Knowledge, Fortitude, Dignity

During my first year at university I studied Nature and Forestry Management at Wageningen University. I wanted to help preserve the natural world and this seemed like the best route to contribute. But I quickly discovered that just completing the program wasn't enough for me.

Between studies I found myself pondering what it would take to be the best version of myself. I want to live a live of dignity, striving to make quality contributions to whatever I do. I want to be trustworthy, reliable, friendly and strong. I would later spent a lot of time studying morality and ethics, at that time I just got started reading Ethica Nicomachea by Aristotle (in English, not in Greek 😉) and I really started my journey exploring my personal values. I ended up capturing what I want to stand for and develop in three words. I'll explain these shortly here, and devote a post to each later.

1. Knowledge

Knowledge should be first, above all. If you can't see, you don't know where to go. You need to be able to think for yourself to navigate this world and work on making it a better place. Without sufficient knowlegde you will be misguided and vulnerable to being manipulated.

Knowledge is power

2. Fortitude

You need strength to stand for what you know and believe to be true. Knowledge without strength is dangerous because you may be scared into applying your knowledge to further the wrong cause. You need to work on facing your fears, standing up for yourself and develop the self-confidence needed to stick to your own path.

3. Dignity

With knowledge and fortitude you can live with dignity. By that I mean you can follow your own path to better the world, be loyal to yourself and others and not afraid to speak up against injustice. Protect what is right and fight what is wrong and be respected for doing so.