For me, some of the biggest questions in life revolve around our views on morality, ethics, politics, and philosophy—and how we adopt identities based on what we believe in. As someone who has long identified as a left-leaning liberal, I’ve had my fair share of ups and downs supporting partisan views that didn’t fully align with who I am. But because I saw myself through that lens, defending those views felt natural—almost necessary. Looking back, I believe that was a mistake.
Take Stoicism as another example. It resonated with me deeply at one point because it promoted values like bravery, resilience, and perseverance—traits I still admire. But it also encourages radical acceptance, even in situations where change is possible and necessary. That’s where I started to feel a disconnect. Some things shouldn’t just be accepted; they should be challenged and changed, especially when no real sacrifice is required for some abstract “greater good.”
I still believe it’s important to hold strong opinions and have a clear worldview—but those views should be flexible and open to growth. If you never challenge your beliefs, you deny yourself the opportunity to evolve. You end up clinging to outdated ideas simply because you feel obligated to “stay true” to them.
Freeing yourself from that burden gives you space to grow and to genuinely support what resonates with you today—not just what once did. It allows you to stand for things that truly reflect who you are now and who you want to become.
Don’t be a slave to your beliefs. Question them, reshape them, and let them grow with you.
Cheers!
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