Some axioms I have picked up on my 28 brief years on this planet — Here are some axioms I have compiled after reflecting on the many experiences I have had over the last 28 years. It takes courage to assert yourself against the backdrop of conformity. Eating out alone, going to movies alone, and doing things alone is necessary for self-development. In order to…

The only way out is through — Noche Oscura Del Alma, or “Dark Night of the Soul”, was a poem written by the 16th century Spanish mystic and poet St. John of the Cross. There is speculation of when this poem was comprised with scholars suggesting it was written around the late 1570s — presumably while St…

Where is there to go? — I recently asked my mother what kind of child I was growing up. To my surprise, she lamented about how quiet and calm I was. Considering what kind of person I am today, I almost accused her of lying. It is safe to say that I am no longer that…

Is existence worthwhile? — “Never to have been born is best But if we must see the light, the next best Is quickly returning whence we came. When youth departs, with all its follies, Who does not stagger under evils? Who escapes them?” - Sophocles, Oedipus at Colonus Negative thoughts and memories characterize my…

How Seneca’s writings instruct us on how to lead a fruitful life — In letter III of Seneca’s On The Shortness Of Life, a prominent theme emerges. Seneca writes that when it comes to our material wealth, we are reluctant in sharing. Whether it be property or money, we often go closefisted. …

How Pondering About Your Inevitable Cessation Can Help You — There is wisdom in thinking about death. It is coming for all of us, regardless of our financial, spiritual or racial situations. It is one of the few undeniable occurrences of life, yet why do we shy away from the thought of it? The thought of death makes people uncomfortable…

Making Meaning in a Meaningless World — Absurdism was created by French philosopher Albert Camus (1913–1960). Many credit Camus for being an existentialist but in fact he is an Absurdist. His doctrine does share similarities with other ideas present in the Existential tradition, such as the focus and importance of choice. Absurdism refers to the tension between…

Preparing you for your fight against the inevitable — You and I both know it is coming. It is the end. It is the cessation of suffering as well as the product of suffering. Death can be a political message. It is an existential necessity. It is a philosophical position: how could we understand life without understanding death? Each…

Why you shouldn’t shy away from disagreement — “Above all, keep a close watch on this — that you are never so tied to your former acquaintances and friends that you are pulled down to their level. If you don’t, you’ll be ruined. . . . You must choose whether to be loved by these friends and remain…