personal statement philosophy examples

101 Personal Philosophy Examples (Copy and Paste Ideas)

Chris Drew (PhD)

Dr. Chris Drew is the founder of the Helpful Professor. He holds a PhD in education and has published over 20 articles in scholarly journals. He is the former editor of the Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education. [Image Descriptor: Photo of Chris]

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Personal philosophy refers to an individual’s foundational beliefs, values, and attitudes that guide his or her perspectives, decisions, and behaviors (Covey, 1989).

These integral elements of a person’s philosophy often shape and mold their characters, propelling them through life with their distinct take on existence, perspectives on truth, and individual ethos (Prior, 2015).

Our personal philosophy is based on our core values (aka terminal values ), which are those things that we hold most dear and that are fundamental to our personality and character.

Consider the case of Steve Jobs (2011), Apple’s co-founder, whose personal philosophy was famously rooted in Zen Buddhism with an unwavering belief in intuition . His philosophy was delineated by his renowned quote at Stanford University: “The only way to do great work is to love what you do”.

This dictum underscores Jobs’s individual belief system , his viewpoint of success, and the guiding principles for his life’s work . Evidently illustrating how personal philosophy is both a driving force and a beacon of direction in an individual’s life.

Personal Philosophy Examples

Famous people’s personal philosophies, 1. steve jobs.

“Stay Hungry. Stay Foolish.”

As noted above, the co-founder of Apple Inc, Steve Jobs, was heavily influenced by Zen Buddhism. Besides the quote I already gave, Jobs would often quote another one based on Buddhism: “Stay hungry, Stay Foolish”. This idea underscores the importance of continuously seeking knowledge and not being afraid to take risks. Jobs delivered this philosophy in his famous commencement address at Stanford University in 2005 (Jobs, 2005). This personal mantra shaped his pioneering innovations that revolutionized communication and technology.

2. Bill Gates

“Be Patient”

The founder of Microsoft, Bill Gates, emphasizes patience as a key defining feature of his philosophy. He believes that change operates on a longer timeframe than we may initially anticipate and that great works take time (Gates, 2013). This philosophy saturates Gates’s philanthropy efforts, where his focus primarily lies in long-term, foundational improvements to global health and education. 

3. Richard Branson

“Screw it, let’s do it”

The flamboyant entrepreneur Richard Branson lives by his guiding philosophy of “Screw it, let’s do it”. This mantra reflects his belief in jumping at opportunities even when the outcome may be unknown (Branson, 2012). Branson’s multi-industry success with his Virgin brand is a testament to his willingness to defy conventional wisdom through his adventurous business ventures. 

4. Maya Angelo

“When people show you who they are, believe them”

The acclaimed poet Maya Angelou deeply held onto the philosophy “When people show you who they are, believe them”. This philosophy emphasizes the importance of understanding people’s character based on their actions rather than their words (Angelou, 2013). Angelou’s insightful poetry and autobiographies often encompass the theme of human nature and the importance of personal integrity.

5. Jeff Bezos

“It’s better to invent than to copy”

The founder of Amazon, Jeff Bezos, thrives on his philosophy “It’s better to invent than to copy”. He believes in the power of originality and innovation instead of conforming to conventional paths (Bezos, 2016). This belief has been implemented into Amazon’s corporate culture which revolves around exploration and inventiveness.

6. Mark Zuckerberg

“Move fast and break things”

Co-founder and CEO of Facebook, Mark Zuckerberg, follows the philosophy “Move fast and break things”. This mantra represents his focus on rapid innovation, even if it means making mistakes along the way (Zuckerberg, 2012). It captures the essence of Facebook’s initial growth strategy and its determination to push the boundaries of technological progress.

7. Oprah Winfrey

“The biggest adventure you can take is to live the life of your dreams”

Oprah Winfrey, the media mogul, ascribes to the philosophy “The biggest adventure you can take is to live the life of your dreams”. Her philosophy encourages people to strive for their aspirations despite potential obstacles (Winfrey, 2014). As a beloved television host and philanthropist, she exemplifies the philosophy through her career trajectory rising from poverty to become one of the most influential women in the world.

8. Einstein

“Imagination is everything”

Much of Albert Einstein’s philosophy can be contained in the quote “Imagination is everything”. He held that imaginative thought was more crucial than detailed knowledge as it leads to innovation and progress (Einstein, 2011). This philosophy was a driving force behind his ground-breaking physics discoveries, reinforcing the power of imaginative intelligence.

9. Nelson Mandela

“I never lose. I either win or learn”

The first black President of South Africa and anti-apartheid revolutionary, Nelson Mandela, maintained the philosophy “I never lose. I either win or learn”. This greatly shaped his attitude towards persisting in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds during the fight for racial equality (Mandela, 2010). It also underscores Mandela’s belief in the value of learning from adversity rather than viewing it as a failure.

10. Walt Disney

“All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them”

Walt Disney, the pioneer of the American animation industry, adamantly believed in the motto “All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them”. This philosophy emphasizes the power of determination and bravery in the realization of one’s dreams. It resonates throughout Disney’s legacy of imaginative storytelling and innovative moviemaking.

Personal Philosophy Ideas

1. Have a Growth Mindset Life is a continuous learning experience and challenges are our greatest teachers. Embracing this philosophy means perceiving setbacks as opportunities to grow, not as insurmountable barriers.”

2. Pursue Knowledge “The essence of human progress lies in the relentless pursuit of knowledge. To follow this philosophy, one must bear an insatiable thirst for learning, always seeking to expand their intellectual horizons.”

3. Respect for All Living Things “My philosophy is rooted in a deep appreciation for the interconnectedness of all life forms. Respect should not be exclusive to humanity but extended to every living organism, acknowledging the vital role it plays in Earth’s ecosystem.”

4. Keep an Open Mind “Life’s richest opportunities often sprout from seeds of difference. By practicing an open mind, one positions themselves for growth, improvement, and innovation borne of diverse ideas and opinions.”

5. Seek to Understand Before being Understood “Understanding generates empathy and in a world rife with divisive language and behavior, empathy is paramount. This philosophy beckons us to listen actively , to engage genuinely in the dialogue of life.

6. Pursuit of Personal Freedom “Freedom is not simply the absence of captivity; it is the robust expression of one’s identity and the power to make choices. To chase personal freedom is to relentlessly pursue self-determination and personal authenticity.”

7. Gratitude is the Key to Happiness “Happiness does not depend on the grandeur of our possessions, but on the depth of our gratitude. This philosophy teaches us to express sincere gratitude for our blessings, even the most inconspicuous ones.”

8. Trust but Verify “Trust plays a linchpin role in cultivating genuine relationships. However, maintaining a level of discernment, “to trust but verify,” keeps us on a solid footing, fusing trust with pragmatism.”

9. Live in the Moment “Amidst the hustle of life, we often forget to live in the present. Appreciating the current moment, absorbing its raw reality, is essential to experiencing life in its purest form.”

10. Integrity is Non-Negotiable “Integrity is my immovable cornerstone, the compass guiding my every interaction. It is a commitment to remain honest and ethical, even in the face of adversity or temptation.”

11. Everyone Has Something to Teach You “From the janitor sweeping the floor to the professor delivering a lecture, everyone has valuable knowledge to share. Being open to learn from all encounters magnifies our wisdom and cultivates humility.”

12. Humility Goes a Long Way “Regardless of my accomplishments or social standing, humility is my chosen companion. It keeps my ego in check and fosters genuine connections with individuals from diverse backgrounds.”

13. Don’t Let Fear of Failure Hold You Back “Rather than a crippling force, I regard fear of failure as a stepping stone towards success. It is a philosophy that encourages me to take risks, embracing failures as poignant life lessons.”

14. Aim to be Better, not Perfect “Striving for perfection imprisons us in a perpetual cycle of dissatisfaction. Meanwhile, aiming to improve incrementally, to be better today than yesterday, leads to wholesome progress and contentment.”

15. Be Responsible and Reliable “Responsibility and reliability are the pivot upon which successful relationships rotate. By upholding these virtues, I become a dependable ally and an accountable human being.”

Read Also: Personal Mission Statement Examples

Complete List of 101 Personal Philosophies for the Taking

• Pursuit of knowledge.
• Respect for all living things.
• Strive for balance in all areas of life.
• Always be curious and open-minded.
• Seek to understand before being understood.
• Focus on continual self-improvement.
• Kindness above all.
• Embrace change and adaptability.
• Pursuit of personal freedom.
• Respect and value diversity.
• Gratitude is the key to happiness.
• Life is about experiences, not possessions.
• Emphasize compassion and empathy.
• Encourage collaboration and teamwork.
• Strive for sustainability and environmental stewardship.
• Find joy in simplicity.
• Trust but verify.
• Practice mindfulness and be present.
• Encourage creativity and original thinking.
• Integrity is non-negotiable.
• Practice patience and forgiveness.
• Everyone has something to teach you.
• Believe in the power of positivity.
• Health is wealth.
• Promote honesty and transparency.
• Courage in the face of adversity.
• Embrace life’s imperfections.
• Foster a community spirit.
• Make decisions out of love, not fear.
• Humility goes a long way.
• Practice self-compassion.
• Prioritize mental health.
• Respect personal boundaries.
• Promote freedom of expression.
• Stand up against injustice.
• Cultivate resilience.
• Seek truth in all things.
• Be a lifelong learner.
• Encourage innovation and new ideas.
• Work smarter, not harder.
• Find value in every situation, good or bad.
• Practice active listening.
• Growth comes from stepping out of your comfort zone.
• Maintain work-life balance.
• Love unconditionally.
• Celebrate every success, no matter how small.
• Prioritize personal relationships.
• Embrace vulnerability .
• Keep an open heart and mind.
• Regular self-reflection leads to personal growth .
• Strive for excellence, not perfection.
• Find and follow your passion.
• Take responsibility for your actions.
• Value the process, not just the outcome.
• Believe in the power of kindness.
• Embrace and learn from failures.
• Always be humble and grounded.
• Be a problem solver, not a complainer.
• Choose peace over conflict.
• Create more than you consume.
• Advocate for those who can’t advocate for themselves.
• Leave things better than you found them.
• Believe in the power of unity.
• Invest in personal growth.
• Embrace diversity and inclusivity.
• Seek first to understand, then to be understood.
• Prioritize authenticity over popularity.
• Don’t let fear of failure hold you back.
• Keep a healthy sense of humor.
• Encourage and support others.
• Embrace lifelong learning .
• Be patient and persistent.
• Invest in relationships.
• Do what makes you happy.
• Value people over things.
• Focus on the positive.
• Stand up for what you believe in.
• Remain open-minded.
• Trust your intuition.
• Aim to be better, not perfect.
• Always tell the truth.
• Help others when you can.
• Stay grounded in the present moment.
• Prioritize self-care.
• Cultivate inner peace.
• Be responsible and reliable.
• Strive for equality.
• Learn from the past, but don’t dwell on it.
• Make every day meaningful.
• Aim to inspire others.
• Believe in yourself.
• Live with integrity.
• Make the world a better place.
• Don’t take life too seriously.
• Surround yourself with positive people.
• Practice mindfulness.
• Embrace change as a part of life.
• Celebrate individuality.
• Keep a curious mind.
• Live in alignment with your values.
• Be your own biggest fan.

