The majority of philosophers are men (Ref 1); why is that, I wonder?
There could be a few explanations.
Men are more prone to depression and self doubt than women, and the former seems to be the everlasting fuel for philosophical musings- see what the French and the Greek and the British men say:
There is not love of life without despair about life.
― Albert Camus
Death may be the greatest of all human blessings.
― Socrates
The secret of happiness is to face the fact that the world is horrible, horrible, horrible.
― Betrand Russell
Just because a woman is capable of a significant accomplishment, doesn’t necessarily mean she’ll choose to spend her time that way.
I know what the world is, and have not the least desire either to brave it or to court it.
― Harriet Taylor Mill
However, let us not be sad; there are some philosophers who are men and whose words are positive and uplifting:
Good-humour is a philosophic state of mind; it seems to say to Nature that we take her no more seriously than she takes us. I maintain that one should always talk of philosophy with a smile.
― William James
Nature cannot be commanded except by being obeyed.
― Francis Bacon
As for women, being bright and cheerful seems to come to us naturally- is it because we create new life? Or enjoy being close to nature just a little more than men do? Hence Francis’ words make perfect sense to us.. without any need for philosophical discourses.
Last but not least, painting all the nails whilst wearing a gorgeous new dress and chatting for an hour to your best friend is a simple but very effective life affirming measure most of men could never enjoy 😊
Reference 1.
In the UK, women are 46% of undergraduate students in philosophy, but only 24% of permanent staff. Women are approximately 21% of professional philosophers in the US, but only 17% of those employed full-time.