The Reason for Being

Raison d'etre, a French term meaning reason for being.

And what is the reason for my existence and being? What has emerged and continued to resonate with me is a sustained engagement in the art of living through contemplation, philosophy, and education.

Since exploring my interest in philosophy, I have undergone a process of self-transformation which has radically changed my perspectives on life. Whether it be through unlearning, deconstructing, or reframing, it is a lifelong journey, no doubt. This has become a digital corner to share philosophical concepts and my experiences of living them out, often in relation to being a primary/elementary classroom teacher in Australia and now, as a PhD candidate in Canada.

For those who are philosophically curious, I extend my welcome. Take what you need, gain insights and reflect inwardly. Seek out wisdom for yourself to live a more fulfilling life.

My journey started when I wondered why things are the way they are. This began at a young age and continued into a deep desire to understand the world around me, not just on a surface level, but on a deeper level. Why do we never seem to be fully satisfied with what we have? What does a happy and meaningful life look like? How can we achieve inner peace and tranquility?

After a coffee chat with my university professor one summer afternoon in 2021, they recommended me Pierre Hadot's Philosophy as a Way of Life. You know those moments when you feel alive, not just at a corporeal level, but on a spiritual and intellectual one too? Reading Hadot's insights about how philosophy can be more than just a theoretical or abstract endeavour compelled me to live out my values and experience philosophy in real life. So began a journey of continuous learning, experimenting, and sharing. As Seneca puts it, "all study of philosophy and reading should be for the purpose of living a happy life", and so here's to turning noble and courageous words into works that can bring us happiness and meaning.

I welcome you to join me, as we meander through ideas, distill information and think philosophically about the world. These are my field notes. A gift from a philosophically inclined teacher to you, for knowledge only becomes useful when it is shared with others.

「 How to Show your Support 」

Subscribe and have these articles delivered straight to your inbox.

Feel free to buy me a coffee here.