My name is Toby Betenson and I am a philosopher.
I used to be an academic and a university lecturer: a writer of philosophical publications and a teacher of philosophical lessons. I don’t do that anymore.
For the past few years I’ve been experimenting with philosophy as a way of life. I’ve been trying to be what I would claim to be. This essay will explain. I’ve come to realise that my business is not to sell philosophy books, or to write them or teach about them, but only to live in the way that they instruct.
Having allowed myself to digest these philosophical lessons, I have become convinced by these rational accounts. And so I follow Socrates and turn away from what most people aim for and look only to live as well as I can.
Zhuangzi is told that his teachings are like a twisted old tree: good-for-nothing. Zhuangzi replies that you should understand the proper use of a thing. Philosophy is a big tree in the wilderness, apparently of no value, under which I can rest in untroubled ease.
Exile has made me a philosopher. But exile, however self-imposed, has sent me a bit too Diogenes. I’m not sure it’s a good thing. So like a good student of Socrates I subject my life and thoughts to examination and put them to the test. I publish my work, here, and I will see what happens.
I also write about philosophy and farming on Substack.
tobybetenson.com 