My 12 Problems

Here are the “12 Problems” I’ve built my current life around. These are non-negotiables, and they are also the focus of everything I do. If a situation doesn’t fit into one of these problems, I’ll generally relegate it, delegate it, or ignore it. 

I don’t generally recommend this practice for everyone. It’s a very difficult ethical standard to hold, and it can be cumbersome to run the mental math of “which problem am I trying to solve?” at any given time.

However, this approach’s clarity and focus far outweigh the negatives.

Here are my 12 Problems. I highly urge you to come up with your own:

1. How can I have a positive impact on this world?

2. How can I thrive while operating contrary to the dominant social or cultural trends?

3. How can I inspire young people to appreciate learning as a practice?

4. How do I provide for my family while remaining true to my calling?

5. How can I live with the most ethical sustainability while not sacrificing my enrichment in balance with the Creation?

6. How can I be the best role model for my espoused ideals and ethics as presented to my children and students?

7. How can I live according to nature (kata phusin in Stoicism)?

8. What does it mean to really be an effective teacher who can make connections and expand the worldview of my students?

9. How can I be a good Dad, and what does that mean?

10. How can I be a good partner, and what does that mean?

11. How can I explore my own self and brain and express that in my life?

12. How do I always maintain my own curiosity despite the challenges that the outside world might present?

• Category: Discovery, Education, Family, Philosophy, Religion, Science