Writing down your own personal philosophy is an excellent exercise in helping you to clarify your core values, moral values , and goals in life. I’d recommend trying to narrow them down to three or four or five. Then use the five Why’s strategy to zoom-in on why you have this philosophy: what is is at your core that guides your personal philosophy? Those core things at the end of the ‘why’ chain is your set of terminal values, and they represent who you are. It’s important to have this at the heart of all our actions so we live a life of integrity.

Furthermore, it’s worthwhile re-examining your core values every six months. They change over time as we mature and our lives change and our priorities shift .

Angelou, M. (2013). The Wisdom of Sundays: Life-Changing Insights from Super Soul Conversations . New York: Penguin.

Bezos, J. (2016). Re: 2016 Shareholder Letter. seccdn.com.

Branson, R. (2012). Screw it, Let’s do it – Lessons in Life . London: Virgin.

Covey, S. R. (1989). The seven habits of highly effective people: restoring the character ethic . New York: Simon and Schuster.

Einstein, A. (2011). The Ultimate Quotable Einstein. Princeton: Princeton University Press.

Gates, B. (2013). Gates Notes: The Blog of Bill Gates . gatesnotes.com.

Jobs, S. (2005). Steve Jobs’ Stanford Commencement Address . Stanford News.

Mandela, N. (2010). Conversations with Myself . London: Macmillan London Ltd.

Prior, A. (2015). Pursuing Eudaimonia: Re-appropriating the Greek Philosophical Foundations of the Christian Apophatic Tradition . Cambridge Scholars Publishing.

Winfrey, O. (2014). What I Know for Sure. Chicago: Flatiron Books.

Zuckerberg, M. (2012 ). Zuckerberg’s Letter to Investors: ‘The Hacker Way’ .

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11 Best Personal Philosophies To Guide Your Life

If someone asked you, “What’s your personal philosophy?” would you know how to answer them?

You probably have some idea of what’s important to you, but have you ever created a statement that sums it up? 

Look at a list of personal values, and some will stand out for you.

We all have different reasons for our goals and actions. 

Everything you do has a purpose, even if you don’t consciously acknowledge it.

Every successful person has chosen to follow a philosophy based on their core values.

You can do the same. But first, you need to know precisely what that is.  

What Is a Personal Philosophy? 

How to create your personal philosophy , 1. do no harm. , 2. there are no failures — just results to learn from. , 3. you are here to make good things happen., 4. keep stretching and challenging yourself., 5. the flow state is where the magic happens. , 6. you don’t have to understand everything. , 7. personal integrity should guide every action. , 8. impact matters more than intent., 9. be mindful in both your personal and professional life. , 10. learn by doing., 11. be bold, and have big dreams., ready to write your personal philosophy.

You make daily choices to work towards a goal. Smaller goals guide your days, while long-term goals guide months and years of your life. All of those goals are based on your core values, which determine the rules you live by. 

Those rules are known as your personal philosophies. Some of these philosophies may be tied to your religion or culture, but philosophies vary from person to person even within those frameworks. 

You can base your personal philosophy on the following questions:

• What are you passionate about? Or what inspires you?
• How would you describe your ideal life? 
• What elements or values do your passions and ideal life have in common?
• What habits do you have that relate to those values?
• How would you sum up your goals and outlook on life, using these values? 

Now you have a general idea of what it is, how do you write a personal philosophy? 

We’ve outlined a few steps to help you if you don’t know where to start.

• Start with a list of 10 to 20 personal values.
• Narrow down your list to 3 to 5 core values.
• Think about why each of these values is so important to you. 
• For each one, write about how you put those values into daily practice. 
• Connect each value to your long-term goals and aspirations. 
• Write a few sentences about how these values define and guide you. 
• Condense those into one sentence that sums up your primary motivation.

If you’d like some help identifying your values, look at our extensive list of 400 value words.

11 Personal Philosophy Examples 

Your personal philosophy will no doubt resonate with others. And it will express values like the ones you’ll see in the following life philosophy examples, each of which are important for everyone. Read these for inspiration and to help you articulate your own. 

Striving for success is a good thing only if it does not harm others. A victory that comes at someone else’s expense won’t get you closer to becoming a person you’d be proud of. 

When you undertake a challenge, commit to doing whatever it takes to get the best result for everyone involved — and for everyone likely to be affected by it. 

The more you value your connection to other humans and all life, the less you’ll want to be part of something that violates the rights of any. 

Respect others enough to be conscious of how your words and actions affect them to choose the best way forward. And look beyond the surface to see which endeavors genuinely seek the good of all. 

Personal values: 

Tenacity is behind this philosophy; no matter what happens to you, you keep going.

No matter how many less-than-desirable results you get, you keep moving toward your goal and taking action to get closer to it. 

You know that every so-called failure is just a result you can learn from, and you view setbacks with a growth mindset to seek out the lesson. 

You look at what went wrong or what you can do to get a better result next time. And you try again.

You don’t accept failure because every result that falls short of your hopes teaches you more than you might expect.. Every faltering step is still a step.

Personal values:

This is your philosophy (or part of it) If you believe your purpose in life is to make good things happen for the people in your world — those you love, those in your community, and those beyond it. 

You’re here to make the world better, one person and one action at a time. You believe your life won’t be well-spent unless you have a positive impact on those around you. 

All things in moderation, though. If you take on too much responsibility, you’ll always feel that it’s not enough whatever you do. And you’ll burn out. 

Be as kind and compassionate toward yourself as you are to others. 

• Relationships
• Empathy 

This one is about courage since it requires you to step outside your comfort zone. You know that a world of life-changing opportunities exists outside it. 

How can you do this?

• Take a hard look at your comfort zone and what it’s kept you from doing. 
• Commit to doing something that seems beyond your present ability. 
• Watch those who’ve accomplished things you think are beyond your ability. 
• Learn what they’re doing differently, and do it yourself (as long as it does no harm).
• If you don’t know what to do, act as if you do, and take action. 

Take it one step at a time, but keep stepping. Keep trying new things. Continue asking yourself challenging questions. Don’t wait for someone else to challenge you. 

Cognitive understanding is great, but if you’ve ever been in a state of creative flow, you know that the difference between the flow state and cognitive understanding is like the difference between intuition and reasoning. 

There are advantages to letting go of conscious control and allowing the flow to take you over. You become a conduit of thoughts, ideas, and feelings you didn’t know were accessible to you. 

Getting into a flow state indeed takes more than willingness. But once you learn how to access that state, you won’t be content with what your conscious mind can figure out. 

And you’ll want to help others experience the same creative flow. 

• Imagination

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Having a full life doesn’t require a full understanding of everything that matters to you. How boring would life be if you already had everything figured out? 

Life is a lot more fun when you still have learning to do. It’s more exciting to visit a place that’s different from any you’ve seen before. Everyone has a bit of the explorer in them. 

And the goal of the explorer isn’t to understand everything they see or even everything they study. It’s to learn and to broaden their perspective. 

An authentic learning experience should change you in some way. It should make you more than you were. 

Personal values:  

• Wisdom 

Integrity is wholeness. When you act with integrity, you behave in a manner consistent with your beliefs. Operating outside of your values undermines your integrity. It divides you. 

Commit to always acting with integrity, and people will know what to expect of you. They’ll trust you to comport yourself in a way that reflects your moral code. 

Granted, your beliefs may change and your behavior with it. If you turn away from beliefs you’ve held onto for years and continue to act with integrity, people are likely to notice the change. 

But once they know the reason for it, they’re more likely to respect you for acting in agreement with your current beliefs — even if they contrast sharply with older ones.

• Consistency

However noble your intentions, if someone’s experience causes them to receive your words or actions in a way you don’t intend, you owe it to both of you to take a closer look. 

If relationships matter more to you than being right, the impact of your words should matter more than your intent. Never assume it’s the other person’s fault for taking your comments “the wrong way.” 

If you first send the wrong message, apologize, learn where you went wrong, and try again. Learn how others can interpret your words based on their experiences. Your filter is yours, and your experience is not universal. 

• Understanding

It’s important to stop regularly and look inward. Pay attention to what you’re feeling or thinking, whether you’re relaxed, anxious, or somewhere in the middle. 

Don’t judge yourself for thinking or feeling things that don’t seem to fit the person you want to be. You’re human, and you’re still getting to know yourself and the person you want to grow into. 

Practicing mindfulness helps you stay connected to the source of your actions. And the more aware you are of what’s going on behind the scenes, the easier it is to build new habits that are consistent with your values. 

Personal values; 

• Mindfulness
• Introspection

As valuable as book-learning is, and as much as you can learn from watching YouTube videos, nothing can replace actually doing the thing. Don’t worry if you don’t do it correctly — or even well. Practice will help you improve. 

It also makes you less afraid of “looking bad.” If it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing badly. 

Ever met a toddler who was too afraid of falling or looking bad to make the first step? We aren’t born afraid of failing. That’s something we learn as we get older. 

Think of dance as another example. Your first attempts are not going to be pretty. But people are inspired by those who love dancing too much to worry about how they look. 

Do what you love. And never be afraid to try something new. 

You don’t like being boxed in by low expectations. Maybe others think your ideas are “extra” or over the top, but you think, “Why bother dreaming if the dream is just a slightly better version of reality?” 

You want real change. You want transformation. Whatever others think of it, your metamorphosis will inspire other big dreamers to follow your lead. 

After all, what has timidity or “fitting in” ever done for you? You’re either your authentic, bold self, or you’re sleep-walking through life. 

Or maybe you don’t see yourself as bold, but you’d like to be more proactive than you have been. You feel the drive in you, and you’re ready to discover where it will lead. 

Be brave. Even if your boldness doesn’t make you rich, you’ll like yourself better for taking the risk. 

