Living Philosophy

Given how similar humans are, we live remarkably different lives. Culture is powerful. Some live ascetically, others altruistically, and many hedonistically. But there is no correct way to live. We all operate differently. Our philosophical outlooks are shaped by genetics, environment, age, and condition–not universal truths, but adaptations to circumstance.

If we can accept the validity of mutually exclusive perspectives, then we must acknowledge that our values are ultimately practical and subject to change. We should remain open to new ideas, knowledge, and experiences, integrating them with our current worldview. We should recognize our position as one of many, and respect our inability to see from anywhere but here.

If there are no universal ideological truths, then we can’t outsource our meaning-making. We have to do the work ourselves. We must sift through the sea of valid, conflicting ideas–not just to find what resonates, but what works. Philosophy is not passive. It is active, lived, and constantly evolving. It is versatility, not consistency, that indicates true wisdom.