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🏹wise365: Aristotle's teleology, conflict re-evaluation, personal goals amidst change

A few minutes of philosophy for you - wise365

Author

Bradley Murray
June 17, 2025

Happy wise365 Tuesday!

Here are 3 ideas to consider this week…

1. Aristotle on teleology

Aristotle’s concept of teleology emphasizes that everything in nature has a purpose, or “telos.” He believed that all entities are directed toward fulfilling their ultimate function or goal. This natural order, according to Aristotle, is intrinsic to the universe, with all things striving to realize their potential.

Learn more at PhilosophiesOfLife.org

These days, it can be unusual to find someone with a single, clear purpose that guides them throughout their life. We’d likely find ourselves thinking, “how strange.”

Aristotle’s teleology emphasizes the idea that everything has an inherent purpose. That includes human beings. If we believe this, it can help us feel a sense of clarity about our goals and direction.

But is there a hint of anthropocentrism here (projecting human characteristics onto the universe)?

The way human life goes, it is often more a matter of creating our purpose than discovering one that already exists for us.

2. Self-reflection: conflict re-evaluation

Reflect on a recent conflict by writing your perspective, including your feelings, beliefs, and desired outcome. Then, narrate the event from their viewpoint, considering their emotions, motives, and context. Compare both versions to identify miscommunications or assumptions, and note actions to foster understanding and improve how you handle future conflicts.

Summary of Exercise 20: Perspective Shift, from Stoic Wisdom (Buy on Amazon) 

It is hard to accept that some degree of conflict is a natural consequence of human relationships.

And yet, it is frustrating to end up stuck in recurring disputes. When this pattern emerges, a perspective shift, grounded in narrating the disagreement from the other’s point of view, can help.

3. Personal goals amidst change

Question: How can I align my personal goals with a rapidly transforming world?

Goal-setting wouldn't be so hard if the world around us were completely static. But the reality is that the pace of technological and societal change is accelerating, making it harder than ever to set meaningful goals.

How would you answer this question?

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Until next week,

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Get the full exercise

If you’d like the full version of this week’s self-reflection exercise plus the philosophical introduction, please visit our Amazon bookstore.