THE EXAMINED MIND BLOG
Philosophy isn’t just for books and lecture halls—it’s everywhere, shaping how we think, act, and grow. Whether you’re looking for insights on self-improvement, a fresh take on an old concept, or just some thought-provoking reading, you’re in the right place.
Ready to challenge your perspective? Dive into the latest blogs below.
Philosophy in Paris: The Price of Freedom
Sitting on a Paris café terrace, a simple debate about freedom turned into something far more uncomfortable: what if we’re not as unfree as we think? Drawing on Jean-Paul Sartre, Epictetus, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau, this piece explores why freedom often feels like a burden, how much control we actually have, and whether what we call “lack of freedom” is really just avoiding responsibility.
The Problem with Turning Philosophy into One-Liners
Philosophy wasn’t written to fit on a Minion meme. Yet somehow, centuries of thought now live in Comic Sans captions and edgy one-liners. The problem isn’t that we quote philosophers. It’s that we stop there, and end up believing things they never meant.
On Nature and the Possibility for People to Change
Can people truly change, or are we just fooling ourselves by hoping they will? From ancient philosophy to everyday relationships, this piece explores the tension between hope, habit, and human nature. Featuring scorpions, Stoics, and the stories we tell ourselves, it’s a reflection on what change really takes — and what to do when it never comes.
The Philosopher CEO: What Happens When Wisdom Runs a Company
What happens when a CEO thinks like a philosopher? Instead of chasing one-liners and quick wins, they pause, reflect, and act with courage and conscience. From Machiavelli’s boldness to Marcus Aurelius’ self-mastery, timeless ideas line up surprisingly well with what research shows makes the best CEOs succeed. Maybe the “philosopher CEO” isn’t a joke at all, but the model of leadership we need most.
The Forgetfulness of Pain and Pleasure
Not long ago, I went for a walk with someone I hadn’t seen in a while. We were out walking the dogs, just catching up, not a scene you would expect
On Loneliness: The Difference Between Being Alone and Lonely
You must be lonely. That’s what people back home said when I told them that I hadn’t yet met a ton of new people after living abroad for a month.
Philosophy is a skill, not just a subject
As featured in Open Access Government, July 2025. Of all the things I’ve done in life to grow, improve, and feel more in control, philosophy has been the most surprising
On Saying Goodbye: What Philosophy Teaches Us About Moving Forward
Why is letting go so damn hard—even when it's right? Whether you're walking away from a place, a relationship, or just a version of yourself, saying goodbye isn't just emotional—it’s existential. From Kierkegaard's angst to Camus' absurd, philosophy has a lot to say about that weird, aching space between who you were and who you're becoming. In this post, I explore why we resist endings, how other people make it even harder, and what philosophers—from the Stoics to Simone de Beauvoir—can teach us about moving forward with courage (and maybe a little clarity). If you’ve ever felt stuck between holding on and moving on, this one’s for you.