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Why I Pursue Wisdom

November 5th, 2024 – By Ruben Bijman

Why Pursue Wisdom?

Years ago, someone asked me a question that stopped me in my tracks:

“What is your life’s purpose?”

It’s not the kind of thing you hear every day, but somehow, I didn’t hesitate. The words came to me as if they’d always been there:

“To Pursue Wisdom.”

Simple, clear, and yet profound. I still remember the moment vividly—the calm it brought, the certainty it gave me. It wasn’t a flashy epiphany, but it changed everything.

But why pursue wisdom?

I’ve asked myself this countless times. The honest answer is that I do not know. It is the deepest layer of meaning that I have been able to peel off of my proverbial ‘life purpose onion’. The layer I always return to when I ask myself why I am doing things, it shapes everything I do.

– Why focus on personal growth? Because becoming the best version of myself is intertwined with wisdom.
– Why do I eat healthy, exercise and prioritize health? Because being in peak condition is wise.
– Why am I eager to start a new business and pursue wealth? Because financial stability allows the freedom to travel, learn, and live fully—supporting my purpose.
– Why the urge to travel and explore new cultures? Because experiencing how others live broadens my understanding of the world.
– Why aspire to start a family and experience the joy and tribulations of raising children? Because raising children is a fundamental part of the human experience and an unique opportunity to give wisdom to the next generation, benefiting humanity as a whole.

Why Write about Wisdom?

This is why I write these personal essays: to consolidate and share the insights I’ve gained over the years, hoping to inspire others to pursue wisdom, grow and strive to become better versions of themselves and maybe, just maybe, my simple contribution helps them in a tiny way, to in turn make the world a better place. 

But if I put all these thoughts to paper and no one reads them, that is okay; because to be blunt, I also do this for myself. Over the years I have accumulated lessons, insights and deeper understandings that are clogging up my brain, they need a release and I need clarity.

Writing helps me to reflect and understand my thoughts on a deeper level, it forces me to make wisdom concrete and simple, to distill its essence. I already get excited just thinking about it.

Nevertheless, sharing my thoughts feels vulnerable, you expose yourself to the opinions and criticism of others. This has held me back, but growth often lies in discomfort, and embracing vulnerability is itself a path to wisdom. I knew I had to do it; to push through and become serious about starting this blog. So, here I am, ready to share and learn.

Luckily, I know my fears are fleeting. My family and friends have always encouraged me to share my ideas. We’ve had countless late-night conversations, diving deep into the workings of the mind and exchanging insights.

More than once, they’ve encouraged me to start writing and share my ideas with the world. 

The day has come.

What will this blog be about?

So, where will this journey lead? I’m not sure, but I’m eager to find out—and you’re welcome to join me.

Before we dive in, though, it’s important to share what this blog will not be. It won’t delve into news, politics, religion, or ideology, as I find these topics often cloud wisdom and distract from true understanding.

My philosophy for writing this blog centers on wisdom that is timeless and universal; something that could hold true a thousand years from now.

In a world where trends and opinions shift constantly, I aim to explore wisdom that transcend the moment—principles of life, growth, and understanding that withstand the test of time.

In other words, this blog is a space for reflections that connect us to the unchanging truths of the human experience.

Final Words

Lastly, let’s acknowledge that any wisdom in these essays belongs to humanity—all of us. I haven’t invented these ideas; I’ve gathered them from things I’ve read, heard, or absorbed along the way, and yes, sometimes borrowed outright. 

I’m here to collect, distill, and share what resonates. Much of it has been passed down through generations, with origins often lost to history.

I’ll credit sources when I can, but I know that most thinkers themselves have drawn from others before them. And that’s how it should be; I’m simply grateful they shared it with me, so I can now pass it on to you.

With love and humility,

Ruben

For more reading, I recommend my attempt at Defining Wisdom

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