Ask not what your life can do for you, but what you can do for your life! Start here:

1. "True freedom is impossible without a mind made free by discipline", and "the first and greatest victory is to conquer yourself." I aim to avoid simply following a predetermined path in life. Instead, I strive to actively shape my identity through deliberate and thoughtful actions. My pursuit isn't solely focused on achieving happiness; rather, I believe that genuine fulfilment arises from a continuous journey of self-challenge. This struggle, particularly the one within ourselves, is what truly brings about profound contentment.

2. "The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing." I strive to enhance my capacity for active learning and curiosity by applying the principles of materialism to analyse various aspects of life. This involves using historical materialism to interpret historical occurrences, employing dialectical materialism to comprehend scientific and natural phenomena, and bridging the divide between social sciences and physical sciences. This bridging aims to approach "subjective" matters with the same systematic framework as we do with natural phenomena. It's conceivable that we have the potential to and, consequently, should work towards deciphering all traces of subjectivity within our world.

3. "The task of philosophy is not to provide answers, but to show how the way we perceive a problem can be itself part of a problem" and "discovery consists of seeing what everybody has seen and thinking what nobody has thought." I aim to push the boundaries of our current knowledge, delving into realms of understanding that have yet to be uncovered. This journey involves not only discovering new information but also recognising the vast expanse of knowledge that remains undiscovered, expanding the horizons of what we are aware we don't know, as well as what we are not even aware that we don't know.

4. "The philosophers have only interpreted the world, in various ways. The point, however, is to change it." As I uncover and acquire knowledge, my intention is to actively work towards implementing change based on what I've learned. However, it's important to note that our focus should be on transforming the systems that compel individuals to engage in harmful actions, rather than solely attempting to change individual behaviour.

5. "Yeah, but your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn't stop to think if they should." If I am to put my effort into creating something, I believe its value should extend beyond consumerism. It seems unproductive to produce content that is solely meant for amusement and lacks elements of commentary, critique, or deeper meaning. While jokes can certainly bring fleeting joy to someone's life, allocating excessive resources for such basic purposes might not be justified, particularly considering the world's ongoing struggles with economic inequality and various related issues.

6. "Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much." Throughout human history, collaborative endeavours have been pivotal to achieving progress. Therefore, whenever feasible, I believe in both offering assistance to others and being open to receiving help myself. This recognition of the power of collaboration underscores its importance in our journey toward advancement.

7. "Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime." When assisting others, it's essential to prioritise long-term solutions. While short-term fixes and providing emotional support might be necessary in certain situations, they should never come at the cost of neglecting the importance of sustainable, lasting solutions. Balancing immediate needs with a focus on the future is crucial in ensuring meaningful and enduring help.

8. "Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people" and "words are never 'only words'; they matter because they define the contours of what we can do." Effective communication holds equal value to the substance of the conversation and has the potential to benefit all participants when approached with genuine engagement. It's prudent to align the effort I invest in a conversation with the effort I receive from others. While it's understood that not everyone may contribute equally, it's important to acknowledge the preciousness of time and effort, thus maintaining a balanced and respectful exchange.

9. "There comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular, but he must take it because conscience tells him it is right." Prioritise doing what is morally correct rather than what is convenient, as my actions are a reflection of my character. It's essential to make choices that align with ethical principles rather than opting for the path of least resistance, as these choices ultimately shape who I am.

The person I become in the future is influenced by the content I engage with, the efforts I invest in various activities, the company I keep, and how I respond to situations today. As the saying goes, "Life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it."

10. "I gave myself permission to make mistakes. I wouldn't ever give myself permission not to try." Achieving success in these aspects doesn't always mean rigidly adhering to rules; rather, it involves striving to follow them to the best of my ability and making necessary corrections when required. The notion that one must flawlessly adhere to every principle to hold valid beliefs is unrealistic. I shouldn't let such "criticisms" discourage me from pursuing my goals. Instead, I should focus on consistent effort and improvement, recognising that perfection is not a requirement for progress.