A Month in Reflection: Journaling, Books, and Philosophical Insights

If you had a book of your last month's thoughts, would you read it? I looked at mine and wrote down some highlights. In this article, I share notes from my journal, thoughts from books, and a bit of philosophical insight that I find worth sharing.

Using this format, I aim to create an environment for conversation and, hopefully, deepen our collective structured reflection. Also, I fell in love with the idea of bridging the gap between daily thoughts and broader philosophical insights, which I’m practicing here.

For the past month, I've picked up my journal again and scribbled in it almost daily. It's been a simple yet impactful practice. Think about it: if you woke up one day and couldn't remember the last month, wouldn't it be something to have a notebook with all your thoughts from that time? That's pretty much how journaling felt for me. It's been valuable, even game-changing in some small ways. Just my experience, but maybe it resonates with some of you too.

Sometimes, the challenge is figuring out what to jot down. But I've found that the simple act of writing, even when unsure, can bring thoughts to the forefront. Just making myself write seems to pull out ideas and feelings that were lurking just below the surface. Through this, I've often stumbled upon and addressed some of the more pressing matters at that moment.

One phrase that caught my attention this month was "Aiming up is heroic." There's something compelling about it. Instead of focusing on immediate results or grand achievements, it emphasizes the journey of continuous growth. It's a reminder that real heroism lies in consistent effort, even if it’s made of repeatable, boring tasks that don’t seem heroic at all.

It brings to mind the concept of compound development, where small, consistent improvements stack up over time. It's not about monumental leaps, but the steady climb, the persistent push towards betterment.

Another phrase I've been thinking about is "Nature promotes change." I'm not saying it's a universal truth, but it got me thinking. We often shy away from change, preferring the safe and familiar. But nature? It often changes to grow and balance things out. Like trees shedding leaves to conserve energy in winter. It reminds me not to resist change, especially when it’s the best thing that could happen to me.

"The Gulag Archipelago" is a book written by Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, shedding light on the brutal forced labor camps, the oppressive Soviet bureaucracy, and the harrowing personal experiences of those persecuted in the Soviet Union. It's a heavy read, but one that offers a deep dive into a grim chapter of history and, more importantly, human nature

I was drawn to this book after listening to Dr. Jordan Peterson’s lecture. I am aware of the controversies surrounding him, and not everyone will like me mentioning his name. However, I’ve learned a lot from Peterson’s work and deeply respect him for his knowledge, clarity, integrity, dedication, and courage.

Back to the subject, Peterson often references Nietzsche's idea of "staring into the abyss". This concept suggests that when one confronts the darkest aspects of existence or the human psyche, those very aspects can profoundly affect and transform the observer. It's about acknowledging and grappling with the most challenging and unsettling truths of life, understanding that this confrontation can lead to profound self-awareness and growth.

Building on this idea, Peterson advocates facing difficult subjects head-on. It's no surprise then that his recommended reading list includes challenging titles like "Crime and Punishment" by Dostoevsky, "Beyond Good and Evil" by Nietzsche, and, of course, "The Gulag Archipelago”.

Reading this book feels like staring into that abyss. It's a raw, unfiltered look at human suffering and the depths to which society can sink. But there's value in confronting this darkness. After just a couple of pages, it's made me more grateful for the peace and opportunities in my life. Knowing the extent of pain others have endured, I've come to appreciate the simple blessings around me more than ever before.

But what stands out to me in "The Gulag Archipelago" is how it lays bare the dual nature of humans. The book paints a vivid picture of both the cruelty people can inflict and the resilience they can show in the face of adversity. It's a stark reminder that we all have the capacity for both good and bad. 

This duality echoes what Peterson often talks about, especially when he emphasizes understanding our shadows. It also aligns with Nietzsche's challenge to traditional moral values, suggesting that we're more complex than just 'good' or 'evil'. It's just my observation, but seeing these connections between the book and the works of Peterson and Nietzsche has been quite an eye-opener.

For me, understanding this complexity in human nature feels more important than ever. In a world where it seems like everything is black or white, right or wrong, these nuanced perspectives offer a refreshing break. Societies today often boil down complex issues into binary debates, missing the shades of gray in between. But diving into these works reminds me that life, morality, and human nature aren't just two-sided coins. Recognizing and appreciating this depth is, in my view, crucial for meaningful conversations and progress.

I've always been curious about the philosophies that shape certain opinions and concepts. Why? Delving into the foundational 'whys' not only develops my clarity and understanding but also equips me with tools for navigating life. It’s like having a map that doesn't just show the path, but also the terrain, helping one make informed decisions and responses.

This month, I've been exploring stoicism. And while it's not my first time diving into this topic, revisiting it has offered some fresh perspectives. At its core, Stoicism teaches focusing on what can be controlled and accepting what can't be controlled. A couple of its key concepts really resonated with me.

This is all about understanding oneself, recognizing strengths, weaknesses, and patterns. It ties back to the idea of conscious compound growth I mentioned earlier. And guess what? It's also closely linked to journaling, a practice I've found invaluable. By reflecting, I can become much more effective at steering my growth in the direction I want.

It might sound grim, but it's actually liberating. By acknowledging life's fleeting nature, it’s easier to prioritize what truly matters and let go of trivial worries. On a practical level, it's a daily reminder to live fully and appreciate the present.

I want to leave you with some practical takeaways. If you are eager to dive deeper in any direction this text mentions, here are some tools and resources.

Here are some practical journaling tips that have worked for me:

Start small: Begin with just 5 minutes a day; it's more about consistency than length.

No censorship: Don't hold back; let your thoughts flow freely on the pages.

Weekly reflection: Take time each week to review your entries, reflecting on patterns, growth, and focus areas.

Guiding questions: Consider creating a set of questions or measures to assess your personal growth and track your journey periodically.

Remember, the tool you journal with matters. For some, a traditional notebook offers a tactile, personal touch. Others might find digital apps, some with AI insights, more convenient. While I lean towards paper, explore both to see what enhances your journaling journey.

Here are some ideas for the prompts you may find practical:

// Give GPT a skill or area of knowledge you'd like to improve incrementally. Ask what one small step you can take today to get started.

// Tell GPT about a habit you'd like to cultivate. Ask how you can break it down into tiny, manageable daily actions.

// Tell GPT about a valuable lesson you've learned recently, no matter how small. Ask how you can apply this lesson moving forward.

//Tell GPT what person you'd like to become in the next year. Ask what one characteristic or habit you can focus on developing every day.

Brad Stulberg on mastering change with science and stoicism - it’s a valuable podcast episode by Daily Stoic that partially inspired my meditations on change this month.

When it comes to Dr. Jordan Peterson and the books recommended by him, there are two lists on his website:

• great books (this one is pretty long, books are grouped by genre);
• the most terrifying books (only 15 titles here).

Also, there is a 50th Anniversary Edition of Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn’s “The Gulag Archipelago” with a new foreword by Dr. Jordan Peterson, available here.

Thanks for taking the time to read my reflections. Let's make this conversation a chance to learn and grow. Your turn.