold our views lightly enough to stay open to each other.
My Personal Reflection
This year of book club has reminded me how much I need spaces like this. Life moves fast, and it’s easy to stay surface-level. Philosophy slows me down. It gives me language and frameworks for things I feel but can’t always name.
What surprised me most was how much joy and laughter we’ve found alongside the serious ideas. Grant’s depth paired with his willingness to be silly keeps it human. I leave these talks feeling sharper, more connected, and more grateful.
Practical Takeaways
- Embrace not-knowing — Sit with difficult ideas. The discomfort is where real growth happens.
- Build consistent dialogue — Regular conversations with curious people sharpen your thinking and strengthen relationships.
- Use philosophy as a bridge — Let it connect different parts of your life—work, parenting, creativity, spirituality.
- Practice gratitude for learning — Regularly reflect on what you’re thankful for in your intellectual or personal journey.
- Hold maps lightly — Your understanding of the world is provisional. Stay open to updating it through conversation.
- Prioritize friendship in growth — Some of the best learning happens in relationship, not isolation.
Final Thoughts
Philosophy hasn’t given me all the answers. It’s given me better questions and better company for asking them. One year in, I’m more convinced than ever that showing up curious—whether to a book, a conversation, or a card pull—is one of the simplest ways to keep growing.
Here’s to another year of it.
About Grant Potts
Grant Potts is a faculty member at Austin Community College teaching Philosophy, Religion, and Humanities. A dedicated educator and curriculum developer, he works to bring liberal education to community college students through the Great Question Foundation. He’s also an avid gardener, hiker, cyclist, and tabletop RPG enthusiast.