The word, philosopher, is an honorific, W. says. It's a title that can only be bestowed by others. No one should ever call himself a philosopher. No one has the right.
It's like having a laurel wreath placed on your head, being called a philosopher. It's like having a garland of flowers placed round your neck. Who would ever crown himself a philosopher? Who would ever hang flowers around his own neck?
Lars Iyer's Blog 