## Understanding a Philosophy of Life A philosophy of life refers to a person's fundamental beliefs, values, and attitudes concerning existence, purpose, meaning, and how one should live. It acts as a personal framework or guide for making decisions, understanding the world, and navigating life's challenges. The following principles represent the viewpoints I have determined will most likely lead to positive experiences and a fulfilling life. ## Influences and Origins While these tenets are personalized, my philosophy of life is not entirely original. It draws inspiration and builds upon concepts from several established philosophies. You can read more about these foundational influences here: - [[Existentialism]] - [[Minimalism]] - [[Objectivism]] - [[Stoicism]] ## My Core Tenets for a Fulfilling Life [[My Philosophy of Life/1. The possibilities are endless, but there are always trade-offs.]] [[My Philosophy of Life/2. Life is all problems; I will try to find problems I like solving.]] [[My Philosophy of Life/3. Experiences shape beliefs, and beliefs shape experiences.]] [[My Philosophy of Life/4. Absolute control, conservation, and certainty are illusions.]] [[My Philosophy of Life/5. Time and attention are limited and always flowing.]] [[My Philosophy of Life/6. I can only control what I take responsibility for.]] [[My Philosophy of Life/7. My deepest regrets reveal your biggest failures; I will use them to guide my decisions.]] [[My Philosophy of Life/8. Chaos reveals who I really am, and power only magnifies it.]] [[My Philosophy of Life/9. Inauthenticity and the use of force are always traumatic.]] [[My Philosophy of Life/10. Pain inflicted on oneself or others never results in long-term change.]] [[My Philosophy of Life/11. Achievement requires luck and a plan. The best plans need the least luck.]] [[My Philosophy of Life/12. Effort and resources yield greater rewards when invested.]] [[My Philosophy of Life/13. Works are best executed under a singular vision.]] [[My Philosophy of Life/14. In pursuit of happiness, be curious, not judgmental.]] [[My Philosophy of Life/15. Relationships and purpose are built, not found.]] [[My Philosophy of Life/16. Love can only be sent to the future and received in the present.]] [[My Philosophy of Life/17. The way I treat others shapes how I expect to be treated.]] [[My Philosophy of Life/18. My feelings and needs are always valid, but not always understood.]] [[My Philosophy of Life/19. Shame blocks vulnerability and therefore prevents intimacy.]] [[My Philosophy of Life/20. My opinion on my matters is most important, but others offer insight.]] [[My Philosophy of Life/21. I must make it known how I feel and what I want if I want to be helped and understood.]] [[My Philosophy of Life/22. Gratitude loses its potency over time and if not shared is wasted.]] [[My Philosophy of Life/23. Everyone acts in their own interest, but helping others often serves mine as well.]] [[My Philosophy of Life/24. Everyone is beautiful and worthy of love.]] [[My Philosophy of Life/25. We are all one people and any effort to divide us is only an illusion.]]