Jack
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On Confidence
Confidence is not about being certain. It is not about being loud or visible, nor is it about strength, success or control. True confidence is quiet, residing in honesty and the willingness to face brutal truths. It is the refusal… Continue reading
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On Control
Control is not about exercising dominance over our lives and their outcomes, but rather about quietly recognising our power and its limitations. This can be challenging in a world that rewards control. Control over appearance, outcomes and others. But philosophers… Continue reading
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On Consumerism
We are told that if we stop buying, the world will fall apart. The shelves will empty, the jobs will vanish, the system will collapse. Perhaps it would, if the only thing keeping the system in place is our willingness… Continue reading
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On Play
Play is not always freedom, nor is it always joy. The often-shared quote by Plato — “Life must be lived as play” — encourages us to loosen up, laugh more and take life less seriously. We are told it is… Continue reading
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On Vulnerability
Vulnerability is not the opposite of strength. But that is how it often feels. We are taught to build walls. We are encouraged to be rational, self-sufficient and immune to disorder and chaos. We should be disciplined and in control… Continue reading
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On Ambition
Ambition is not hunger. It is not the craving for more or the need to be seen. It is also not about power, applause or arrival. At least, not always. Ambition is a direction. It is a quiet, inner ache… Continue reading
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On Curated Identities
The concept of identity is shifting. What we understand as the self is no longer private or fixed, but rather a curated performance made for public consumption. Social media, in particular, turns our everyday moments into stages where what we… Continue reading
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On Burnout
We often think of burnout as a personal problem caused by poor time management, weak boundaries, or an inability to cope. However, as philosopher Byung-Chul Han argues, burnout is systemic. Not just a flaw in the system, but a central… Continue reading
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On Contentment
Contentment is not the absence of desire, but the quiet knowing that you are enough. It is not the dulling of ambition, nor is it about living a motionless life. Instead, it is a state where striving and achievement are… Continue reading
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On Solitude
In a world that constantly demands our attention, solitude can feel like an uncomfortable interruption to the constant stream of noise and expectation. Yet I have always found such incredible comfort in its presence. It is something I return to… Continue reading
Jack Bilson On... 