There are numerous philosophical traditions around the globe that can be explored. A background in philosophy provides additional perspective from which to observe, context and understand world events and events in your life. Some of these philosophical traditions date back thousands of years. (Like traditional martial arts, which combine physical combat training along side philosophical teachings.) Some have a more recent history.

The study of philosophy has the practical advantage and rewards of exercising both the analytical and the creative hemispheres of the brain. Learning and understanding the principles and history of the various philosophies require the use of the left side of the brain. This is how we build and comprehend the structure of the model of the philosophical discipline being studied. It is like intellectually building a complete skeleton from a pile of bones. On the other hand, the implications, revelations and insights, on the nature of reality that the philosophy proposes require the creative, the abstract right hemisphere of the brain. Like putting the flesh on the skeleton you have put together.

Philosophical study leads on a journey of discovery. A journey of discovery that can lead to conclusions or goals, but sometimes not. Sometimes the journey of discovery, itself, is the goal. However, discovery itself is useless unless it leads to Truth. A philosophy that is not built upon, leads to, or embraces Truth has no value. (1=True, 0=False, 0=No Value) But sometimes the difference between Truth and falsity is not as easy to see as the difference between white and black...

"The goal of Kabbalah and the goal of Jewish Tradition in general and the goal of Torah Tradition in general is not to change who you are, but to empower you to be who you are and the only real struggle in our lives and the only real choice in our lives is: Do we choose a path that's authentic, or do we choose ways that (are) counterfeit. That's really the choice. People think that the choice between good and evil is like the choice between black and white. It's just going to be obvious. But the Kabbalah teaches us the real high grade choices in our lives, the true challenges we will face is not a choice between the obviously bad and the obviously good, not between black and white. But between white and just a little off white. It's really a choice between the real and the counterfeit." (1)
 

The Real VS. The Counterfeit. And many times it is a battle. The counterfeit will try to take you down a path that is false. A path that leads nowhere. Your steps feel heavy, and awkward. The counterfeit and the false is always, at the very least, a little uncomfortable, sometimes very uncomfortable. What is real, on the other hand, just feels right, feels good, and puts a stride in your step, because you know you are going down the right path. Sometimes one may choose a path that is real but only advances you so far. That's OK... Choose the next path with careful consideration and continue on your way.

The philosophical path you choose is not important.* As stated above, there are many paths that are Honorable. What is important is the choice. It must be a choice that is True. Your choice must be honest and sincere. No counterfeit considerations can be allowed within your choice. What choice lightens your heart, gives you purpose and meaning to your life. For all real paths lead to the same place. And That Place is Truth.