How to Develop a Personal Philosophy

Originally Posted: March 19, 2008 by lesliesrussell in Lifehack, Notes

What is it?

A personal philosophy is a written document detailing your ideas on how the world works–the big stuff and the small stuff and everything in between. A personal philosophy is a fluid thing your personal philosophy will change and grow as you change and grow.

Why do I need it?

• You already have one you just don’t know it.
• Having a written philosophy gives you a firm foundation upon which to base decisions and opinions.
• Writing it down exposes flaws or virtues allowing you to correct or embrace them as need be.

How do I do it?

1. Start with the phrase “I believe:”
2. Make a list of things you believe, hold true, or find self-evident.

FAQ

• Do I need to study philosophy?

No. But it really can’t hurt can it? You may find something with which you agree or find a better way to say something you already believe.

• Do I have to share it with others?

No. But being able to defend your philosophy will strengthen it.

• What if I believe something embarassing or wrong?

Then maybe you are wrong, but maybe the world is wrong. You won’t know which until you share it with others and are forced to defend it.

• How long will it take?

The rest of your life.

The Tao of Writing

According to legends, Laozi leaves China on his water buffalo. Renard, (2002), p. 16 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

A personal confession. I love the Tao te Ching, by Lao Tzu. It isn't just about the abstract 'life', it is about life. As in learning, walking, martial arts, music, and writing. Yes, writing. Here are four examples of what I am talking about, pulled nearly at random.

1. “Do you have the patience to wait until your mud settles and the water is clear?”
   One interpretation: Do you have the patience to wait to write until the clutter of your thoughts settle and your mind is clear?
   Another interpretation: Do you have the patience to not write a project until the ideas settle and the story and characters are clear?
2. “The wise man is one who, knows, what he does not know.”
   One interpretation: Your knowledge of personal and technical strengths and weaknesses comes partly from yourself but also partly from the feedback from others. Even then, it is incomplete.
   Another interpretation: apply this to research
3. “He who conquers others is strong; he who conquers himself is mighty"
   One interpretation: A good writer tries to write better than other writers, a great writer tries to write better than herself.
   Another interpretation:
4. “When people see some things as beautiful,
   other things become ugly.
   When people see some things as good,
   other things become bad.”
   One interpretation: Writers create protagonists and antagonists. The writer guides the reader in the perceptions of good and bad in people.
   Another interpretation: Writers write about values – what is beautiful, what is ugly. Some writers like to make the to make the boundary clear, others choose to blur the line. We have a responsibility to think about the messages we send because we send these messages to readers.