"Making itself intelligible is suicide for philosophy."

The heart of this quote is about the nature of philosophy. Philosophy thrives on complexity and questioning, and if it were to simplify itself too much, it would lose its essence. The beauty of philosophy lies in its depth and the way it makes us think critically about the world. If it were too straightforward, it wouldn’t challenge us or provoke the important questions that lead to deeper understanding.

Historically, this idea has roots in the works of philosophers like Nietzsche and Derrida. They believed that the moment philosophy becomes too clear and straightforward, it ceases to stimulate the mind. It’s meant to be a little murky, to keep us on our toes, always thinking and rethinking our beliefs and assumptions. It’s a field that thrives on ambiguity and depth.

Imagine a scenario where someone is curious about the meaning of life. They turn to philosophical texts for answers. If these texts provided simple, clear-cut answers, the person might not feel the need to ponder further. They’d take the answer at face value and move on. But philosophy, in its true form, offers multiple perspectives and interpretations. It invites the reader to engage in a mental workout, to grapple with ideas and form their own understanding.

Let's look at a real-life example: think about the philosophy of existentialism. It’s not a straightforward path. Existentialist thinkers like Sartre and Camus don’t give you a neat package of answers. Instead, they present a maze of thoughts about existence, freedom, and meaning. This complexity forces readers to dive deep and think about their own lives and choices. If existentialism were straightforward, it wouldn't have the same impact. It’s the very complexity that makes it powerful and transformative.

So, how can you apply this wisdom? Embrace the complexity in your own life. When faced with big questions or problems, don’t look for the easiest, most straightforward answer. Dig deeper. Ask more questions. Allow yourself to sit with ambiguity and uncertainty. That’s where the real growth happens.

Here’s a relatable story to illustrate this: Imagine you’re at a crossroads in your career. You can either stay in your current job, which is comfortable but unfulfilling, or take a leap into a new field that excites you but comes with uncertainty. The straightforward path would be to stay put. It’s safe and clear. But if you apply the wisdom from our philosophy quote, you might dive into the complexities of your decision. You’d weigh the pros and cons, think deeply about your passions, and consider the potential for growth and fulfillment in the new role. It’s not an easy decision, but that’s the point. By embracing the complexity, you’re more likely to make a choice that’s truly right for you.

In essence, don't shy away from the murky waters of deep thinking. Embrace the ambiguity, the complexity, and the challenge. That’s where the magic happens, both in philosophy and in life.