Now that you’ve looked through these personal philosophy examples, which ones resonate the most? Or what comes to mind when you make a list of your own personal values? 

Think of incidents where someone impressed you by the way they practiced one of those values. Or remember a moment when you were proud of yourself. What were you proudest of?

Writing down your thoughts can help you better understand why you do the things you do. And you’ll be that much closer to articulating your personal philosophy. 

Once you do, write it where you’ll see it every day. 

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Successful Personal Statement For Philosophy At Cambridge

Last Updated: 6th April 2022

Author: Rob Needleman

Table of Contents

Welcome to our popular Personal Statement series where we present a successful Personal Statement, and our Oxbridge Tutors provide their feedback on it. 

Today, we are looking through a Philosophy applicant’s Personal Statement that helped secure a place at Cambridge University. The Philosophy Course at Cambridge explores human thought, the basis of knowledge, the nature of reason, consciousness and cognition, as well as the foundations of value and political theory.

Read on to see how this candidate managed to navigate philosophical thinking to successfully receive a Cambridge offer.   

Here’s a breakdown of the Personal Statement:

SUCCESSFUL?

The universities this candidate applied to were the following:

Enrolling on our Cambridge Philosophy comprehensive Programme will give you access to Personal Statement redrafts. 

With our Cambridge Philosophy  Premium Programme, your tutor will give you regular actionable feedback with insider tips on how to improve and make your Personal Statement Oxbridge quality for the best chances of success.  

Click the button below to learn how you can enrol and triple your chances of success.  

Philosophy Personal Statement

“And if you find her poor, Ithaka has not fooled you. / Wise as you will have become, so full of experience, / You will have understood by then, what these Ithakas mean.”

Cavafy was right, indeed. Like any other reflective person, I am essentially a philosophical entity. While most people, perhaps those outside academic philosophy, would consider it a prime example, maybe along with Mathematics, of an established body of a priori truths, of some kind of Ithaka (thus excluding themselves from the possibility of realizing their philosophical essence), I beg to differ. For years, though, unwise as I was according to Cavafy, I was looking for Ithakas like most men, misled by this major misconception. For years, I have been reading Plato and Aristotle, Descartes and Nietzsche always, hastily and impatiently, heading towards truth; towards my rich Ithaka, and always falling on reefs and mythical objections raised by one philosopher against the truths of the other. Always, en route.

When, “wise as I had become” on the road, like old Ulysses, I realized that philosophy is much more than just a truth per se. Instead, philosophy is the pursuit of truth, irrespective of whether that truth is ever achieved; in fact, if and when something ever counts as truth, it does not belong to the realm of philosophy any more. Not until I read Wittgenstein’s Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus, had I realized that the aim of philosophy is to designate what can be said and what not, what is non-sense or what might be senseless. This very sub specie aeternitatis realization of philosophy as an activity, a method of approaching truth and reflecting on reality rather than as an established body of justified true belief, was crucial in my selection of philosophy as the subject of my academic study. Since this realization, my chief preoccupation has been to learn as much as possible from the journey to Ithaka, to hone this ability to philosophize effectively, to exercise and engage philosophy as much as possible, whenever and wherever possible.

A culmination of this constant struggle to sharpen my philosophical essence happened this summer in the Epic Questions Summer Institute of U of Va, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA. In this intensive, three-week seminar for high-school teachers, I was the official note-taker and the only high-school student to be accepted among the scholars as an intern of Dr. Mitchell S. Green. Courses in Epistemology, Metaphysics, Philosophy of Mind, Formal Logic, Philosophy of Language, Ethics, Political Philosophy and Bioethics unprecedentedly furthered this philosophical activity and I made the acquaintance of contemporary philosophical thought, reading, such as T. Nagel, R. Chisholm, D. Papineau, B. Williams, along with classical readings.

Hence, to my readings of Plato’s Five Dialogues, Descartes’s Meditations on First Philosophy and Nietzsche’s Übermensch, were added those of the British Empiricists, esp. some of Hume’s Enquiries, Kant, B. Rusell’s The Problems of Philosophy and Mill’s Utilitarianism.

I must admit that I have been uncritically assuming a certain account of human nature (as inherently philosophical), which many may find controversial. And this, itself, thus, turns into a philosophical question. And so on and so forth.

This is exactly the philosophical beauty I live for.

For more inspiration, take a look through our other successful Personal Statement a nalysis articles:

Successful Personal Statement For Natural Science (Physical) At Cambridge

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Good Points Of The Personal Statement

The statement is well written, and the student clearly demonstrates their passion for philosophy, as well as their motivation for pursuing further study of it, and something of a personal journey through which their philosophical thinking has developed. The discussion of the nature of philosophical thought ties nicely into their own motivation to study philosophy. The statement shows their broad philosophical education, as well as indicating a strong self-motivating passion for learning (in a much more subtle manner than simply stating that they are self-motivated), as much of this education is in the form of private study. Acceptance to the prestigious seminar is an impressive achievement, and the student is right to stress this, and the ‘unprecedented’ effect it had on their philosophical activity.

Bad Points Of The Personal Statement

The statement is vague in what it terms ‘philosophy’; though the student clearly has an interest in some vague notion of ‘human nature’, they don’t narrow down exactly what they wish to study at university (philosophy being such a broad subject that quite a bit of specialisation is necessary). The time spent listing impressive works that they had read would have been better invested in mentioning just one (or even just one subject that they had read around) that had particularly affected them and expanding on it. Similarly, they could have expanded further on the experience of the seminar (how it affected their philosophical thinking, new ideas encountered while there, etc.), rather than listing the respected philosophers they had met. The grammar is, at points, questionable, indicating the statement required closer proofreading prior to being submitted.

UniAdmissions Overall Score:

This statement is very strong; it conveys a rare passion for the subject and, more importantly, a passion that has been actively pursued in the student’s own time. It could, however, benefit from a little more specificity regarding their thoughts on specific readings, and from reading less like a list of books and philosophers. Overall, the statement reads like an intriguing personal philosophical work.

This Personal Statement for Philosophy is a great example of demonstrating passion which is vital to Admissions Tutors.

Remember, at Cambridge, these Admissions Tutors are often the people who will be teaching you for the next few years, so you need to appeal directly to them.

There are plenty more successful personal statements and expert guides on our Free Personal Statement Resources page.

Our expert tutors are on hand to help you craft the perfect Personal Statement for your Cambridge Philosophy application.

With our  Cambridge Philosophy Premium Programme, we help you craft the perfect Personal   Statement , score highly on the PAA and teach you how to  Interview effectively .

Discover our Cambridge Philosophy Premium Programme  by clicking the button below to  enrol and triple your chances of success.

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Philosophy personal statements

On this page you'll find a collection of real personal statements written by students applying to study philosophy and related courses at university.

These personal statements are written by real students - don't expect them all to be perfect! But by reading through a few of these samples, you'll be able to get some ideas and inspiration for your own personal statement. 

Philosophy personal statement examples

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Be True. Be Strong. Be Focused.

How to Form a Personal Philosophy: 7 Questions to Ask Yourself

May 31, 2022

Forming a personal philosophy isn’t easy – but it’s worth it. A personal philosophy provides you with a fundamental framework for creating a meaningful life. You can use it to align all facets of your higher self and find a purpose in everything you do .

Many people flow through life with no personal guidance system in place. From this position of uncertainty, we end up breezing through life with little direction and struggle to meet our long-term goals .

By forming a personal philosophy, you create an invitation to exist intentionally and catapult yourself towards your vision of a fulfilled life. 

Whether you’re reinventing yourself or about to shift careers , a personal philosophy gives you the blueprint to ensure that you approach everything in life with intention, regardless of your current circumstances.

Does the idea of a personal philosophy resonate with you? Then keep reading to discover how to form a personal philosophy and create a life worth living. 

What Is a Personal Philosophy?

Creating a personal philosophy is the secret ingredient to living a deep and meaningful life of purpose. 

It’s a set of principles, unique to you, that guide you towards achieving your greatest dreams and aspirations.

A personal philosophy is a means of matching your thought patterns with your values, goals, and overall life vision. It’s the stepping stone towards living in alignment with your truth and reaching your highest self.

An article from the Journal of Space Philosophy explains that every human being has a personal philosophy that’s influenced by genetics, environment, and a lifetime of learning. 

In this philosophical piece, Robert Krone suggests that: 

“A small percentage of humans have explicitly documented their own philosophy as an analysis of their own value systems, or to understand the values, sources, and influences on their beliefs over time.” Robert Krone

Philosophy, in general, provides you with the means to deepen your understanding and improve your intelligence. Personal philosophies provide motivational guidelines that nurture expansive thinking and soul searching, ultimately enhancing your quality of life.

7 Questions to Guide You When Forming Your Personal Philosophy

Personal philosophies can be a wonderful ignition for your self-discovery journey. Devote this time to you, and let yourself be vulnerable in this period of discovery.

Below you will find an outline of 7 questions that will ignite inspiration and guide your mind towards new paradigms of thought. 

Take some time on each to really dig deep and do the work. 

1. What Are Your Core Values?

Begin by asking yourself, “What are my core values?” 

Understanding your core values offers you an insight into your true identity and sets the bar for establishing core moral principles.

What values drive your actions? 

As you write out each value, attach a definition to each and add a line or two about how you envision aligning your actions with your values. 

For example:

“I live and work with honor. I believe that everything I do must come from a place where honesty springs up like the headwaters of the river. In decisions and actions, I allow integrity to be my first and foremost directive. I do not expect to be perfect at this. I do expect integrity to be a constant ideal.”

By outlining your core values, you are building the foundations of your truth. Once you understand what you hold close to your heart, you can then discover ways to align your actions and values to reach your goals. 

If you need some guidance, check out my course, Be True: Discover Your Core Value System . In it, I personally walk you through proven exercises to discover your true self, find your truth and begin living it.

2. What Are Your Most Deeply Rooted Beliefs?

Take a moment to venture inwards. 

Dive deep into the core of your being and unearth the beliefs rooted in your soul. These can be associated with your worldviews or that in which you have great faith. 

Share or write down two or three of your most potent, deeply-rooted beliefs that are ingrained into your soul. These deeply-rooted beliefs are the ones that influence your perception and how you view the world.

A podcast episode by Boss Project on the subject demonstrates how our deeply-rooted beliefs are influenced by our environment and social norms. 

When you react to a situation, rather than consciously responding, it’s your deeply-rooted belief system, crafted from your upbringing and life experiences, that triggers you to act, often without thinking.

