Legendary writer and journalist Hunter S. Thompson shares 5 lessons on life purpose in a letter. Topics include accepting advice, seeking perspective-altering experiences, defining goals that align with oneself, living by design rather than default, and shaping one's own way of life.
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Quick takeaways
Avoid blind adherence to advice; focus on general principles instead.
Embrace new experiences to shape perspective and identity for personal growth.
Deep dives
Lesson 1: Avoid the Perils of Advice
Thompson's letter emphasizes that advice can be dangerous as what works for one person may not work for another. He warns against blindly following specific advice and suggests focusing on general principles instead. By providing general ideas and frameworks, individuals can mold them to their unique circumstances, avoiding the pitfalls of one-size-fits-all advice.
Lesson 2: Seek Perspective-Altering Experiences
Thompson highlights the importance of experiences in shaping one's perspective and identity. He stresses that every significant experience contributes to personal growth and changes how individuals perceive the world. Encouraging individuals to embrace neuroplasticity, Thompson urges people to seek out experiences that challenge their views and lead to self-evolution.
If you're a regular reader of my work, you know that I have a special affinity for drawing upon wisdom from the past and applying my own lens to create something more usable for our own present and future.
Today's wisdom comes from a letter (full transcript here) written by a 20-year-old Hunter S. Thompson to a dear friend who had sought out Thompson's advice on finding his life purpose.
5 brilliant lessons on finding purpose (that we can all apply on our journey): (1) Accept the perils of advice, (2) Seek perspective-altering experiences, (3) Goals should conform to you (not vice versa), (4) Define your way of life, and (5) Live by design, not default.
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