The Challenge of Embracing Darkness

Philosophy has traditionally emphasized light as a metaphor for rationality and enlightenment, often neglecting the value found in darker emotions such as grief, anxiety, and despair. The discussion contrasts the common tendency to avoid difficult feelings with the idea that philosophy should encourage sitting with these emotions, as illustrated by the Biblical story of Job. Rather than rationalizing loss and urging others to 'choose happy,' the philosophical task may be to learn from darkness and recognize its inherent truths. Emphasizing this perspective challenges the prevailing notions of toxic positivity that pervade self-help culture.