Mike "Bagel"

The way to live a full life is to act quickly.

Particularly as you grow older, it’s alarmingly easy to let a year or two (or five) slip by without doing the big things you always felt like doing. You get into a rhythm—not necessarily one you love, but one you become comfortable repeating—and the grooves of your daily routine become deeper and more

Every statistic you come across, everything you read in a textbook, everything you learn from parents or teachers, everything you see or read in the news or on social media, every tenet of conventional wisdom—it’s all indirect knowledge. That’s why perhaps the most important skill of a skilled thinker is knowing when to trust.

Awe is one of the most profound feelings humans can experience.

When you are amazed by a vibrant sunset, or watching a baby take its first steps — you’re reminded of how insignificant you (and your problems) are.

You feel connected to something much greater and more meaningful.

Think about the last time you were truly awe-struck. Remember how those

Working with unceasing intensity is artificial and unsustainable. In the moment, it might exude a false sense of usefulness, but when continued over time, it estranges us from our fundamental nature, generates misery, and, from a strictly economic perspective, almost certainly holds us back from reaching our full capabilities. A more natural,

Once you've honed in on your intrinsic motivations, the next step is ensuring your actions and goals are in complete harmony with your values. Clearly define what you stand for and use these principles as a compass for your decisions. This alignment doesn't just boost motivation—it ensures your journey is meaningful and satisfying.

In essence, knowledge gained through the senses and perception is not knowledge at all, but opinion. It is only through philosophical reasoning that one is able to pursue knowledge.