The Purpose of Philosophy
Philosophy serves as a flexible lens, offering a mental framework to navigate life’s decisions and challenges. It guides us in understanding how to live, learn, and make sense of the world around us.
My Personal Philosophy
I want to share my personal philosophy, not because I’m perfect—far from it—but because it helps me stay grounded and focused. This is as much a guide for myself as it is for anyone else who might find it useful. I call my philosophy a blend of self-help, ancient wisdom, metaphysics, psychology, personal experience, and insights from my students and readers.
Where Most Philosophies Fall Short
Many philosophies have gaps:
- They don’t emphasize that philosophies are temporary tools, not permanent fixtures.
- They often fail to encourage independent thinking and direct experience.
- They can turn people into armchair philosophers—full of theories but lacking practical results.
- They often present teachings literally, missing the metaphorical depth.
- They focus too narrowly on personal life, ignoring the professional aspects that consume much of our time.
The Essence of My Philosophy
My philosophy is not an identity to cling to. Don’t use it to label yourself. Use this philosophy when needed, challenge it, and build upon it to create your own path. Here’s what I ask:
- Use my philosophy as a tool for navigating tricky life situations, then let it go.
- Test its ideas against your reality.
- Share and expand upon these ideas in your work to benefit others.
The Problem with Modern Life
Before diving deeper, let’s acknowledge the issues of modern life. Most people live a life dictated by societal expectations—school, job, marriage, house, retirement—without questioning if this path leads to true fulfillment. They suppress their curiosity and become robotic, losing their childlike wonder and potential for change. They are caught up in a bad underlying structure.
The Solution: Progress
To combat this, I’ve condensed my philosophy into three actionable steps: Purpose, Plan, Problems. This framework can guide you through almost any situation.
- Purpose: A goal that positively impacts others.
- Plan: A strategy to achieve your goal.
- Problems: Instead of trying to be a continual problem solver, create a new underlying structure. Challenges are going to come up along the way. Keep a journal and document how you overcame problems aligned towards your purpose. You will be able to reflect on this underlying structure later to develop your personal philosophy.
The Tenets of My Philosophy
I’ve adopted what Viktor Frankl identified as the route to self-actualization. They are three main types of values that lead toward self-actualization. They are: creative, experiential, and attitudinal. Let’s break these down:
- Creative Values: Discovering purpose by creating something new or engaging in acts of creativity. These come from doing something meaningful, like creating art or solving problems. You can find purpose in your daily actions.
- Experiential Values: This involves finding meaning through experiences. It can be as simple as enjoying a beautiful sunset or appreciating someone’s uniqueness. For Frankl, experiencing beauty or deep connections with others can provide profound meaning without needing to act or achieve anything specific. Drawing meaning from experiences, whether it’s appreciating nature’s beauty or forming relationships with others. For example, finding joy in listening to a babbling brook of crystal clear water can be very meaningful.
- Attitudinal Values: This is about your response to situations, especially suffering. Even when faced with hardship, you can choose how to react. Your attitude can help you find meaning, even in tough circumstances. Choosing how to react to suffering and challenges. Even in difficult situations, you can find a sense of meaning by deciding how to approach them.
Perspective & Perception
Everything is a matter of perspective. Emotional reactions, feelings of being lost or anxious, and procrastination all stem from an incomplete perspective. By zooming out and viewing situations from different angles, you can better navigate life. Focus on creating a new underlying structure rather than taking the same old approach of solving problems, only to have them resurface again.
Universe
Understanding the interconnected nature of the universe can solve many problems. Everything is part of a larger whole, and recognizing this can bring clarity and peace. The universe operates in cycles and patterns, and aligning with these can help you make better decisions.
Integrating My Philosophy
By integrating purpose, plan, and problems along with the formula for self-actualization into your daily life, you can transform your experience. Use these tools to navigate life with skill and grace. Set aside time to reflect on these perspectives and make quality decisions.
Conclusion
This philosophy is not about achieving perpetual happiness; it’s about finding meaning in the journey, embracing both peace and progress. Suffering is a part of life, but by choosing what you suffer for (attitudinal), you can find fulfillment.
“Life swings like a pendulum backward and forward between pain and boredom.” ― Arthur
Schopenhauer
My philosophy encourages a holistic understanding of life, helping you navigate its complexities with intelligence and grace by creating an new underlying structure. This prevents oscillating back and forth trying to be a continual problem solver.
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