Outlining these beliefs for your personal philosophy allows you to truly understand what you stand for and, in turn, allows you to create life guidelines that are rooted in your truth. It’s like planting a seed of sincerity and watching it grow as you evolve.

3. What is Your Life’s General Philosophy?

Now that you’ve taken some time to explore your core values and fundamental beliefs, it’s time to outline your general philosophy for life. 

For this step, take a look at the principal thoughts which have blossomed from the experience, knowledge, and wisdom you have gained so far.

The basis of identifying a general philosophy starts with one question:

What is the meaning of life?

According to Joseph Campbell, “The meaning of life is whatever you ascribe it to be. Being alive is the meaning.”

This means that the answer to this question is different for every single person. 

From the second we are born into this earth, we each have a unique experience influenced by many internal and external elements. 

The meaning of life varies according to different philosophies , but this question is for you and you alone. 

Write down what you believe your life’s general philosophy is – what you believe your life’s meaning is – and allow this to guide you down the path towards success, satisfaction, and fulfillment. 

4. What Are the Metrics by Which You Measure Success?

We all want to succeed in life, but understand that success looks different to everyone. 

You may believe that you have ‘made it’ if you are excelling in your career. If you’re more family-orientated, you may feel that you’ve made it when you have created a beautiful family surrounded by love. 

Regardless, by understanding success as it relates to you, you can inspire to integrate this definition into your personal philosophy and set out the actions you need to align with in order to achieve it.

Ask yourself – what does success mean to you ?

The answer to this intuitive question empowers you to define success broadly, in the context of your life and in relation to the unique challenges you face.

You can dissect this into different timeframes and metrics such as daily, annually, or even a lifetime measure of success. 

Outline how you hope to achieve success using the most meaningful metric for you. 

What does success mean to you?

“When this life comes to an end I will measure success by how open my mind has remained and how soft my heart still is.”

5. What Do You Feel Is Your Life’s Purpose?

It’s not uncommon for people to not yet know their life’s purpose. 

Whether it relates to your career, passions, or relationship with others, each of us has a reason as to why we are here, on earth – but we might not yet know it.

Finding purpose in life can be difficult for some yet easy for others. It may take weeks, years, or even a lifetime. But once you have an understanding of what this purpose is you can live each day intentionally, consistently doing the things that are in alignment with your truth.

You can choose to add this step in or leave it out; it’s totally up to you. If you are exploring this step, see if you can write up no more than three sentences about what you sense your life’s purpose to be.

To make things even more simple, make the statement high-level, and less specific. 

What do you feel is your life’s purpose?

“My purpose in life is to provide as much love as I can to those around me. I want to enrich my immediate environment and community. I want to leave the world a better place than when I arrived in it.”

You can take this exercise further by developing a full personal purpose statement .

A study on purpose, hope, and life satisfaction by the Journal of Positive Psychology states that when individuals, no matter what age they are, identify with a purpose in life, they experience greater life satisfaction.

Once you feel that you know your purpose, you can translate these inspiring and actionable guidelines into your personal philosophy. This in turn allows you to lead your life, nurture your relationships and achieve your goals with a sense of gratification.

6. What Are Your Greatest Strengths?

As with everything in life, we embody both strengths and weaknesses and translate these into everything we do. 

Identifying each of these can attribute great value to your life, and help you understand where you already excel and where you can improve.

So ask yourself, “ What am I good at? ” 

What are my greatest strengths in life?

Take some time to learn how to identify your strengths . While your strengths may change as your work life and circumstances shift, start with today. 

Create a list and layout the great traits that allow you to elevate your everyday life and allow you to thrive. 

For example, you may excel at what you do for a living, you may have a heart of gold that supports others, you may be the first person people call if they need help creating a PowerPoint presentation, and so on.

By adding your greatest strengths into your personal philosophy, you can identify how to take advantage of the skills that enhance your life and do more of what you are good at. 

In fact, Hungarian psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi explains that doing something that you love, whether that’s work or play, invites you into a flow state. 

It’s from this state of flow that you tap into your creativity, encourage free-thinking, and in turn increase your chances of success.

7. What Do You Need in Life?

As the final question for guiding your personal philosophy, ask yourself, “What is essential in my everyday life?”

Each of us has our own unique needs and when these are met, we are the best version of ourselves. 

List the needs that you require at this moment in time. Next to each need, attach an intention for how you intend to meet these. 

For example: 

What do you need in life?

“In my day-to-day life, I search for peace amidst the chaos. In every moment, I sprinkle a sense of calmness onto all situations as it’s from this place of serenity that I can make conscious choices that are beneficial for me, others around me, and the environment. Even when I have no control over outside circumstances, I always have a choice to venture inwards where true peace resides.”

Maybe you are unsure as to what you truly need from this lifetime. That’s okay. Why not first figure out how to discover your passion and take it from there? 

When we lead from the heart, we can never go wrong. 

Philosophy in Practice: Examples of Personal Philosophy

We’ve shared the questions to ask yourself when forming your own personal philosophy, now let’s take a look at some examples of how they might look:

1. Failure Inspires Positive Change

This example is a life philosophy someone might create to remind themselves to embrace challenges and the unavoidable setbacks they will face on their path to success. It will guide and inspire them to keep going, especially when things get tough.

Nothing worth having in life ever comes easy. It’s only natural to experience failure along the way when pursuing your dreams. 

Keep in mind that failure is not the end. Rejection is only redirection that can support you on this journey called life. 

No matter whether it’s in your personal, career, or romantic life— failure welcomes learning curves and can even be an invitation down the path less taken. 

The path to success is never a straight line. It involves frustration, setbacks, replanning, but most importantly, continued effort. And from there springs ultimate satisfaction and achievement.

Core values:

2. Always Act From a Place of Integrity 

Someone with this life philosophy wants to remain true to themselves in all situations, and build authentic connections to enrich their lives.

When you make decisions based on honesty you can stand up for what you believe in while also staying humble. 

It’s from this place that you can stay rooted in your truth while also staying open-minded to others’ perceptions. 

Treat every interaction as an opportunity to discover something new. You might just find learning something from welcoming a different outlook. 

• Open-mindedness 

Take the First Step Towards True Purpose

Discovering the right direction in life isn’t always easy. And often it’s not about the destination but the beautiful, complicated, and sometimes painful journey along the way. 

It may take exploring different avenues before you discover and unleash your true purpose. By dedicating time to understanding your values, beliefs, and goals through developing a personal philosophy, you’ll get there.

One step at a time. 

And when you do, I promise it’ll all be worth it. 

If you need a push in the right direction, check out my Online Course: Believing in Yourself . You’ll learn a number of proven methods to push past self-doubt, take action and achieve your goals.

About Lyn Christian

Hi there, I'm Lyn . My purpose is to support you to earn a living and live your life by doing what inspires you. To accomplish this, I work as a coach, consultant, TEDx speaker, author and founder of SoulSalt Inc.

Personal statement advice: philosophy

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Show your analytical abilities

Some applicants for philosophy degrees will already be studying the subject, but many won’t have studied it before. If you are in that position, then Professor Christopher Janaway at University of Southampton has some simple but clear advice to offer: 'We want you to show us that you have a genuine interest in the subject, so tell us about the reading you’ve done, lectures you’ve been to, or any other ways you have engaged with philosophy.'

University of Bristol selectors outline a whole range of qualities that would impress. But what perhaps stands out amongst these, alongside demonstrating your interest and commitment to philosophy, is that the way you approach your statement needs to show that you are capable of clear thinking, and understanding and that you can analyse problems and construct an argument.

Giving structure to your statement will be very important, though how you actually thread it is entirely up to you.

London School of Economics selectors are also interested in your views and opinions on 'questions such as morality, free will, or consciousness,' as well as the experiences you have had which have led to your desire to study philosophy. Such as, they would expect the majority of your statement to be based around your subject interest and enthusiasm.

It’s open-ended – you have 47 lines and no rules, but don’t try to be too smart. You will stand out by doing your research, being interesting, relevant, and different, and by reflecting on what you’ve been reading.

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Top Tips for a Cambridge Philosophy Personal Statement

Cambridge philosophy personal statement – top 10 tips: dos and don’ts  .

The Cambridge Personal Statement is a crucial component of your university application. It presents a unique opportunity for you to differentiate yourself from other applicants. You would be able to articulate your story and explain your interests beyond that of numbers on an admissions test. Furthermore, it gives the interviewer a chance to understand who you are, providing a platform to bounce off questions during your interview. 

They can tailor questions to your personality, interests, and commitment to who you are as a person and your amalgamation of experiences before you. To guide you through the arduous university application process, our Oxbridge application experts have compiled a list of top 10 Cambridge Philosophy Personal Statement tips– do’s and don’ts– for your Cambridge Philosophy Personal Statement for the 2024/25 application cycle. 

General Philosophy Personal Statement Advice

Philosophy is a course that would be exciting for students who enjoy arguments on the benefits and disadvantages of a wide-reaching range of issues. Ideal candidates would be students who enjoy rigorous thought and are interested in the basis of knowledge, the foundation of value and political theory, as well as the nature of cognition, consciousness, and reason. 

In your philosophy personal statement, Cambridge tutors are looking for you to clearly demonstrate your interest in academic rigour and thought, as well as the fields outlined above. Furthermore, when planning out your personal statement, make sure you research Cambridge’s achievements in Philosophy and include it in your writing to illustrate your interest in Philosophy. 

Additionally, When creating your Cambridge personal statement, understandably you’ll be applying to four other University courses which may result in your statement being vaguer. The University of Cambridge is aware of such. It will require you to fill out an ‘Online Supplementary Application Questionnaire (SAQ)’ shortly after submitting the UCAS application, so make sure you’ve created another condensed version of your Philosophy personal statement that you can submit to Cambridge.

Top 5 Tips for Cambridge Philosophy Personal Statement

1. demonstrate why you are a good match for philosophy.

The traits that would make up a good philosophy student would be vastly different from the desirable traits of students from other courses. For example, some unique traits that they would be looking out for students who are capable of critical thinking, and those who enjoy rigorous analysis. Being open-minded is also crucial and in your philosophy personal statement, Cambridge is looking out for students who are able to consider new perspectives. Try and demonstrate how you display these traits in your Cambridge Philosophy personal statement. You can do so by explaining a specific experience that you had in the past and reflecting on how it has equipped with these desirable qualities.

