A philosophy of self
Every horse is simply being a horse — and in doing so, it becomes the living definition of horseness for everyone who encounters it. You are someone's first encounter with what you love.
The idea
Horseness is the essence of a horse — what makes a horse a horse, independent of any particular horse. The philosopher's puzzle. But here is the human truth: for many people around you, your version of horseness — your passions, quirks, and enthusiasms — is the only version they will ever know. You are their reference point.
You might not be the greatest harmonica player in the world. You might feel you are not even good at it. But for many people around you, playing the harmonica exists as a concept only because they know it through you. That is reason enough to keep playing.
"Even if every horse on earth disappears, the theoretical concept of horseness would still remain."
Inspired by Robert M. Pirsig
Three ideas to live by
No single trait may be unique to you, but the combination of all your traits almost certainly is. That constellation is your horseness.
For the people around you, a concept — playing the harmonica, reading philosophy, growing herbs — may exist only because of you. Wear that responsibility lightly, but wear it.
Share your passions freely. The world's conceptual landscape grows richer every time someone decides to stop hiding what they love.