William asked:

How can I become the best philosopher I can be? How important is it to keep up with the latest
philosophers, like Donald Davidson, Michael Dummett, and Richard Rorty?

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You should certainly read the works of the major contemporary philosophers. But concentrate on the
best, don't fill you mind with mush. The three individuals you mention have all inspired me. I would
single out two works, Rorty Philosophy and the Mirror of NatureBlackwell 1980 and Dummett Frege
Philosophy of LanguageDuckworth 1973 as books that reward close study.

You want to be the best you can be. Pardon me for saying this, but the best you can be might not be
that wonderful! Improving one's form is important, but it is not the only important thing. Philosophy is a
search, and that search has got to be rewarding for you. Whether it is done well or badly, philosophy
must be something you can enjoy and gain some satisfaction from doing, otherwise it becomes sheer
mental torture.

Don't stay stuck in your room. Take every available opportunity to go out and spend time with other
philosophy students. It won't be wasted. Ask questions in seminars, put yourself on the spot. Being
resourceful in face to face argumentation, being quick on one's feet is as important to a philosopher
as book knowledge or writing well.

I admire you for asking your question. Aim to improve yourself in every way you can, but don't obsess
about it. Don't fall into the trap of perfectionism.

Geoffrey Klempner