2. Be well-read in philosophy or related fields

Philosophy is a subject that heavily focuses on human thought and the basis of knowledge. Hence, an ideal philosophy student would be well-read, both because they have a natural thirst for knowledge, and also because being well-informed or deeply versed would equip you with unique perspectives when pursuing your degree. Also, remember when writing your philosophy personal statement, Cambridge is definitely looking out for students who are well-read, and this is evident even on their page outlining the course. You definitely don’t need to be an expert (after all, you are going to university to study philosophy), but you should definitely do some preliminary reading. You can access their recommended reading list through their webpage: Cambridge Philosophy . Beyond that of reading, podcasts, documentaries, or even short news articles are a great way to kickstart your journey in being more deeply versed in literature and a wide range of perspectives. You can incorporate these various forms of mediums into your everyday lifestyle, such as watching a documentary instead of your usual TV series or listening to a podcast instead of your usual playlist on your way home from school.

3. Hone your ability to think outside the box

Once you’re happy with the content of your draft, check it, check it and check it again! Any mistakes in your Philosophy personal statement could count against your application. Spelling and grammar checking software will do most of the work but don’t rely on it completely, as it doesn’t pick up everything. These kinds of mistakes are really common, so don’t assume you won’t make them.

4. Structure your Philosophy personal statement well to enhance readability

Especially when you are trying to convey a huge range of ideas in your Cambridge personal statement, or to explain your story and why you are a good fit for philosophy at Cambridge, it can be difficult to communicate it in the way you intended. Hence, sticking to a good structure would help you convey your thoughts better. For example, in your personal statement, you should explore your philosophy interests. Do you have a topic that deeply intrigues you and is the beginning of your exposure to this field? You can then spend later paragraphs explaining how you explored this interest, through concrete experiences and actions, such as that of reading or participating in conferences and competitions. You can then conclude by summarising your points and ending them with an impactful statement.

5. Starting early and getting people around you or seniors to proofread your Cambridge Philosophy personal statement

Especially when we are explaining our personal story or beliefs, we might not be the best judge of our own work as we might not be objective about it. Hence, it would be good to get seniors you know who are currently pursuing philosophy at Cambridge to proofread your work and provide feedback. Even if you do not know of such seniors, getting friends or family to proofread your work can also provide valuable feedback on readability! Don’t share your Philosophy personal statement in case it gets plagiarised by someone else. Furthermore, starting early would be extremely helpful and you would be thankful when completing your applications. If you are finding yourself to be in a slump or having writer’s block, start by listing out all your experiences and interests, then create a separate list of good qualities of philosophy students, and finally a list of what the philosophy course at Cambridge is about. You can match your experiences and interests to the qualities and details of the course, and slowly flesh out paragraphs to start. Once you complete your draft, it would also be good to leave and come back to it a week later with a fresh mind.

Top 5 things to AVOID for your Cambridge Philosophy Personal Statement

1. sacrificing readability over conciseness.

It can be tempting, predominantly for a course such as Philosophy, to fill and embellish your Cambridge Philosophy personal statement with difficult vocabulary or unconventional words. However, if you are not used to such language, do not feel pressured to decorate your Cambridge personal statement with a fancy vocabulary. This is because when reading your personal statement, philosophy tutors may find it difficult to understand what you’re really trying to say. Imagine this– tutors would get through hundreds of applicants per day. Similarly to getting through articles or academic journals full of jargon you are unfamiliar with, it would be tough for tutors to focus on what you are trying to communicate if you use too difficult vocabulary. The first and foremost aim of your Cambridge Philosophy personal statement is for the reader to understand what you are trying to convey, and sometimes fancy vocabulary gets in the way of that. Prioritise conciseness and readability, and sometimes simple language, especially when you are trying to describe complex topics, is best for that!

2. Be afraid to admit that you don’t know something

You are going to university to learn and to study for the degree after all. Although it is a plus point for you to be well-read and thoughtful, Cambridge tutors definitely don’t expect 18 or 19 years old to know everything there is to know. In fact, admitting that you don’t know something, but still being able to apply first principles and logic to a foreign topic, could be advantageous to you. Tutors consider it impressive when they encounter a student who recognises the complexity and difficulty of philosophical issues.

3. Think that there is a right answer or a fixed answer to any problem

Especially in a course like philosophy, Cambridge tutors are looking for students who are able to have an open-minded view on things. For example, students who are able to challenge a well-respected or widely accepted view whilst displaying sound logic, or being able to defend a view in exceptional circumstances and grey areas, would be ideal candidates for the course. Try not to be fixed in your views, even if you strongly believe in something– you can have an opinion or belief in a topic or idea, but that also still leaves space for the understanding and acceptance of other views.

4. Writing an essay on a school of thought instead of a Cambridge personal statement

Especially for a course such as philosophy, when explaining a particular school of thought, you could end up writing a personal statement that looks like an argumentative essay instead. Remember to keep the focus of the Cambridge Philosophy personal statement– explaining why YOU are a good fit for the philosophy course at Cambridge. Cambridge admissions tutors would be familiar with any philosophy you are trying to explain, and they are not reading a textbook or to learn a new perspective on it– they are looking to learn about you.

5. Only expect to have one draft of your Cambridge Philosophy personal statement

Your first draft will never be your best draft. When planning your timeline for your Cambridge Philosophy personal statement, always factor in time to allow multiple drafts to be completed. It is also important to not leave it to the last minute. This is because it would show in the quality of your work, and tutors would be able to tell if it is rushed. Furthermore, you might miss out on relevant experiences because you were not able to remember them in time.

→What is a Cambridge Philosophy personal statement?

A Cambridge Philosophy personal statement is a document that applicants to the University of Cambridge’s Philosophy program submit as part of their application. The personal statement allows applicants to showcase their academic background, relevant experiences, and motivation for studying Philosophy at Cambridge.

→What should I include in my Cambridge Philosophy personal statement?

Your personal statement should highlight your academic background and relevant experiences, as well as your motivation for studying Philosophy at Cambridge. You should also demonstrate your critical thinking skills, ability to analyze complex issues, and passion for philosophical inquiry.

→What kind of experiences should I include in my Cambridge Philosophy personal statement?

You should include experiences that demonstrate your interest in and preparation for studying Philosophy at Cambridge. This can include relevant coursework, research projects, internships, volunteer work, and extracurricular activities that showcase your passion for philosophical inquiry.

→How long should my Cambridge Philosophy personal statement be?

Cambridge University recommends that your personal statement should be no longer than 4,000 characters, or about 500 words. It is important to be concise and focus on the most relevant and compelling aspects of your experience and qualifications.

→What qualities are Cambridge Philosophy admissions looking for in applicants?

Cambridge Philosophy admissions are looking for applicants who demonstrate a strong academic record, critical thinking skills, creativity, and a genuine interest in philosophical inquiry. They also value experiences that demonstrate leadership, teamwork, and communication skills.

→What is the interview process like for Cambridge Philosophy?

The interview process for Cambridge Philosophy typically involves a one-on-one interview with a faculty member or admissions officer. The interview will focus on your academic background, personal statement, and motivation for studying Philosophy at Cambridge. It may also include questions about your understanding of the field and your interest in specific areas of study.

→How important is the personal statement in the Cambridge Philosophy admissions process?

The personal statement is an important part of the Cambridge Philosophy admissions process, as it provides admissions officers with insights into your academic background, experiences, and motivation for studying Philosophy. It is an opportunity to showcase your unique perspective and strengths as an applicant.

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Philosophy Personal Statement

The following philosophy personal statement example should be used as a guide only. When applying to your dream university in the UK, write a personal statement to match your profile for the programme you are applying for. 

Philosophy Personal Statement Example 

As a recent graduate of Wycombe Abbey School, I have a strong foundation in the liberal arts and a passion for philosophy. I have always been fascinated by the big questions that philosophy grapples with, such as the nature of reality, the limits of human knowledge, and the principles of morality.

I have had the opportunity to explore these topics in depth through my coursework at Wycombe Abbey, and have found that studying philosophy has sharpened my critical thinking skills and has taught me how to approach complex problems in a systematic and logical way.

In college, I hope to continue my studies in philosophy and delve even deeper into these fascinating questions. I believe that studying philosophy will not only provide me with a broad and well-rounded education but will also equip me with the critical thinking skills that are necessary for success in any field.

I am particularly interested in exploring the connections between philosophy and other disciplines, such as psychology and neuroscience. I believe that a better understanding of the human mind and how it works can shed light on some of the most fundamental philosophical questions.

In addition to my academic pursuits, I am also an avid reader and a passionate writer. I enjoy reading a wide range of literature, from classic philosophical texts to contemporary fiction. I have also been involved in my school’s literary magazine, where I have had the opportunity to develop my writing skills and share my love of literature with others.

I am excited about the prospect of continuing my studies in philosophy at the university level and I am confident that with hard work and dedication, I will be able to achieve my goals and make the most of this exciting opportunity.

Tips For Philosophy Personal Statement

As a additional help, follow our writing tips for philosophy personal statement:

• Start by brainstorming and outlining your ideas to organise your thoughts and create a clear structure for your statement.
• Keep your personal statement focused on your passion for philosophy and how studying it will benefit your academic and professional goals.
• Use specific examples from your coursework, extracurricular activities, and life experiences to illustrate your passion for philosophy and your potential as a student.
• Avoid using overly complex language or philosophical jargon, and instead, aim for clear and concise writing that is easy to understand.
• Proofread your statement carefully to ensure that it is free of spelling and grammar errors, and have someone else review it as well to catch any mistakes you may have missed.
• Be authentic and genuine in your writing, and avoid trying to impress the admissions committee with pretentious language or overblown claims.
• Use your personal statement to showcase your unique perspective and interests, and to demonstrate why you are a good fit for the programme and the university.

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The Wonders

What Is Personal Philosophy? Definition, Examples & Tips

Did you know that every person, consciously or unconsciously, has their own set of beliefs and values that shape the way they view the world and make decisions? This unique set of ideas is what we call personal philosophy, and it's a fascinating aspect of human existence that influences every aspect of our lives.

Personal philosophy is like the compass guiding us through life's journey, helping us navigate through challenges, make important decisions, and find meaning in our experiences. It's the foundation upon which we build our identity and shape our destiny.

Throughout history, thinkers, philosophers, and spiritual leaders have pondered the nature of personal philosophy, recognizing its profound impact on individual lives and society as a whole. From ancient philosophers like Socrates and Confucius to modern-day thinkers like Oprah Winfrey and Elon Musk, the quest for understanding personal philosophy has been a constant pursuit of humanity.

