this is my writing so far: The Matthews School of Philosophy
Many people pursue a good and fulfilling life, a quest that has inspired countless philosophical debates about how to define such a life. For me, living well is a continuous process of self-discovery, learning, and following one’s passions. It involves embracing imperfections, pursuing dreams, and finding meaning in the journey instead of the destination. In The Midnight Library, Matt Haig explores these themes through Nora’s journey, revealing philosophical ideas about fulfillment and growth. Socrates’ belief that “true knowledge is knowing that you know nothing” and Thoreau’s call to “go confidently in the direction of your dreams” align with my understanding of a good life. Together, these ideas teach us that personal growth, authenticity, and pursuing passions are essential for living well.
Socrates’ philosophy that true wisdom begins with acknowledging one’s ignorance is a foundation for self-discovery and growth. In The Midnight Library, Nora learns to question her assumptions about life and rethink her limited perspective. Overwhelmed by regrets, she initially believes her failures are beyond repair. However, as she explores alternate lives, she discovers that most of her unhappiness comes from a flawed understanding of her past. For example, Nora learns that her childhood regret of abandoning swimming was based on the false belief that external success equals happiness. Reflecting on this, she realizes, “You don’t have to understand life. You just have to live it” (Haig 218). This frees her from perfectionism and regret, enabling her to grow. Similarly, I’ve learned that acknowledging my own ignorance is crucial for my personal growth. Like Nora, I have struggled with the fear of failure as a young child and external expectations. During my time on a swim team, I focused solely on winning, believing that it would validate my worth especially since I was very competitive and never enjoyed much unless I was good at it. Over time, I realized this mindset left me feeling unhappy and unmotivated which kept me away from the joy I once had while swimming. However by the time I had learned this, I had already quit swimming and thought there was no point in continuing, as I would have to move up a level in competition after not swimming for a year or two. Even though it was too late for me to return to competitive swimming, this experience taught me that I should be doing things because I enjoy them—not because others want me to or because I excel at them. Reevaluating my priorities helped me appreciate the process and find fulfillment in almost everything I do. Nora’s journey shows that growth begins when we let go of false beliefs and embrace the unknown.
Psychological research further supports this idea. According to self-determination theory, individuals who focus on intrinsic motivation—activities they find passion in experience greater fulfillment compared to those who chase external rewards (Vallerand 251). Nora’s realization that external markers like fame or wealth cannot bring true happiness mirrors this concept. By embracing the unknown and prioritizing joy, Nora aligns her life with what truly matters, embodying Socrates’ wisdom. Thoreau’s call to “go confidently in the direction of your dreams” highlights the importance of pursuing passions for a fulfilled life. In The Midnight Library, Nora reconnects with activities she once loved, like music and swimming, and discovers they brought her true happiness. In one alternate life, she becomes a successful musician, finding joy in creating art. This leads her to realize, “It is not the lives we regret not living that are the real problem. It is the regret itself” (Haig 277). Nora learns that fulfillment comes from within, not from external expectations or achievements. Thoreau’s philosophy also inspires Nora to embrace authenticity. As Mrs. Elm advises her, “If you aim to be something you are not, you will always fail. Aim to be you” (Haig 93). Letting go of others’ expectations allows Nora to pursue what truly matters to her.
I’ve experienced a similar transformation in my approach to swimming. When I stopped prioritizing competing and started focusing on the joy of the sport, I became more fulfilled and even improved my performance. Like Nora, I learned that fulfillment comes from aligning passions with personal values rather than external measures of success. Research on regret and decision-making also highlights the importance of pursuing passions. A study by Wrosch et al. reveals that regret over inaction—such as failing to chase dreams or personal goals—can lead to a diminished quality of life and lingering dissatisfaction (129). Nora’s journey illustrates this principle as she learns that regrets over missed opportunities are less significant than how one chooses to live moving forward. This insight strengthens my own belief in the importance of pursuing what truly matters to me, regardless of external pressures.
The lessons of Socrates and Thoreau in The Midnight Library provide profound insights into what it means to live well. Socrates emphasizes self-discovery and growth through acknowledging ignorance, while Thoreau champions pursuing dreams and authenticity. These philosophical ideas are supported by psychological research on intrinsic motivation and the negative impact of regret. Nora’s journey shows that fulfillment comes not from chasing perfection but from embracing passions and living authentically. In my own life, I’ve found that fulfillment lies in letting go of regrets and aligning my actions with what truly matters. Like Nora, I’ve learned that a good life is about embracing the journey with courage and self-compassion.