Fulfilment Begins in The Brain
Why true wellbeing begins in the brain.
Have you ever wondered why some people seem to cruise through life with clarity and purpose, while others struggle to find their path?
I am of the latter and am tremendously thankful that I’ve been better at finding my flow as the years progress—as it was not the case for a while.
What I’ve realised, over time, through many experiments, triumphs, and failures is that the answer may not lie in philosophy or self-help books, but in the powerful intelligence that powers our entire existence.
I want to admit that the question, what is a good life is also far more complex than two editions of this newsletter can adequately address. But, let me try to arrive at some conclusions today.
First let’s clarify: when I speak of “good,” I am not merely referring to moral virtue. As to make such universal judgements feels like it requires a divine superiority which I can confirm I do not possess.
I am human, we are human, and yes we are inherently imperfect, so I know my attempt to satisfy this monumental question will fall short.
But I still seek to explore a level of universal understanding that might, at the very least, help point us towards the direction of a level of a good life—one worth living, meaningful, and enjoyable, but by our standards and on our own terms; both from our subjective point of view, as well as in its universal application to us as a species.
We got this far together, there must be something universal in us.
But I also acknowledge neurodivergence and each person’s unique experience of the world. I champion individualism, as while there are universal principles that applies to us as a species, we, as individuals are also inherently one-of-a-kind.
“Each of us is on our own trajectory —steered by our genes and our experiences— and as a result every brain has a different internal life. Brains are as unique as snowflakes.”
― David Eagleman, “The Brain: The Story of You.”
As pursuing our most authentic selves, regardless of what society or culture dictates, is what I consider as one of life’s fundamental purpose. Yet, we cannot even begin to contemplate who we truly are without a healthy, functioning brain, first.