In today's fast-paced and ever-changing world, understanding our personal philosophy has never been more important. It provides us with a sense of direction, purpose, and clarity in a world filled with distractions and uncertainties. By exploring our beliefs, values, and principles, we can gain deeper insights into ourselves and unlock the keys to living a fulfilling and authentic life.

In this blog, we'll explore what personal philosophy is all about, look at some examples, and offer tips on how to develop your own.

Table of Contents:

1. Personal Philosophy

2. Examples of Personal Philosophies

3. Tips for Developing Your Personal Philosophy

4. Conclusion

Personal Philosophy

Personal philosophy is like a guidebook for how you live your life. It's a set of ideas and beliefs that help you understand yourself, others, and the world around you. 

Think of it as a roadmap that shapes your decisions, actions, and goals. Your personal philosophy is unique to you, and influenced by your experiences, values, and perspectives. It's what guides you through life's challenges and helps you make sense of the world. Whether you believe in kindness, resilience, spirituality, or something else entirely, your personal philosophy shapes who you are and how you navigate the world.

Now, let's find out what a personal philosophy is and why it's so important for how you live your life.

Foundation of Beliefs and Values: At its core, personal philosophy rests upon the bedrock of your beliefs and values. These beliefs stem from your experiences, upbringing, culture, and introspection. They form the lens through which you interpret reality and determine what holds significance in your life.

Guiding Principles: Your personal philosophy encompasses guiding principles that inform your actions and decisions. These principles act as moral compass points, dictating how you navigate life's challenges and opportunities. Whether it's integrity, compassion, resilience, or authenticity, these principles serve as pillars of your personal ethos.

Meaning-Making Framework: A personal philosophy provides a framework for making sense of life's complexities and uncertainties. It offers answers to existential questions about purpose, existence, and the human condition. By articulating your beliefs about the nature of reality and your role within it, your personal philosophy lends coherence and meaning to your journey.

Influence on Behavior and Relationships: Your personal philosophy significantly influences your behavior and relationships. It shapes your attitudes, habits, and responses to various situations. Moreover, it guides your interactions with others, as your values and principles inform how you treat and relate to individuals in your personal and professional spheres.

Source of Identity and Authenticity: Embracing your personal philosophy fosters a sense of identity and authenticity. By aligning your actions with your core beliefs and values, you cultivate a congruent sense of self. This authenticity enhances self-awareness, confidence, and resilience, enabling you to navigate life with integrity and purpose.

Adaptability and Growth: While personal philosophy provides a foundational framework, it also allows for adaptability and growth. As you evolve and encounter new experiences, your beliefs and values may undergo refinement and expansion. Embracing growth-oriented principles within your personal philosophy fosters continuous learning, self-improvement , and adaptability to life's ever-changing landscape.

In short, personal philosophy serves as the cornerstone of your existence, guiding your journey with clarity, purpose, and authenticity. By nurturing and refining your beliefs, values, and guiding principles, you embark on a path of self-discovery, growth, and fulfillment, enriching not only your own life but also the lives of those you encounter along the way.

Examples of Personal Philosophies

Personal philosophies come in all shapes and sizes , just like people. Here are a few examples to give you an idea:

The Optimist: This person believes in the power of positivity and sees the glass as half full. They believe that every challenge is an opportunity for growth and that good things are always around the corner.

The Stoic: The Stoic believes in facing life's challenges with grace and resilience. They believe in accepting things they cannot change and focusing on what they can control. They find strength in adversity and value inner peace above all else.

The Humanist: This person believes in the inherent goodness of humanity and the importance of empathy and compassion. They strive to make the world a better place through acts of kindness and understanding.

The Spiritual Seeker: The Spiritual Seeker believes in the power of the soul and the interconnectedness of all things. They seek meaning and purpose in life through practices like meditation, prayer, and mindfulness which contribute to spiritual healing .

Tips for Developing Your Personal Philosophy

Here are some tips to help you develop your personal philosophy:

Reflect on Your Values: Take some time to think about what matters most to you in life. What do you value? What principles do you want to live by? Your values are the building blocks of your personal philosophy.

Explore Different Perspectives: Read books, talk to people from different backgrounds, and expose yourself to new ideas. Broadening your perspective can help you refine and shape your personal philosophy.

Stay True to Yourself: Your personal philosophy should reflect who you are and what you believe. Don't try to force yourself into someone else's mold. Stay true to yourself and your unique journey.

Practice Self-Reflection: Regular self-reflection can help you stay aligned with your personal philosophy. Take time to assess your thoughts, actions, and goals, and make adjustments as needed through stress relief, meditation  or any other practices.

Seek Support: Don't be afraid to reach out for support if you're struggling to develop or live by your personal philosophy. Whether it's through private therapy , self-care  practices, or personal development workshops , there are plenty of resources available to help you on your journey.

Embrace Open-Mindedness: Be open to new ideas and perspectives, even if they challenge your existing beliefs. Growth often comes from embracing the unknown and being willing to explore different viewpoints.

Find Balance: Strive for balance in your personal philosophy by considering various aspects of life, such as relationships, career, health, and spirituality. Balance ensures that you're not neglecting any important areas of your life and helps you maintain overall well-being.

Practice Gratitude: Cultivate an attitude of gratitude as part of your personal philosophy. Acknowledge and appreciate the blessings in your life, both big and small, and express gratitude regularly. Gratitude can help shift your focus from what's lacking to what's abundant and foster a more positive outlook on life.

Set Intentions: Clarify your intentions and goals based on your personal philosophy. What do you want to achieve? How do you want to live your life? Setting clear intentions helps guide your actions and decisions in alignment with your values and beliefs.

Embrace Challenges: View challenges and setbacks as opportunities for growth rather than obstacles. Embracing challenges with a growth mindset allows you to learn from your experiences, develop resilience, and deepen your understanding of yourself and your personal philosophy.

Your personal philosophy is like a compass that guides you through life's journey. By understanding your values, exploring different perspectives, and staying true to yourself, you can develop a personal philosophy that serves as a roadmap for living a meaningful and fulfilling life.

1. What is the difference between personal philosophy and personal beliefs?

Personal philosophy encompasses your core beliefs and values, while personal beliefs are specific convictions or opinions you hold about certain topics or issues.

2. How can I incorporate my personal philosophy into my daily life?

You can incorporate your personal philosophy into your daily life by aligning your actions and decisions with your core values, practicing self-reflection, and seeking support when needed.

3. Can my personal philosophy change over time?

Yes, your personal philosophy can evolve and change as you grow and learn from new experiences. It's important to regularly revisit and reassess your personal philosophy to ensure it still aligns with who you are and what you believe.

4. How do I know if my personal philosophy is serving me well?

You can gauge whether your personal philosophy is serving you well by assessing how it impacts your overall well-being, relationships, and sense of fulfillment. If it helps you live a meaningful and fulfilling life, then it's likely serving you well.

5. Is it possible to have more than one personal philosophy?

Yes, it's possible to have multiple personal philosophies that apply to different areas of your life or different aspects of your personality. Your personal philosophy is unique to you and can be tailored to suit your individual needs and circumstances.

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You spend your days living hour to hour without direction or purpose. The rat race has become tiresome, and all you wish for is fulfillment. Surely it’s too late to inject meaning into your life now, right? Never. In this article, we’ll explore how to create a personal philosophy and discuss how it can help shape your life decisions in order to get you where you want to be.

Flâneur Life Team

It might not be easy to come up with your personal philosophy, but it will certainly be worth every minute you invest. Let’s explore how you can better understand your own internal compass and use it to your advantage.

Here’s how to create a personal philosophy:

• Strengthen your sense of self-identity.
• Have a firm grasp on who you want to be.
• Write a 30-word “I am” statement.
• Write a Personal Philosophy Statement.

So without further ado, keep reading to find out how to write your own personal philosophy and unlock your full potential. 

What’s a Personal Philosophy?

Great humanitarians, spiritual leaders, religions, and organizations all have one. But what is a personal philosophy, and why is it useful? Personal philosophies define all that an individual stands for, including their values, belief systems, and anything that encourages them to live intentionally. 

It also serves as your road map through life. You may think that you already have a solid understanding of your values. But having a statement that reinforces your personal philosophies could just be what you’re missing.

So what can you gain from having a personal philosophy statement? 

Its purpose is to help direct your daily actions and ensure that your values guide everything you do. After all, your intentions are the reason you start any new venture or get motivated to take action. Your personal philosophy statement can help you remain accountable and focused, reminding you of your motivations and triggers.

Since your personal philosophy is an attempt to grasp the essence of who you are, your personal philosophy statement should encompass everything that you do as well. 

How to Create and Develop a Personal Philosophy

As you grow, learn, and adapt, your personal philosophies will evolve along with you. This is why your statement doesn’t have to be perfect on your first attempt. It’s only natural to refine your personal philosophy statement as you journey through life . But there’s no time like the present to start developing one.

So without further ado, here are some tips to get you started. 

Strengthen your sense of self-identity

To align with who you want to be, you must identify who you are before anything else. Taking a personality test or even asking family and friends for their opinions can help you identify your strengths and weaknesses and what drives you. It’s also helpful to jot down your thoughts in a journal to keep yourself on track. 

For some, a personal philosophy reminds them of who they are and what they’re capable of. For you, it might be a journey of self-discovery where you slowly reveal things about yourself that you never knew before. Determining your goal for this can help refine your personal philosophy statement and make it more meaningful.  

Have a firm grasp on who you want to be

Some strive for greatness, and others wish to live a simple and peaceful life . What do you wish to achieve? Perhaps you have an idea of what you want but aren’t quite sure where to begin. Maybe this is why you need a personal philosophy as a guide to get you started. 

Find out what you hope to accomplish on this journey by asking yourself the following questions . 

• What makes you excited to wake up every day? 
• What are your core beliefs? 
• What values are important to you? 
• Which morals do you value in others? 

All of these questions can help define your intentions in life. So answering them may just help you realize what your ideal relationship with yourself and your future might be. 

Write a 30-word “I am” statement

An “I am” statement can help you affirm the things that you want to achieve in life, but it is also a useful journaling tool for outlining where you already are. Allowing your mind to flow freely as you put pen to paper can provide you with an unfiltered summary of yourself. 

For inspiration, here’s a few examples of an “I am” statement.

• I am creative
• I am hardworking
• I am capable

Friends and quizzes will tell you one thing, but your own view of yourself could be very different. Try to use this task as a way to celebrate your personality and highlight the things you are proud of. Speaking in a positive way about yourself is something we forget to do all too often. With this activity, you might just gain a newfound appreciation for some of your strengths and talents. Try to avoid using nouns. This is an exercise in defining ourselves based on what we value, rather than on who we are to others. 

