I’ve created a manifesto of how I see this life so far.
I’m convinced that it should be relatively easy to create a system of values for an average person like me, who doesn’t have any higher education, or to that matter any background in philosophy etc. Sometimes I can barely spell basic words. Nevertheless, this is my attempt at that.
- Don’t deliberately harm others
Act in a way that minimizes harm to others unless you’re in immediate danger or defending loved ones from a direct threat. Recognize the difference between actual threats and imagined enemies, and avoid fighting unnecessary battles. - Kindness Over Revenge
Treat others with kindness, even when they’ve wronged you. Seeking revenge perpetuates negativity, while forgiveness and compassion open the door to healing and positive relationships. Revenge rarely brings closure, but empathy and understanding can lead to true peace. - Love, Not Hate
Choose love, even when it’s difficult. Hate is rarely constructive and often creates more harm than good. Loving others—especially in trying times—can lead to personal growth and healthier relationships, while hate poisons both your mind and your environment. - Forgiveness, Not Weakness
Being forgiving doesn’t mean being weak or allowing yourself to be mistreated. It means recognizing that people make mistakes and can learn from them. Letting go of grudges frees you from emotional burdens and allows you to move forward with dignity. - Collaboration Over Competition
Working together achieves more than working against each other. Healthy competition can be motivating, but collaboration fosters innovation, trust, and long-lasting success. Seek to uplift others instead of seeing them as rivals. - Balance Challenge and Rest
Push yourself to grow and improve, but don’t neglect self-care. Rest and reflection are as important as hard work. Without balance, you risk burnout and losing sight of what really matters in life. A fulfilled life requires both effort and recovery. - Engage in Meaningful Dialogue
Always be open to discussion. Speak your truth, but listen carefully to others. Sometimes, they may have perspectives that challenge your own. It’s okay to be wrong and to change your mind when presented with reasonable evidence. Meaningful dialogue promotes understanding and growth. - Transcend Ego
Let go of the idea of a fixed “self.” You are constantly evolving, and the choices you make today shape who you will be tomorrow. Act with this awareness, knowing that your present actions lay the groundwork for your future self. Don’t let ego-driven decisions cloud your judgment. - Be Aware of Bias
Understand that you will inevitably have cognitive biases, and be mindful of when you’re cutting corners in your thinking. Constant self-reflection helps you become more honest with yourself and others, allowing for better decision-making and personal growth. - Action Over Inaction
Tyranny thrives on the inaction of many. If you remain silent or disengaged, you allow destructive forces to grow unchecked. Speak up and participate in shaping the world around you. Even small actions can have meaningful impact, and political engagement is a key part of improving daily life. - Protect Your Inner Child
Cultivate self-love and protect the vulnerable parts of your soul. Life’s pressures can harden you, but it’s vital to nurture your inner child—your curiosity, creativity, and emotional well-being. Only you can guard these qualities and keep them alive. - Collaboration for Growth
Human relationships thrive on cooperation, not survival of the fittest. While natural selection may apply in evolution, human societies flourish through collaboration and mutual support. Building trust and positive connections leads to long-term personal and societal growth. - On helping fellow human beings
Don’t try to help those unwilling to help themselves. Consequently, don’t seek help unless you’re ready to put in the hard work.
This is an evolving document.