Posts

Should We Maximize Pleasure and Avoid Pain? Rethinking Hedonism in a Deeper Light

The pursuit of pleasure is as old as humanity itself. From ancient Greek philosophers to modern lifestyle influencers, the idea that happiness comes from maximizing pleasure and avoiding pain has shaped how we live, work, and dream. In a world obsessed with comfort and convenience, the word hedonism often conjures up images of indulgence, luxury, and the pursuit of unending pleasure. It’s become shorthand for living a life free of discomfort — a kind of escape from struggle, challenge, and anything remotely unpleasant. But that definition misses the deeper truth of what hedonism can be. At its core, hedonism is about maximizing pleasure and minimizing suffering. But what if the road to deep, lasting pleasure actually winds through the valley of pain? But is this really the right goal? Should we maximize pleasure and avoid pain? Th e answer is more complicated than a simple yes or no. The Classic View of Hedonism At its most basic, hedonism is the philosophy that pleasure is the highest...

The Weight of Freedom: Understanding Existential Angst

The Weight of Freedom: Understanding Existential Angst By Thantazile Mnyakama Have you ever laid awake at night and asked yourself, “What am I doing with my life?” Or felt an uncomfortable emptiness even when everything seems fine on the surface? That unsettling feeling, that quiet discomfort in the pit of your soul—it might be more than just stress. It could be existential angst. Today, we’re exploring what existential angst really is, where it comes from, and how we can respond to it in a way that gives our lives more meaning. What Is Existential Angst? Existential angst, also called existential anxiety or dread, is the feeling that arises when we confront the vastness of our freedom, the uncertainty of life, and the burden of creating our own meaning. It’s not the same as general anxiety. It’s deeper. It often shows up when we ask ourselves big questions like: Why am I here? Does my life matter? Am I living authentically, or just going through the motions? This kind of discomfort is...

Announcement

Exciting News: I'm Launching Two Blogs! After much thought and reflection, I’ve decided to split my content into two focused blogs — each dedicated to a topic I care deeply about. 1. Philosophy & Personal Development Blog This will be the space where I dive deep into questions about purpose, discipline, meaning, and how to live a more intentional life. If you're seeking clarity, growth, and a philosophical approach to everyday living, this is for you. 2. Financial Literacy Blog Money is a powerful tool — and understanding how to use it well is life-changing. This blog will focus on budgeting, saving, investing, financial planning, and building wealth with purpose. It's all about mastering your money so you can shape your future. Both blogs will follow a regular publishing schedule and reflect my commitment to helping you grow — both in mindset and in money. Thank you for being part of this journey. I can’t wait to grow together — in thought and in wealth.

The Power of Tiny Improvements: How Small Habits Lead to Massive Change

The Power of Tiny Improvements: How Small Habits Lead to Massive Change Discover the secret to achieving massive change through small habits. Learn how the British cycling team's "marginal gains" approach can be applied to your life, helping you build lasting habits and achieve success. Today we are exploring how small habits, repeated consistently, can improve your life- from the wisdom of atomic habits.  Why Small Habits Matter Habits are the compound interest of self-improvement. By practicing small, positive behaviors daily, you can achieve significant transformations over time. Find out how to make small habits work for you. The Formula for Long-Term Habits 1. Make it easy : Reduce friction and start small. 2. Stack it : Pair new habits with existing ones. 3. Track progress : Monitor your streaks and celebrate small wins. 4. Celebrate every step: Acknowledge your efforts, not just milestones. 5. Be patient : Real results take time. Take Action - Identify one area fo...

The Power of Personal Responsibility: Finding Meaning in the Struggle

Have you ever felt like Sisyphus, pushing a boulder up a hill, only to have it roll back down, repeating the cycle ad infinitum? This ancient Greek myth can be seen as a metaphor for the human condition, where we face challenges and setbacks in our pursuit of meaning and purpose. But what if we told you that there's a way to break free from this cycle and create your own meaning in life? The Importance of Personal Responsibility Jordan Peterson's philosophy emphasizes the importance of taking responsibility for our lives, choices, and actions. By acknowledging that we have the power to shape our own destiny, we can create our own meaning and purpose. This is not always easy, but it is essential for living a fulfilling life. When we take personal responsibility, we recognize that we have agency over our lives. We're no longer victims of circumstance, but rather active participants in shaping our own futures. This mindset shift can be incredibly empowering, as it allows us to...

The Stoic Wallet: Control What You Can, Invest in What Matters

> “Wealth consists not in having great possessions, but in having few wants.” – Epictetus Introduction: The Philosophy Stoicism, an ancient philosophy rooted in logic and virtue, teaches us to focus on what we can control and to accept what we cannot. This principle isn’t just a moral compass—it’s a practical strategy for navigating life’s uncertainties. In our modern age of financial stress and consumer culture, Stoicism offers a refreshing, stabilizing perspective. Personal Development Angle: Control as a Mindset In personal development, success often starts with self-awareness and self-discipline. Instead of reacting to circumstances, you proactively design your responses. Financially, this means: Resisting the urge to compare your life to others. Delaying gratification in favor of long-term goals. Practicing gratitude for what you already have. When you control your internal world, the external noise loses its power over your decisions. Financial Literacy Application: The Stoic ...

Welcome to the Journey: What This Blog Is All About

>If you've ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or like you're meant for more but don’t know where to start—you’re not alone. I’ve been there too. My Story I grew up in an environment where personal development, financial literacy, and even philosophy weren’t talked about. There were no blueprints for growth—just survival. I didn’t have mentors guiding me or books lying around that could shape my thinking. So I had to learn the hard way. Through self-destructive habits, missed opportunities, and trial-and-error, I began to see how much I was holding myself back. That pain became my turning point. I started reading, studying, and slowly building the mindset, habits, and knowledge I wish I had learned earlier. This blog is my way of sharing what I’ve learned—and what I’m still learning. It’s for anyone who wants to grow mentally, emotionally, and financially… but doesn’t know where to begin. --- What You Can Expect 1. Philosophy That Grounds You Every Monday, I’ll unpack simple but p...