Philosophy

Every person, every question, every tragedy, even every victory — they all have nuance. Pay attention to the nuance.

Conservatism is not a reaction, but a reminder from a wise old friend. It is not the antidote to progressivism. It is not the antidote to anything. It is its own vivid and particular mood, or attitude. It is an attempt at wisdom, grounded in knowledge of human history and human nature.

Am I doing something because it is right, or simply because it is possible?

It has always been doubt, not certainty, the constant questioning and testing of cherished assumptions, that has moved us closer to a humane and just world.

I learned that unlikely events — the things we say could never happen to us — happen all the time, because there are so many possible unlikely events that a few of them will happen.

Avoid a life plan. You cannot imagine what will be invented in the future. You cannot imagine the opportunities that will be presented. A life plan will limit your future. Instead, spend your time developing a life philosophy.

In its passivity and resignation, cynicism is a hardening, a calcification of the soul. Hope is a stretching of its ligaments, a limber reach for something greater.

The moment you focus on that, you vacate your own soul.

To be or not to be is not the question. The vital question is how to be and how not to be.

Laughter is the most revolutionary emotion because it is free. It is the only emotion that is free. Fear can be compelled. Even love can be compelled. But laughter is an 'aha' of understanding — it's an orgasm of the mind.

Objective truths are true whether or not you believe in them.

Your fulfillment in life will not come from how well you explore your freedom and keep your options open. Your fulfillment in life will come by how well you end your freedom. Your primary mission in life is to be really good at making commitments.