Write a Personal Philosophy Statement

Take a look over everything you’ve come up with during these activities and try to identify the values and traits that seem to be recurrent. This may be an obvious moral stanground that you and others can identify in you. Or, it may be more subtle and subconsciously instilled into the way you talk about yourself and your future. 

With what you’ve gathered, it’s time to give your personal philosophy statement a try, considering all the different variables mentioned above. Your personal philosophy should be concise and condensed. But if it doesn’t come out this way initially, don’t worry. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to tweak it. 

For some inspiration, read this example of a personal philosophy statement from the late Steve Jobs, the former CEO of leading tech giant Apple:

“Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma—which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most importantly, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become.” 

Gaining Experience to Expand Your Philosophy

Now that you’ve had a go at writing your personal philosophy statement based on your current situation and your personal goals, recognize that it doesn’t stop here. Your personal philosophy is a lifetime’s work, and your values will change along with you as you experience new things.

This isn’t only important to your personal life philosophy , but your journey through life as a whole. Be present and live as much as you can. Even when you are at your lowest, there’s always a lesson to be learned. Explore and be more open to changes, not only to develop your philosophy statement, but for personal and character development as well. 

After all, you are the result of all you’ve been through. So don’t limit your personal growth by not taking the chance to live and gain experiences. 

Expanding Your Personal Philosophy

So this journey to develop your personal philosophy statement has led to you seeking new experiences and essentially, getting what you want from life. To refine your personal philosophy, you might want to try out some of these activities. 

Read a book

Books, both fiction and nonfiction, can teach you not only about others but about yourself and your interests. Reading is a teaching tool that allows you to gain insights of how others can see and experience the world through their writing. It will also inspire new desires, possibly leading people to travel or engage in new experiences. Through exploring books, the possibilities are endless.   

Watch interviews

You may just come across new topics you’ve never given thought to before by scrolling through archives of insightful interviews. Listening to others speak can help shape your own views. You can also be inspired by watching interviews in the same way that meaningful quotes do. The difference is that you are able to see the intended way that the words are meant to be delivered, which can have a little more impact than just by reading them. 

Talk to strangers

Like watching interviews, having conversations that take you outside your comfort zone may lead to discovering new interests. Talking to people you don’t know or who hold views that diverge from your own can expand your understanding, not only of the topic, but of the people and their beliefs as well. 

The goal doesn’t always have to involve changing your mind. But alternative perspectives can influence your opinions on the world, or even reaffirm your pre-standing morals. Give individuals from different walks of life the chance to be listened to and you might just gain new insights that can hold value in your life. 

Frequently Asked Questions about How to Create a Personal Philosophy

What is an example of a personal philosophy.

A personal philosophy is a set of guiding principles that an individual uses to navigate through life. Personal philosophy statements orient you on a path that is defined by your values and morals. An example of a simplified philosophy statement is:

Always listen and be willing to learn. Take care of yourself and others. Talk to new people and have quality conversations. Go to different places and bring my best to every situation.

How do I write my philosophy?

To write your personal philosophy, you need to start by thinking about the defining features of your personality. Consider taking a personality test or asking friends or family. You should also be clear with where you want to be in the future and what intentions are going to get you there. Your personal philosophy condenses these things to serve as a reminder to motivate and keep you on the right track.

What is the best philosophy in life?

The best personal philosophy will provide you with a roadmap for the journey you wish to take toward your ideal life. A good personal philosophy will rely on your core values and will summarize what you stand for and how it influences you as a person. Your personal philosophy is unique to you and so the best philosophy will be one that encompasses your personality. But positive and inspirational words are a good place to start. 

A Final Word

If you’re ever asked, “what is your personal philosophy?” we hope you’re now a few steps closer to formulating a response. Whether your personal philosophy guides you down a well-defined path or enlightens you with new knowledge, it’s safe to say the journey won’t end there. This journey of personal rediscovery is guaranteed to teach you something new and alter your psychology in the process.

Originally Published: October 23, 2021

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How to Write a Personal Philosophy Statement

A personal philosophy statement serves as an introduction to you, focusing more on your beliefs and values than on life experiences and biographical data. These are most often used in teaching programs and apply specifically to your ideas about teaching and learning. However, you might be asked to write a personal philosophy statement as a college assignment or for an application when applying for a job, a scholarship, or for admission to a university or program.

Explore this article

• Contemplate your philosophies
• Structure your ideas into an outline
• Write the introduction to your personal philosophy statement
• Write paragraphs
• Add a powerful conclusion

1 Contemplate your philosophies

Contemplate your philosophies. If you have never thought a lot about your specific values and beliefs, do some self-reflection to identify what is important to you. Think about turning points or significant events and people in your life. How did these events and mentors shape who you are? Also, think about your educational and career choices. What has drawn you to these fields? Keep a list of the important words, phrases and events.

Talk to a friend or peer about your philosophies. According to the Iowa State University Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching, "most of us become more thoughtful about the 'big' questions when we bounce them off of our colleagues, consider their responses, re-evaluate our positions, revise, talk some more." Continue taking notes of significant words and phrases.

3 Structure your ideas into an outline

Structure your ideas into an outline. The University of Minnesota Center for Teaching and Learning says you should "read through your notes and underscore ideas or observations that come up in more than one place." Group similar ideas together to create sections of your outline.

4 Write the introduction to your personal philosophy statement

Write the introduction to your personal philosophy statement. Begin with a strong sentence that clarifies who you are. Consider telling a brief story about a significant event or person in your life or starting with a well-known quote. Then, explain how this connects to your philosophy.

5 Write paragraphs

Write paragraphs about each of the sections of your outline. Incorporate a topic sentence for each theme, and add supporting details. The University of Minnesota Center for Teaching and Learning website states, "it's important that you provide concrete examples from your teaching practice to illustrate the general claims you make in your teaching philosophy." This advice applies to fields other than teaching, as well.

6 Add a powerful conclusion

Add a powerful conclusion. End with a paragraph that summarizing your main points and overall philosophy. Leave a lasting impression on your readers.

• According to Cal Poly Career Services, "Be careful of stating opinions that are too strong or controversial." Even though a personal philosophy is personal, it shouldn't offend or alienate readers.
• 1 Iowa State University Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching: Writing a Teaching Philosophy
• 2 University of Minnesota: Creating Your Teaching Philosophy Draft

About the Author

Kerri Cox is an elementary librarian and former high school English teacher. She began writing for Internet publications in 2009. Her informative articles, focusing on education and parenting, have been published on eHow.com. Cox has bachelor's and master's degrees in education from Missouri State University.

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Philosophy personal statement example 6.

What makes me the person I am? What is personhood, or identity? As Plato said "Philosophy begins in wonder." I feel that the study of philosophy will enable me become the person who is able to wonder such questions in a clearer and more logical manner.

A Philosophy degree will provide me with the ability to explore the many different areas of human belief and understanding; and through this test the assumptions that underpin morality. My desire to grasp a deeper understanding of humanity and to grapple with the "big questions" of existence have enthused me with an eagerness to study philosophy at university.

Through attending both a catholic primary and secondary school, the study of religion has always been an integral part of my education. My interest in the subject was broadened through the exposure to books such as Sophie's World (Gaarder) and the studies of theologians such as St. Augustine.

Again, my interest was further extended when I became a member of NAGTY in 2002 by evidencing ability and potential in the fields of English and Philosophy.

An award for the highest attainment in RS followed by a 100% score in my RS GCSE supported my decision to continue my studies to A-level, alongside English language which has equipped me with the essay writing skills I know will prove vital, and combined with the methodical interpretation of society I employ within my Economics course.

The Religious Studies course undertaken thus far has widened my awareness of the different aspects of philosophy through an introduction to ethics, meta-ethics, and epistemology. The logic aspect, although not yet studied, has been addressed by my keenness to apply for Mensa. After sitting two aptitude tests in 2004 I qualified with a result in the top 2% of the UK population.

However, I feel that mere academic achievement is not sufficient in order to fully satisfy the criteria of a philosophy applicant. Through my part-time work I have learnt extensive amounts about society, and the effect of religion especially, upon it.

Through my progression I have discovered how all aspects of life have their own philosophies, i.e. their own questions to be asked, debated and challenged. The analytical abilities and clarity of thought, which are widely valued by employers, are also the ones I know will prove vital in my success at degree level philosophy.

Questions concerning moral values and responsibilities play a key role in many choices and decisions. Although not overtly, many were addressed during my time on the school council as a school representative, where I feel that perhaps the realisation that I have a genuine interest in human thinking and reasoning came about.

I do believe that a career in Law may fullfil the passion I have to seek answers, and so I spent some time for work experience at RupertBearMurrayDavies Solicitors firm.

Here I gained some invaluable skills in learning about the skills I would need to pursue this career. However, I am aware that there are a plethora of fields into which a versatile and respected degree such as philosophy could lead me into, having provided me with a sound foundation of the theory of knowledge, conscience, morality and logic which would strengthen my skills in argument development, proof and deduction, for any future career.

From my experiences thus far I feel that I would be greatly suited to university life, having always made a conscious effort to socialise and take an active part in recreational activities, groups and societies - demonstrated through enrichment activities including first aid, sign language, student investor and the college magazine.

Through a Philosophy degree and the challenges which I am sure are synonymous with university life, I feel I will be able to become aligned with Aristotle when he states "It is the mark of an educated man to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it."

Profile info

This personal statement was written by helen_89 for application in 2007.

helen_89's Comments

Very difficult to say all i wanted in the limit, but i suppose its okay?

Related Personal Statements

it's wicked :)

Wed, 02/07/2008 - 21:02

If just a little arrogant

Fri, 01/08/2008 - 16:41

nice opening paragraph, very

Wed, 03/09/2008 - 19:06

nice opening paragraph, very personal; this statement is obviously more than just 'ok'; but I do think you should have talked more about your subject-specific interests; what paticular areas of philosophy have you read around, and interest you?

quite well written, and you

Sat, 06/09/2008 - 12:09

quite well written, and you are certinly a very intrestig person,however i feel you spent too much time discussing your various successes and how wonderful you are and not enough time on wht u actually want to do philosophy/ what attracts you to it.

Mon, 27/10/2008 - 09:36

quite well written, and you are certainly a very interesting person,however I feel you spent too much time discussing your various successes and how wonderful you are, and not enough time on wht you actually want to do philosophy/ what attracts you to it.

