Seeks after wisdom or knowledge of the broadest sort in order to achieve an harmonious relationship with the universe for himself and others. The philosopher is particularly concerned with the ultimate meaning of existence, and dialogues with the ideas put forth throughout history that attempt to explain the purpose of life and how we might appropriately respond. A philosopher engages in much study and thinking in order to formulate a coherent picture of all things. Once the philosopher feels confident in this view, he seeks to share this understanding through written or verbal communication in order that others may also benefit from this perception of reality. While every human being is, to some extent, a philosopher, the more intense role is usually found in circumstances that allow significant leisure time to people and where an academic environment prevails. When society is most chaotic, the philosopher can emerge to help understand the meaning of it all and thereby permit people to adopt a more peaceful lifestyle. The philosopher gives a demonstration of how one can step back from the mundane activity of living to contemplate the broader questions which life poses. This is a necessary human activity if one is to maintain a balanced perception of life. The ideas of the philosopher stimulate thinking and challenge people to formulate their own coherent view of the universe and their place in it.