Philosophy aphorisms

  • Know yourself - the First Amendment of every autonomous person.
  • The ultimate power is the ability to say "no."
  • You want to be known for signal, not noise.
  • Do not confuse the loudest voice for the majority voice.
  • All prescriptions create their own traps - what you want is freedom from desire.
  • Many brilliant people identify with an “ism” in their early years - and never escape ideology.
  • What you should not do is often clearer than what you should do.
  • 90% of people root for the same sports teams as their parents; about the same register with their political party.
  • Admirable people preach what they practice.
  • To win, don’t look for the best conceivable outcome, just the best possible one.
  • Accept difficult truths early in life.
  • Steel man your opponent’s arguments; get to know your idea adversaries.
  • When you win one game, play a different one.
  • Enjoy being wrong; you may not have understood before, because you weren't prepared, wise, or informed.
  • The best thinkers are clear thinkers.
  • Understanding over judgment.