'made a conscious effort to

Tue, 16/12/2008 - 09:49

'made a conscious effort to socialise ' Who has to make a conscious effort to socialise? I hope you get in, as by the sound of this your personal skills aren't getting you anywhere. (y)

da top smoka

Mon, 13/07/2009 - 10:22

i would use this statement as rizzla paper

I would like to know where

Tue, 25/08/2009 - 15:19

I would like to know where you got in, or didn't get in. I feel there is little substance and a great deal of sudo-intellectual ramble. Although none of this really matters now, if you didn't get in and you are re-applying take some time actually reading the books and thinking about them, rather than telling us how you got 100% in a fairly irrelevant course you did 2 years ago. Good luck!

Truly inspiring!

Mon, 09/08/2010 - 17:41

Attention to detail

Sun, 19/09/2010 - 19:05

First of all, before any other criticism is made, the title is not spelt correctly. Though I imagine you did not do that on your real personal statement, it is still good practice as a philosopher to pay attention to detail such as this.

For a true philosopher, everything that is said is important.

Catholic needs a capital C

Thu, 27/10/2011 - 12:31

Mon, 13/02/2012 - 16:09

Yeah !... life is like riding a bicycle. You will not fall unless you stop pedaling!!....

Wed, 24/07/2013 - 12:34

Looking forward to reading more. Great blog post. Will read on...

Mon, 02/12/2013 - 18:37

Your Mensa tests have consequently clouded your judgement, as a result, I am disappointed in your Personal Statement. But then again, it could be worse :)

Add new comment

Applied in: Winter 2013

University offers: lse, st andrews.

The raised eyebrow when I say I hope to read Philosophy is incomprehensible to me. Far from being irrelevant, philosophical concepts underlie fiercely debated social, political and religious issues. Philosophical abstractions do not exist solely in academic journals. They apply to the real world. Conflicting opinions on ethics and morals can be responsible for unrest, conflict, even war. Conversely, the same applied in an informed manner can lead to intra and international conflict resolution. The same holds for any microcosm be it the workplace, a classroom or a hospital. Philosophical inquiry goes to the heart of who we are, our conduct, how we know what we know, to existence itself.  

Issues such as euthanasia, cloning, abortion and IVF dominate headlines.Intrinsic to these are beliefs about the sanctity of life, personhood, the role of autonomy and the doctrine of double effect. Reading Glover's 'Causing Death and Saving Lives' and Singer's 'Rethinking Life and Death' made me realise that maintaining the sanctity of life is problematic. Both authors using medical cases of irreversible comas and vegetative states argue that advances in medical technology are incompatible with traditional views. Perhaps we need a new system of ethics persuasive enough to overturn centuries of tradition. The possibility of investigating this fascinates me.

Huntington's iconic 'Clash of Civilisations' argues that conflicting cultural doctrines lead to terrorism and mass destruction. The Crusades, World War I and the Balkan crises are examples. The ontological question 'who are we?' is resolved through symbols and archetypes that tie us to a culture, even a civilisation. For instance the cow in Hinduism, and the cross in Christianity. I believe philosophical training can equip us to understand our own culture better and enable us to want to build bridges with conflicting belief systems. The UK is an outstanding example of that.  

The relationship between religion & science intrigues me. Mel Thompson's 'Religion and Science' explains its impact on social progress. The relationship has witnessed landmark revolutions: 19th century Darwinian theory of evolution challenged design - a debate yet unresolved. Christian Philosophy, based on Ptolemy's Cosmology & Aristotle's ideas of motion was challenged by Galileo, Newton and Copernicus. Clashes resulted in a rethinking of accepted views, another ongoing process. Rabbi Sachs in 'Religion vs. Science' proposes that religion and science have the same goal, while Dawkins in 'The God Delusion' and 'Root Of All Evil?' challenges this.  

Studying logic will help me differentiate between good & bad arguments. My learning from Guttenplan's 'The Languages of Logic' and 'Philosophy' (Stroll&Hopkins) has reinforced what I know from studying Maths about the movements of thought requiring justification to form a good argument. The ability to distinguish between valid & persuasive arguments, grasping induction & deduction combined with the ability to absorb & evaluate information which I have acquired from studying History, Philosophy & Ethics will empower me to master complexities in the work place.  

I unwind by playing chess and enjoy the competitive aspect. I hold the Surrey Hundreds U18 Championship. As prefect and member of the school council I have brought my conflict resolution capability into play. Being able to develop arguments has held me in good stead at the school debating society. I enjoy playing rugby and goalkeep in a hockey squad. My blog http: phenomenal-philosophy.blogspot.co.uk aims to make Philosophy accessible. Philosophy means the 'love of wisdom' and understanding Philosophy is the first step to a better world because people would be wiser if they studied it. The misconception that Philosophy FOSTERS an ivory tower mentality could not be further from the truth. I find that the study of Philosophy makes me inquisitive and want to interact with people to understand them better.

Please note UCAS will detect any form of plagiarism. PSE and its contributors do not take any responsibility for the way in which personal statements are used.

4 Teaching Philosophy Statement Examples

ThoughtCo / J.R. Bee

• Becoming A Teacher
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• M.S., Education, Buffalo State College
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A teaching philosophy statement, or an educational philosophy statement, is a brief essay that nearly all prospective teachers must write when applying for an academic position. The statement generally reflects on the writer's teaching beliefs and includes concrete examples of how those beliefs have informed the writer's teaching practices.

A well-crafted teaching statement gives a clear and unique portrait of the writer as a teacher. Teaching philosophy statements are important because a clear teaching philosophy can lead to a change in teaching behavior and foster professional and personal growth. As a result, it can also be effective for practicing teachers to conceptualize their teaching approaches by writing a statement—even if they aren't applying for another teaching role.

Examples of Teaching Philosophy Statements

This passage is an example of a strong statement of teaching philosophy because it puts students at the front and center of the teacher's focus. An author who writes such a statement will likely always ensure student needs are the primary focus of all lessons and schoolwork.

"My philosophy of education is that all children are unique and must have a stimulating educational environment where they can grow physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially. It is my desire to create this type of atmosphere where students can meet their full potential. I will provide a safe environment where students are invited to share their ideas and take risks.

"I believe that there are five essential elements that are conducive to learning. (1) The teacher's role is to act as a guide. (2) Students must have access to hands-on activities. (3) Students should be able to have choices and let their curiosity direct their learning. (4) Students need the opportunity to practice skills in a safe environment. (5) Technology must be incorporated into the school day."

The following statement is a good example of a teaching philosophy because the author emphasizes that all classrooms and students are unique, with specific learning needs and styles. A teacher with this philosophy is likely to ensure they spend time helping each student achieve their highest potential.

"I believe that all children are unique and have something special that they can bring to their own education. I will assist my students to express themselves and accept themselves for who they are, as well embrace the differences of others.

"Every classroom has its own unique community; my role as the teacher will be to assist each child in developing their own potential and learning styles. I will present a curriculum that will incorporate each different learning style, as well as make the content relevant to the students' lives. I will incorporate hands-on learning, cooperative learning, projects, themes, and individual work to engage and activate students learning." 

This statement provides a solid example because the author emphasizes the moral objective of teaching: She will hold each student to the highest expectations and ensure each one is diligent in their studies. This statement also implies the teacher will not give up on any student.

"I believe that a teacher is morally obligated to enter the classroom with only the highest of expectations for each and every one of her students. Thus, the teacher maximizes the positive benefits that naturally come along with any self-fulfilling prophecy. With dedication, perseverance, and hard work, her students will rise to the occasion."

"I aim to bring an open mind, a positive attitude, and high expectations to the classroom each day. I believe that I owe it to my students, as well as the community, to bring consistency, diligence, and warmth to my job in the hope that I can ultimately inspire and encourage such traits in the children as well."

The following statement takes a slightly different approach. It states that classrooms should be warm and caring communities, and unlike the first two sample statements, it focuses more on community-based learning, as opposed to an individualized approach. The teaching strategies mentioned, such as morning meetings and community problem-solving, follow this community-based philosophy.

"I believe that a classroom should be a safe, caring community where children are free to speak their mind, blossom, and grow. I will use strategies to ensure our classroom community will flourish, like the morning meeting, positive vs. negative discipline, classroom jobs, and problem-solving skills.

"Teaching is a process of learning from your students, colleagues, parents, and the community. This is a lifelong process where you learn new strategies, new ideas, and new philosophies. Over time, my educational philosophy may change, and that's okay. That just means that I have grown and learned new things."

Components of a Teaching Philosophy Statement

A teaching philosophy statement should include an introduction, body, and conclusion—just as you would expect of your students if they were writing a paper. But there are other specific components that you need to include:

Introduction: This should be your thesis statement where you discuss your general belief about education (such as: "I believe all students have a right to learn"), as well as your teaching ideals. Consider what students will have learned once they depart your class, and what those lessons learned say about your teaching philosophy and strategies.

Body: ​In this part of the statement, discuss what you see as the ideal classroom environment and how it makes you a better teacher, addresses student needs, and facilitates interactions between parents and their children. Discuss how you would facilitate age-appropriate learning  and involve students in the assessment process . Explain how you would put your educational ​​ideals into practice.

Clearly state your goals and objectives for students. Layout specifically what you hope your teaching will help students to accomplish. Be specific by telling a story or detailing a teaching strategy you've used. Doing so helps your reader understand how your teaching philosophy would play out in the classroom.

Conclusion : In this section, talk about your goals as a teacher, how you have been able to meet them in the past, and how you can build on them to meet future challenges. Focus on your personal approach to pedagogy and classroom management, as well as what makes you unique as an educator, and how you wish to advance your career.

Cite your sources. Explain where your teaching philosophy originated—for example, from your experiences as an undergraduate, from a faculty mentor you worked with during your teacher-training program, or perhaps from books or articles on teaching that had a particular influence on you.

Formatting Your Statement

There are some general rules to follow when writing a teaching philosophy statement.

Keep it brief. The statement should be no more than one-to-two pages, double-spaced.

Use present tense , and write the statement in the first person, as the previous examples illustrate.

Avoid jargon. Use common, everyday language, and not technical terms. If you must use jargon, explain what you're writing about in everyday terms as well.

Be personal. Make sure you talk about your experiences and beliefs, and ensure your statement is original and truly describes the methods and philosophy you would employ in teaching.

Vanderbilt University. " Teaching Statements ."

The Chronicle of Higher Education. " 4 Steps to a Memorable Teaching Philosophy ."

The Ohio State University. " Philosophy of Teaching Statement ."

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