05Th12
Nihilism vs Existentialism vs Absurdism: A Journey Into the Abyss
We have all been there, right? It’s Monday morning. The alarm goes off at 6:30 AM. You stare at the ceiling, the grey li [...]
Jonathan M. Pham | Philosophy & Self-Discovery | Become Who You Are
Hello There!
I am Jonathan M. Pham.
Welcome to my self discovery blog – where you may get better in touch with your authentic self & be equipped to live a more meaningful life.
A Journey of 1000 Miles Begins With a Single Step
And I am here to take that step with you!
(Quote credit: Lao Tzu)
What Got Me Here
Since my teenage years, I’ve been haunted by the big questions:
- What am I meant to do?
- What actually brings fulfillment?
- Which path is the right one?
This blog is the result of those questions. It is a space where I would like to share the stories, stumbles, and insights I’ve gathered along my journey so far.
Let’s Learn Together
Just like you, I am a traveler who hasn’t “arrived” yet.
While I don’t have all the answers, I’m sharing what I’ve found in the hope that it helps you navigate your own path, too.
Here is what we will be exploring:
The Self
A space for moving beyond unconscious habits and designing the architecture of who we are.
Philosophy & Spirituality
How ancient wisdom may provide the anchor for us to weather life’s inevitable storms.
Wellbeing
How to adopt a lifestyle that nourishes the body and protects mental peace, ensuring we have the vitality to pursue what matters most.
Interpersonal
Learn how to navigate social situations, communicate with empathy, resolve conflict, and nurture our human connections.
Creativity
Reflections on the artistic process—plus fictional stories meant to open your mind and illuminate the human condition.
Inspiration
A curated list of quotes—on courage, love, and resilience—designed to offer perspective when you need it most.
Book Reviews
A collection of literature—spanning fiction, memoir, and psychology—that has shaped my understanding of the self and the world around us.
Movies & Documentaries
Films, documentaries, and animations that explore themes of identity, resilience, and the reality of the human experience.
Journaling
My personal odyssey. These are raw, unfiltered entries about my daily life, stumbles, and growth—an invitation to walk the path alongside me.
Newsletter Series
Recommended Reading
Existentialism
10Th12
How to Deal with Existential Dread: A Seeker’s Guide to Finding Light
I first stared into the “abyss” of life when I was a young man, though I didn’t have the vocabulary for it back then. It [...]
10Th1
60 Existential Questions to Ask Yourself & Others: Reflect on Life’s Depths
A list of thought-provoking existential questions categorized by theme: life, death, meaning, purpose, suffering, love, [...]
Stoicism
08Th5
Ancient Wisdom for Today: 12 Stoic Principles to Live by in the Modern Life
12 ancient Stoic principles for finding peace, purpose, and resilience in today’s busy world! In today’s fast-paced worl [...]
27Th3
Amor Fati (Love Your Fate): When Existentialism Meets Stoicism
Playing video games was one of my greatest childhood passions. Back then, the Internet wasn’t widely available yet. Ther [...]
08Th6
Memento Mori: A Reminder of Life’s Impermanence & How to Live the Right Way
The ancient idea of “Memento Mori” is a powerful motivator to ditch distractions, live with purpose, and make the most o [...]
Spirituality
22Th4
What Does It Mean to Be Human? The Anatomy of the Human Paradox
“ARE YOU STILL HUMAN?“ Have you ever directly witnessed or overheard someone shouting that question to another one befor [...]
23Th4
Philosophical Faith: Bridging the Gap Between Reason & Belief
Ever since the philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche declared that “God is dead“—signaling the collapse of absolute, unquestio [...]
15Th12
Spiritual Crisis: Finding Light in the “Dark Night of the Soul”
Imagine this: You finally get the promotion, you buy the house, or you reach that level of stability you’ve been working [...]