Tales of the Secret Sage

My Believ(f)e

a group of statues sitting on top of a sandy beach

My Story: Make Believe

I would not presume to tell you what to believe in, presuming, of course, that you are a level-headed, reasonably intelligent adult who believes in science that can be proven and understands that happiness or a certain satisfaction in life cannot be achieved by living unjustly toward any other being on planet Earth. But even then, I would not try. However, I would urge you to believe in something, sooner than I did. A positive purpose and a guiding philosophy will give your life meaning and fulfillment.

Find a purpose in life, however small, as long as it is positive. Dedicate your life to improving the lives of your family or friends, helping a suffering species of animals, or saving the planet. Do what is important to you and what you can manage. Find something worth dedicating your life to—there is something out there; you just need to discover it. Do something positive that helps someone or something without harming anyone or anything. Find a set of positive guidelines that resonate with you to guide your everyday decisions.

Throughout humankind’s history, there have been countless men and women who have dedicated their lives to studying how to best live one’s life. Learn from Eastern and Western philosophers what behaviors are most beneficial to you and others, and how to make the right decisions when in doubt.

Create your own life philosophy. Learn from, or embrace, Stoicism, Buddhism, the Growth Mindset (from Psychology), Taoism, and Positive Psychology.

Yours,

John Honney

Existentialists is a philosophical movement that emphasizes individual existence, freedom, and choice. Existentialists believe that individuals are responsible for creating their own meaning and purpose in life, as opposed to relying on external sources such as religion or societal norms. Key concepts in existentialism include:

1. Existence precedes essence: Existentialists assert that individuals exist first and then define themselves through their actions and choices.

2. Freedom and responsibility: Existentialists emphasize the freedom of individuals to make their own choices, but also highlight the responsibility that comes with this freedom. They believe that individuals must take responsibility for their actions and their impact on the world.

3. Anxiety and authenticity: Existentialists often discuss the experience of anxiety that arises from the awareness of one’s freedom and responsibility. They advocate for authenticity, which involves being true to oneself and living in accordance with one’s own values and beliefs.

4. Absurdity: Existentialists contend that the universe is inherently meaningless, and that individuals must create their own meaning in a world that lacks inherent purpose or order.

5. Authenticity: Existentialists encourage individuals to live authentically by making choices that align with their true selves, rather than conforming to societal expectations or external influences.

Overall, existentialism emphasizes the importance of individual experience, choice, and responsibility in creating meaning and purpose in life.