Friedrich Nietzsche, on the search for truth: 'There are no facts, only interpretations'

Argentine philosopher Darío Sztajnszrajber posits that the traditional quest for absolute certainty clashes with contemporary philosophical thought. In an interview with LA NACION, he addressed the evolving definition of philosophy, noting how some schools of thought now conclude that "there is no truth," a perspective that challenges the enduring notion of philosophy as a search for definitive answers.

Sztajnszrajber invoked Friedrich Nietzsche's controversial idea, "there are no facts, but only interpretations," to illustrate this point. He differentiated between everyday truths, which are functional and necessary for daily life; scientific truths, which focus on the "how" things work; and philosophical truths, which delve into a more ontological or existential sense of meaning. He emphasized that functionality does not equate to truth, prompting a discussion about what we truly seek when we pursue truth, potentially linking it to a more transcendent purpose.

Regarding happiness, Sztajnszrajber expressed skepticism towards the simplistic formulas for personal success often found on social media. Instead, he referenced the ancient Greek concept of "ataraxia" from Epicurus, defining it as "the imperturbability of the soul and the pursuit of minimal pleasures." He shared a personal anecdote where his mother equated happiness with the absence of external disturbances, aligning with this Epicurean notion of independence.

At 58 years old, Sztajnszrajber admitted he doesn't have a definitive answer to the purpose of life. However, he finds personal fulfillment in his "desire to know" and the continuous exercise of wonder, suggesting that the ongoing process of inquiry and curiosity itself provides a sense of purpose.