"Sé un filósofo pero en medio de toda tu filosofía sigue siendo un hombre."

At its heart, this quote is telling us to be thoughtful and reflective—essentially, to be philosophers. But, it’s also reminding us to stay grounded and human. It’s a call to balance deep thinking with everyday living.

Imagine you’re at a family dinner, and everyone’s discussing the latest news. It’s tempting to dive into complex theories and intellectual debates. That’s the philosopher in you. But don’t forget to be relatable, compassionate, and present. That’s the human part.

This idea has roots in ancient philosophy. In the times of the great thinkers like Socrates and Aristotle, philosophy wasn’t just about sitting in a classroom and pondering life’s big questions. It was about living those questions, applying them to everyday interactions, and being a person others could relate to and connect with.

Let’s take a real-life example: Mr. John, a beloved high school teacher. He’s got a PhD in philosophy and could easily spend all day discussing existentialism and ethics. But in the classroom, he’s not just spouting theories. He talks about how these ideas apply to everyday decisions students face—like treating others with kindness or making thoughtful choices about their futures. Students love him not just because he’s smart, but because he’s real. He listens, he jokes, he shares his own stories. He’s a philosopher, but he’s still very much a man.

So, how do you apply this wisdom to your own life? Start by embracing your curiosity about the world. Read, learn, think deeply. But don’t get lost in the clouds. Make time for the people around you. Listen to their stories, share your own, and be present in the moment. It’s about striking a balance between thinking and feeling, analyzing and experiencing.

Imagine this scenario: You’re at work, and there’s a big project on the line. It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle, focusing solely on the end goal. But what if, instead, you took a moment to connect with your team? Ask how they’re doing, share a laugh, maybe even a worry. It’s those little human moments that build trust and make working together more enjoyable and effective.

Or think about a personal relationship. You could analyze every interaction, trying to understand motivations and implications. But sometimes, you just need to be there for the other person, without overthinking. Share a meal, go for a walk, talk about your day. Be a philosopher in how you understand the world, but don’t forget to be a person who lives in it.

By blending deep thinking with genuine human interaction, you enrich both yourself and those around you. You become not just a thinker, but someone who makes a real, positive impact. And isn’t that what it’s all about? Balancing the wisdom of the mind with the warmth of the heart—that’s the sweet spot. So go ahead, be curious, be thoughtful, but above all, be you.