What I Believe: A Journey Through Humanism, Stoicism, and Globalism
How I Found My Own Path
I didn’t grow up in a deeply religious household. In fact, for most of my childhood, church wasn’t part of my life at all.
But when I hit my teenage years, I became immersed in faith, eventually believing I was meant for ministry.
I thought that the only way to be a good person was through religion—until I started questioning everything.
At first, those questions felt terrifying.
If I wasn’t guided by religion, how would I know right from wrong?
But as I stepped away from faith, I realized something profound: morality, kindness, and meaning don’t require religion.
They can stand on their own.
That journey led me to philosophies that resonated deeply—Humanism, Stoicism, and Globalism.
These aren’t just labels; they are guiding principles that shape how I see the world.
Humanism: Ethics Without Superstition
Definition: Humanism is a philosophy that prioritizes reason, compassion, and human well-being without reliance on religious or supernatural beliefs.
Humanism clicked for me when I realized that the core values I admired in religion—kindness, generosity, and justice—didn’t require faith.
Why should love and morality be tied to belief in an afterlife?
Why couldn’t we do good simply because it’s the right thing to do?
Humanism acknowledges that we are responsible for one another, not because of divine command, but because our shared humanity demands it.
It’s about leading with love, making ethical choices, and believing in progress through reason.
One of the most powerful aspects of Humanism is that it’s not exclusionary.
It doesn’t require belief in a god, but it also doesn’t demand rejection of those who do.
It’s a bridge, not a barrier.
Stoicism: Mastering the Self
Definition: Stoicism is an ancient philosophy that teaches resilience, self-discipline, and focusing on what we can control.
One of the biggest influences in my life has been Ryan Holiday’s "The Obstacle is the Way."
The Stoic mindset is about accepting hardships as part of life and using them as fuel for growth.
“The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way.” —Marcus Aurelius
This philosophy helped me understand that suffering isn’t a punishment; it’s an opportunity.
When I lost my brother, when I questioned my beliefs, when I faced personal struggles—Stoicism gave me the mindset to not just endure, but to grow.
Through Stoicism, I’ve learned:
We can’t control the world, only how we respond.
Complaining about problems doesn’t solve them.
Discipline and action create lasting change.
And most importantly, it taught me to focus on leading by example instead of trying to control others.
Globalism: We Are Stronger Together
Definition: Globalism is the idea that we are all connected, and that cooperation—rather than division—leads to a better world.
This belief didn’t come from reading a book—it came from experience.
When I joined the military and met people from all over the country, I realized that despite our differences, we thrived when we worked together.
This applies on a global scale as well.
The more we isolate ourselves, the weaker we become.
Trade, innovation, humanitarian efforts—all of it depends on recognizing that we are part of something bigger than our immediate surroundings.
“A world in which we are all connected is one in which we all have a stake in each other's success.” —Barack Obama
Globalism isn’t about erasing cultures; it’s about embracing them.
It’s about understanding that nationalism and isolationism only limit our potential.
The biggest challenges we face—climate change, economic inequality, human rights—are not solved by walls, but by bridges.
The Evolution of Belief
I didn’t wake up one day and decide to adopt these philosophies.
It was a slow process of learning, questioning, and growing.
Along the way, I’ve been influenced by great thinkers like Ryan Holiday, Mark Manson, and Brianna Wiest.
But most of all, I’ve been shaped by the people in my life.
My family, my friends, the strangers who showed me kindness, and even those who challenged me.
Every experience has pushed me toward a belief system that prioritizes love, resilience, and unity.
I still don’t have all the answers. And that’s okay.
Because I’ve learned that belief isn’t about certainty—it’s about curiosity.
Closing Thoughts
Maybe you resonate with Humanism. Maybe Stoicism speaks to you.
Maybe you’ve never thought about Globalism before today.
But at the core of all of these philosophies is one simple truth: We are responsible for each other.
We don’t need religion to tell us to be good.
We don’t need to live in fear of punishment or hope for reward.
We just need to choose kindness.
So, let’s keep asking questions. Let’s keep growing.
Stay Curious. Stay Human. And Always, Be Kind.
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