How I found freedom in practical philosophy — I’m Chris Fritz, and I’m a recovering narcissist. In 2019, shortly before turning 25, I hit my all-time low. I was an alcoholic, I hated everyone, and I wanted to die. Philosophy taught me how to stop being a jerk so could finally live a life of freedom and joy. …

You are more than what you are — Michelangelo said, “Every block of stone has a statue inside it and it is the task of the sculptor to discover it.” We’ll take two things from that: Right now, you’re raw material You ARE your potential You access your potential by chipping away all the stuff from your past…

Who am I, and who is God? What do we have in common? From 2013 through 2016, I was a devoted Christian, devouring the passages of the Bible and additional theological texts in an effort to become a friend of God and a testament to his grace. The more I…

You deserve better — Throughout history, there’s always been a thin line between authentic self-love and unrepentant vanity. On the one hand, it’s important to set boundaries with others, make time for rest and relaxation, and enjoy life’s most pleasant blessings in moderation. On the other hand, it’s important to “turn the other cheek”…

Dispelling the Lifespan Delusion — Throughout history, humans have discovered, invented, and harnessed countless resources and applied them to the improvement and extension of human lives. The internet allows us to capture the sights and sounds (but thankfully, NOT the smells) of our environment and send them to someone on the other side of the…

Learn like a fool — If you asked ten people, “What is philosophy?” you’d get ten different answers. Of course, this isn’t new– people have always argued whether philosophy is something you study, talk about at parties, write about in legislative documents, or apply to your daily life. I tend to align with Greek philosopher…

Identity is action Last week, we talked about how to overcome anxiety with gratitude. This week, we’ll talk about how to avoid shitty people. We’ve discussed it before: personal growth is lonely. When you make a habit of restraining your desires, pushing yourself to your limits, and rejecting the status…

Gratitude is an engine of joy Last week, we talked about how to be happy when life ruins your plans. This week, we will discuss how to battle anxiety. One of the primary drivers of human unhappiness is our attachment to outcomes. When we fixate on the gap between what…

This is the Law of Letting Go Last week, we talked about how to handle criticism like a stoic. This week, we’ll discuss how to be happy when life gets hard. Life is full of trouble. But what is trouble, really? Is it an objective thing? If it were, then…