How should one approach philosophy if one is not learned, nor especially bright?

I think philosophy is very interesting. But I am not academic. I read a few philosophers and take something away from them, but I always have some reservations about what they say. I know my thoughts are not original, but I think a few things are true.<br><br>I do not agree with the academic philosophy culture. I do not think learnedness is adequate enough to approach philosophy. I think one must live a full life, experience a diverse range of situations, cultivate one's mind and character, and only then think about philosophy. And I do not think one should write about philosophy, I think one should live it. <br><br>But this leaves me feeling outside of philosophy and out of place in discussions of philosophy. I find philosophy to be a personal activity which can not be done in groups. <br><br>I do not think philosophy should be in schools. I do not think you should be able to get a degree in philosophy. I think teaching philosophy is a corrupt activity. <br><br>So how should one approach philosophy if one is outside of the academic approach to philosophy?<br><br>I also sense that I am not the only one who thinks this way, and so I ask my fellow philosophers, how do you approach philosophy?