To wax philosophic requires that one first wax on and wax off inside the self. This means that philosophy at its core is the journey of the self, both in relation to perceived reality, and in perceived self. Like the karate kid, it takes practice to build up good kata, which builds muscle, and muscle memory.
In terms of the love of thought, and the practice of thinking, when one explores how to think, you develop mental muscles. When you do that practice, you develop the ability to apply the tools of thought without thinking! It becomes automatic to question the self and the world.
That question quest gives one perspectives. Those perspectives may or may not be concrete, or even useful in and of themselves. They do, however, tend to allow you to explore a concept aloud (or in writing) in a dynamic way, without the need to stop and ponder.
Koan are a kata for the mind. As are thought experiments, meditation, reading, writing, and even casual conversation.
It requires thinking and metathinking, though. You have to seek understanding of your own thoughts as much as any concepts you might wax on
Is there like a workbook for “beginner thinkers” haha?
Plenty, actually. Any intro to philosophy text will cover the basics. This is the first one that came up via ddg search. and it covers the essential stuff. Add in some critical thinking, and you’re good to go
To be real, a lot of philosophical thought begins with a question. What is my purpose in the world, what is mankind’s purpose in the universe, how large is the universe, are we living in a simulation. Then you start exploring those thoughts and expressing what you found in the thoughts that you experienced.
Basically just the results of letting your mind wander.
Circular motions
Ponder some existential conundrum such as which came first, the chicken or the egg?
Are koans similar to this also?
Sort of. They are used to question logic, question reality, train the mind in order to reach enlightenment.
Western philosophy is very different from Eastern philosophy.
