"Pour te trouver, pense par toi-même"

The essence of the quote is that true self-discovery comes from forming your own opinions and beliefs, rather than merely adopting those of others. It’s about digging deep into your own thoughts and feelings to understand who you really are and what you genuinely care about.

This idea has its roots in ancient philosophy. Socrates, the great Greek philosopher, was a huge proponent of individual thought. Living in a time when conformity and adherence to social norms were highly valued, Socrates encouraged people to question everything and think independently. He believed that only by thinking for themselves could people achieve true understanding and a meaningful life.

Let’s bring it down to earth with a real-life example. Take Jane, for instance. She’s always been told she should become a lawyer because her parents are lawyers, and it’s a prestigious career. She goes along with it for a while, attending law school and working long hours. But something doesn’t feel right. She’s not happy. One day, Jane decides to take a step back and really think about what she wants. She realizes her passion lies in writing and storytelling. Against all odds and societal expectations, she decides to pursue a career in journalism. She starts small, writing articles for a local newspaper, but she’s happier and more fulfilled than she ever was in law. By thinking for herself, she finds her true calling.

So how can you apply this wisdom in your own life? Start by questioning the beliefs and values you hold. Are they really yours, or have they been handed down to you by others? Take time to reflect on your experiences and feelings. Journaling can be a great tool for this. Write down what makes you happy, what frustrates you, and what your dreams are. Don’t be afraid to challenge societal norms and expectations. It’s okay to take a different path if that’s what feels right for you.

Imagine you’re sitting in a coffee shop with a friend, and you’re talking about your career. Your friend tells you about their job in finance that pays well but leaves them feeling empty. They’ve always loved working with their hands, fixing things, and creating. You ask them, “If money wasn’t an issue, what would you do every day?” They light up and say they’d start a business refurbishing old furniture. You encourage them to think for themselves and not just follow the path laid out by society or their family.

This advice is all about authenticity. It’s about finding your true self by cutting through the noise of external influences. When you make decisions based on your own thoughts and feelings, you’ll find a sense of inner peace and satisfaction that can’t be matched by following someone else’s script. So take a moment, think for yourself, and discover who you truly are.