How to Find Your Personal Philosophy: A Guided Exercise Inspired by Montaigne's Essays
Jesse Krim
Founder & CEO
Introduction: Why Your Personal Philosophy Matters
Your personal philosophy is your anchor in the storm—the inner compass steering you through life’s noise, choices, and challenges. In a world overwhelmed by endless opinions and expectations, knowing what you believe in—and why—is a radical act of clarity.
But here’s the catch: no one hands you your personal philosophy. It’s not taught in a classroom or handed down like a user manual for life. You have to uncover it yourself.
Luckily, you don’t have to start from scratch. Enter Michel de Montaigne, the 16th-century French thinker who turned introspection into an art form. Rather than lecture or pontificate, Montaigne used the essay as a mirror to understand his own mind. He wrote not to teach, but to explore.
This blog post is your invitation to do the same. Through a guided writing exercise inspired by Montaigne, you’ll begin to unearth your own inner beliefs—those that define how you see the world, and how you want to live in it. Whether you’re at a turning point or just craving deeper meaning, this process can help you rediscover what truly matters.
What Is a Personal Philosophy?
A personal philosophy is deeper than a motivational quote or a one-liner on a vision board. It’s your internal framework of values and beliefs—the mental code that shapes your choices, fuels your goals, and defines your character.
Characteristics of a Personal Philosophy:
- Grounded in real, lived experiences
- Evolving, as you continue to learn and grow
- Actionable, influencing daily habits and decisions
- Authentically yours, rooted in your values—not borrowed from others
Montaigne captured it best when he said, "I do not teach. I tell." Your personal philosophy is not about perfection or ideals. It’s about being honest with yourself about what you truly believe—not what you think you should believe.
Why Montaigne’s Approach Works
While many philosophers deal in absolutes, Montaigne embraced uncertainty. His genius was in asking questions and letting sincerity, not certainty, guide his answers. He explored everything from friendship and death to fear and joy—not as abstract concepts, but through his own experiences.
Here’s why his method still resonates:
- He reflected openly on his daily life
- He welcomed contradictions and explored them
- He used writing as a tool to think more clearly—not prove he was right
Montaigne pondered:
- What do I really know?
- Which virtues do I admire most in others?
- How do I handle suffering and change?
These questions remain timeless—and can lead you directly to your own personal truths.
A Guided Exercise: Write Your Way to Clarity
Carve out 20–30 minutes. Find a quiet space, open your journal (or a blank doc), and prepare to write freely and truthfully. These five prompts, inspired by Montaigne’s explorative style, are designed to peel back the layers of who you are—and where you’re going.
1. What does a good life mean to me?
Forget Instagram-worthy bucket lists. What does your version of a good life feel like on the inside? Is it peaceful? Adventurous? Rooted in love, purpose, or freedom?
Pro Tip: Focus on the experience, not the resume. Let values and emotions—not goals—guide your vision.
2. What do I consistently value in others?
Montaigne admired honesty, humility, and humor. What traits make you pause and think, “Yes, that’s what I want to be more like”?
This question often reveals who you are beneath the surface—your aspirational values, reflected through admiration.
3. Which experiences shaped how I see the world?
Think of 2–3 moments that challenged, enlightened, or shifted you. It could be heartbreak, failure, mentorship, travel, loss, or a single unexpected triumph.
These lived moments reveal what you’ve earned in wisdom—not in theory, but in practice.
4. How do I respond to suffering and uncertainty?
Montaigne didn’t shy away from pain—he wrote about illness, fear, and doubt to understand them. What happens inside you when things fall apart?
Recall how you've handled life’s storms. What did you learn? What beliefs got you through?
5. What kind of person am I trying to become?
This isn’t about jobs or achievements. It's about character: Who are you in your best moments?
Try writing a mini mission statement: “I aim to be the kind of person who…” Let this guide become your personal North Star.
Reflections: Assembling Your Personal Philosophy
Now go back through your answers. Highlight words, themes, or feelings that repeat. Maybe curiosity pops up again and again. Or maybe you’re drawn to freedom, growth, or compassion.
From these threads, craft a 3–4 sentence personal philosophy statement. Here’s a sample:
“I want to live with courage and compassion, embracing uncertainty while staying rooted in my values. I believe curiosity is more powerful than control, and that presence matters more than perfection. I grow by showing up, staying honest, and choosing love over fear.”
This won’t be your final draft—it’s your starting point. Your philosophy will continue to evolve. That’s the beauty of it.
How a Personal Philosophy Helps You Grow
Once defined, your personal philosophy becomes more than reflection—it becomes a filter for life. It helps you say yes to what aligns, and no to what doesn’t.
Ways it supports growth:
- Career decisions become more aligned with your values
- Mentor relationships become more intentional and meaningful
- Self-worth is grounded internally instead of chasing validation
- Resilience becomes easier when you have mental clarity
Rather than drifting with trends, you'll walk your own path—with conviction.
Final Thoughts: Make Introspection a Habit
You don’t need to be a philosopher to reflect deeply. But you do need to carve out space to ask great questions—and be brave enough to listen to your answers.
Take the Montaigne route: reflect casually, write freely, and don’t rush the process. Let your evolving philosophy illuminate your next steps.
Because real growth begins when you start asking: Who am I becoming—and does that person feel true to me?
Ready to Go Deeper?
The road to understanding yourself doesn’t have to be lonely. Having a mentor or guide can offer fresh, perspective-shifting insight into your evolving philosophy. Download the Get Mentors app today to connect with experienced mentors who support your personal growth journey.
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