Pragmatic Humanism: My Philosophy
(This email was originally posted online.)
Over the years, I’ve pieced together a way of seeing the world that feels authentic to me. It isn’t perfect, and it’s not entirely unique. (It’s also not yet complete.)
It borrows from philosophies like Stoicism, Buddhism, existentialism, game theory, and evolutionary biology (and probably some more that I don’t know by name).
But it’s personal, shaped by my own experiences, observations, and the questions I ask.
My philosophy centers on balance, creativity, and the belief that humanity (flawed as it is) has a capacity for adaptation and growth. It’s about navigating the complexities of being human while staying curious, collaborative, and open to change.
This is the first time I share this philosophy. N.B.: The way this blogpost was created is by going through years of notes on different topics that are important to me (or that I had notes of). Think of them like chapters in a book.
Meaning
Evolutionary, life exists to reproduce. But as we are self-aware, we have the capacity to create our own meaning.
And meaning comes from engaging with the world: taking on challenges, exploring new ideas, and contributing to something bigger than ourselves.
Journey
Life is about the journey, not the destination.
I believe that life’s obstacles are essential. They give us purpose and keep us moving forward. Once we achieve a goal, we set another.
This is how we grow.
Hedonic adaptation, the tendency to quickly normalize achievements and seek more, can feel frustrating, but it’s also a powerful motivator (as long as it doesn’t turn to “keeping up with the Joneses”).
Progress
Despite the doom-and-gloom narratives we often hear, I believe the world is improving. Social media and human psychology bias us toward focusing on the negative (I could write a whole other essay on this), but when you zoom out, the curve goes up.
That said, progress isn’t linear (nor guaranteed). Technology, for example, has immense potential but also significant risks.
AI and other advancements could lead to incredible breakthroughs, or catastrophic consequences.
The difference lies in how we use them. (Greed, especially the capitalistic kind, is a problem here.)
Systems
Humans and the systems we create are inherently faulty because flawlessness doesn’t exist. (I think something can be perfect for someone, but never flawless.)
The important thing is to build self-correcting mechanisms into our systems. Whether it’s governments, corporations, or personal relationships, there must be processes for identifying and fixing mistakes.
This requires humility: the ability to admit when something isn’t working and the courage to change it.
And it requires education, not in the formal sense of schools and degrees (I could write a whole other essay on this), but in equipping people with the tools and perspectives they need to make thoughtful decisions.
For me, education means teaching people to think long-term and act with empathy, even for those they will never meet. Especially for those they will never meet.
Society
Humans are social animals. We thrive in groups, and I believe society’s role is to provide guidance, not strict definitions of success or happiness.
One of my favorite examples of this idea is Aldous Huxley’s Island. The utopian society depicted in this book allows people to explore different experiences and paths, offering tools for self-discovery without forcing conformity.
This resonates with me. I don’t think society should tell people what to be or how to live.
Instead, it should offer resources, education, and opportunities for growth while leaving the ultimate choices to individuals.
People need to feel free to carve their own paths, but they also need support along the way.
Leadership
A good leader is someone who clears obstacles so others can grow and discover their potential. Leadership isn’t about hand-holding or micromanaging. It’s about creating an environment where people can thrive.
(Though I admit I sometimes struggle with beginners who need more direct guidance. I tend to throw them into the ocean hoping they know how to swim. It’s something I’m working on.)
Authority
Authority has its place, particularly when systems break down or decisions need to be made. In those moments, leaders need to be balanced at heart — decisive but fair, focused on what’s best for the group, not themselves.
Leadership is a service, not a privilege. My issue with authority comes from people who lack this understanding.
Community
I’m drawn to the idea of a small community embedded in a larger society. This model satisfies two human needs: belonging and growth.
In a small community, you find intimacy, trust, and support. But being part of a larger society allows for diversity, innovation, and the exchange of ideas.
The danger is silo-thinking: the “us versus them” mentality that often arises in tightly knit groups.
When people focus only on their community, they can lose sight of the bigger picture, seeing others as competitors rather than collaborators.
To me, the key is integration: recognizing that we can be loyal to our “small tribe” while contributing to the larger whole.
Environment
As the “dominant” species (I hate that I just wrote that), humanity bears a moral obligation to preserve the natural world and protect “weaker” species (I also hate that I just wrote that).
This isn’t about moral superiority but about maintaining balance. Human progress should coexist with environmental stewardship.
Nature’s preservation isn’t just ethical — it’s pragmatic. Destroying the foundation on which we all depend undermines humanity’s long-term survival.
Human Nature
I don’t believe people are inherently good or evil. We’re neutral by default, shaped by the circumstances we find ourselves in. However, we are opportunistic — we act in ways that serve our immediate needs or goals, often without realizing it. This is human.
Game theory, specifically the idea of “tit for tat,” resonates with me here. Reciprocity — doing good when others do good, retaliating when wronged — is an effective strategy for navigating relationships.
But even tit for tat isn’t perfect. A more evolved version, one that forgives after a single retaliation, makes more sense to me.
Holding grudges wastes energy. Everyone deserves a second chance (but not necessarily a third — see more below). Fairness lies in balance, not in blind generosity or endless punishment.
