Philosophies

“For me, I am driven by two main philosophies: know more today about the world than I knew yesterday and lessen the suffering of others. You’d be surprised how far that gets you.” ― Neil deGrasse Tyson

I’ve been thinking a lot about how people respond to a crisis or challenging circumstance. It’s within those scenarios where philosophies are revealed and/or tested. Throughout this pandemic I’ve identified and claimed the philosophies above as the ones most critical to my existence.

What are you learning about the world? How do you engage in learning more? What are you doing to lessen the suffering of others? How do you make connections in doing so?

As I’ve been doing some of the bigger, deeper, and sometimes harder thinking, I’ve been coming back to the early days of Covid-19, when conversations felt surreal yet simultaneously enlivening. I remember discussing the brevity of life, the gratitude for the brave, the hope for the vulnerable, and the palpability of promise. The coronacoaster is a ride that leans heavily into philosophies, albeit personal or professional, and calls upon us to do better in terms of thinking, feeling, and contributing.

So what’s your philosophy in all of this? I’ve decided that whenever this is over, and whatever over looks like, my philosophical stance on life won’t waver or be replaced. If this pandemic has taught me anything it’s to hold compassion close and seek more knowledge.

Wishing you deep thoughts and adventurous action.