Philosophical Journaling: Embracing Self-Reflection and Growth
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The Essence of Self-Reflection
An important aspect of any philosophy of life involves scrutinizing one's actions. Long before Socrates famously stated that “the unexamined life is not worth living,” the philosopher Pythagoras emphasized the importance of introspection.
The Practice of Journaling
Pythagoras's insights into self-reflection are encapsulated in "The Golden Verses of Pythagoras" (verses 40–46), which highlight the significance of examining our daily actions:
- Never let sleep close your eyes before reflecting on your day,
- Review all your actions with reason.
- What wrongs have I committed? What have I done? What should I have done?
- If you discover faults, hold yourself accountable;
- If you find commendable actions, celebrate them.
- Engage in these practices thoroughly; cherish them deeply.
- These reflections will guide you towards virtue.
The Stoics also valued the practice of self-examination. Seneca, in correspondence with Lucilius, advised, “Let us scrutinize our hearts, for we often deceive ourselves. Each night, we should hold ourselves accountable.” He posed a vital question: Why fear acknowledging our faults when we can forgive ourselves?
However, an obstacle to philosophical journaling can be the fear of judgment, guilt, or shame. A crucial aspect of self-reflection is embracing forgiveness and evading the pitfalls of perfectionism. Seneca and others emphasized that “we are all imperfect.” The Stoics believed that a true sage is as rare as a phoenix, which is said to rise only once every 500 years.
Insights from Massimo Pigliucci
In my discussion with Massimo Pigliucci, the philosopher and author of "A Field Guide to a Happy Life," he shared valuable perspectives on journaling:
Journaling resembles diary writing but differs significantly. One primary distinction is the aim to document experiences in an objective manner. When noting events from my day, I strive to use detached language and avoid emotional expressions. This approach helps maintain clarity.
Another effective technique is to write in the second person instead of the first. For instance, instead of asking myself why I felt anger, I would phrase it as, “Why did you become angry?” This method encourages emotional distance, allowing for self-advisement on how to learn and improve.
Seneca articulated this process succinctly in "On Anger": “When the lamp is removed from my view, I review my day, reflecting on everything I have said and done, leaving nothing concealed.”
Final Reflections
Philosophical journaling enables us to assess our actions and words without bias, promoting an objective viewpoint. This ancient practice can significantly impact our lives by prompting us to consider three essential questions from Pythagoras: What have I done wrong? What have I done well? What have I omitted? In the words of Heraclitus, “Day by day, what you do shapes who you become.”
Thank you for engaging with this exploration; I hope you found it enlightening. You can discover more insights through our podcasts, and consider subscribing to our free weekly email meditation for timeless wisdom delivered to your inbox.
How to Journal (Like a Philosopher) - YouTube
This video delves into journaling techniques inspired by philosophical practices, guiding viewers on how to reflect effectively on their daily experiences.
How to Journal (& Think) like a Philosopher - YouTube
In this video, viewers learn how to approach journaling with a philosophical mindset, emphasizing objective reflection and emotional distance.