Our opportunism has limits. Our emotions often dictate our initial reactions, steering us toward impulsive, short-term decisions. This is the first level of thinking: instinctive, fast, and often necessary in high-stakes moments.
But experience and rationality form a second level of thinking, which allows us to reflect and make wiser choices.
Most of life’s decisions benefit from the latter. The challenge lies in knowing when to rely on which.
Conflicts
Disagreements are part of life, and they are necessary for growth. I believe in the idea that the truth usually lies somewhere in the middle. Compromise isn’t about diluting your values; it’s about finding common ground that moves everyone forward.
That said, compromise isn’t always possible, and not every disagreement is worth resolving. There’s a point where you must walk away, where giving someone a second chance is generous but a third is enabling.
Forgiveness matters, but it shouldn’t come at the expense of self-respect or the broader good.
Relationships
Personal bonds are essential. Humans are biologically and emotionally wired to connect with others. From friendships to romantic relationships to family ties, these connections fuel the “chemical cocktail of emotions” that define much of our happiness.
And while I value families, I reject rigid definitions of kinship: if your blood relations are hurting you more than nourishing you, there is no reason to keep these ties alive.
Equality
I believe in equality of opportunity.
Giving people tools to compete on a level playing field aligns with my belief in fairness without overcorrection.
If someone is born with fewer advantages, society should help provide the resources they need to succeed.
Money
The idea that “the pie is infinite” reflects my belief in abundance rather than scarcity.
Sharing resources doesn’t diminish individual prosperity; it strengthens the collective foundation on which everyone stands.
And yes, I happily pay taxes.
Traditions
Traditions provide a sense of belonging and continuity, which is vital for many people. But they should never be static.
Traditions that no longer serve a purpose — like strict rules around formal dress codes in modern workplaces, or in-office rules (yes, of course I’d write about that) — need to evolve or be left behind.
At the same time, traditions that adapt to modern contexts can help anchor us in a rapidly changing world.
For me, the key is relevance. A tradition is valuable if it helps people feel connected and supported, but it must change as society grows.
Holding onto something purely for nostalgia or fear of change isn’t sustainable. (I struggle to respect people who say “but we’ve always done things this way” without rethinking it.)
Creativity
This is where I feel most strongly: creativity is what makes us human. It’s our version of play, a trait shared by many species: it’s how we express ourselves, connect with others, and make sense of the world.
Art, culture, and innovation are essential. They remind us of our potential and provide meaning in a world that doesn’t come with pre-written instructions. Everyone can create, and everyone should.
And creativity isn’t about being “good” at something — it’s about the act of doing it, of exploring possibilities and finding joy in the process. (See “Journey” above.)
Altruism
I grapple with the idea of altruism. On one hand, I agree with the notion that even selfless acts are ultimately selfish — helping others makes us feel good, and that feeling can be a motivator.
But does that diminish the value of altruism? If helping someone benefits both parties, it’s still a net positive.
The problem arises when selflessness is performative or when it shields people from necessary truths.
Truths
Talking about truths:
I believe in “lying by truth,” or telling partial truths when full honesty might cause unnecessary harm.
But I also think there are times when hard truths, like ripping off a bandage, are necessary for growth.
Happiness
Happiness isn’t a permanent state. It comes and goes in phases, like a sinus curve of ups and downs.
What’s more important to me is contentment, a steady sense of satisfaction with life, even during the inevitable lows.
Accepting the cyclical nature of happiness is liberating. It removes the pressure to always feel good and allows us to appreciate the moments when joy does arrive.
At the same time, striving for balance in life — through meaningful work, community, health, and freedom — creates a strong foundation for those peaks.
Humor
Humor is fundamental. It’s a form of coping, a way to connect, and an essential part of life. Humor breaks down barriers, fosters understanding, and keeps us from taking life too seriously.
This lightness is critical.
Beliefs
If we cling too tightly to our beliefs or take every setback as a catastrophe, we stagnate.
As I see it, everything is figureoutable. Mistakes and uncertainty are part of the ride, and at the end of it all, we die. So why not enjoy the journey?
Mystery
We will never know everything. The universe, nearly infinite (or rather truly infinite?), is a constant reminder of our smallness.
Rather than being disheartening, I find this exhilarating. It keeps us humble and curious, preventing the stagnation of self-importance.
Spirituality
I reject religion’s tendency to divide people into “us vs. them,” but I respect the role spirituality can play for others. For me, the beauty of the unknown isn’t in trying to explain it but in accepting its presence as a source of wonder.
The fact that we don’t have all the answers is part of what makes life endlessly fascinating.
(But please, don’t email me about horoscops or tarot cards.)
Final Thoughts
My philosophy is a work in progress.
It’s built on the idea that balance (between freedom and order, self and society, tradition and innovation) is key to navigating the complexities of being human. At its core is creativity, the human trait that allows us to imagine, adapt, and build something better.
We are flawed, opportunistic creatures, but that’s what makes us interesting. The goal isn’t to be perfect — it’s to be curious, engaged, and willing to grow. Life is messy, cyclical, and unpredictable, but within that mess lies endless potential. And to me, that’s what makes it beautiful.
This is what I believe in.
For now, because, maybe I’ll change my mind when I learn new things.