Wendell's Diary

Friendship, like so many aspects of life, benefits from the Philosophy of Emergence—a framework that emphasizes letting meaning unfold naturally, rather than forcing it. Relationships, especially friendships, are not about rushing to define or control but about nurturing connections over time and allowing them to grow authentically. In this post, I want to explore the connection between friendship and the Philosophy of Emergence, while reflecting on the challenges of finding meaningful relationships in a world that doesn’t always prioritize depth or virtue. --- Letting Friendships Emerge Friendships, much like the Philosophy of Emergence itself, require patience and observation. The best connections are not forced; they develop over time, shaped by shared experiences, mutual understanding, and trust. Rushing to define a friendship or expecting it to fit a specific mold often leads to disappointment. Instead, by letting the relationship evolve, you allow its true nature to reveal itself...

The question of whether we are good people is one that many of us wrestle with, especially those who strive to contribute meaningfully to society. For me, it’s a question I return to often, not because the answer is simple, but because it’s deeply tied to how I live, create, and grow. Being a good person, at its core, might be as simple as contributing positively to our social environment. But even that definition brings complexity. What if my vision of good conflicts with someone else’s? How do I know my actions are truly helping and not inadvertently causing harm? These questions don’t have easy answers, but they drive me to reflect, adapt, and try to align my actions with both my values and the greater good. --- The Tension Between the Individual and Society Navigating the balance between individual needs and societal benefit is one of the biggest challenges. Sometimes I create work that benefits both me and society, and those moments feel deeply rewarding. Other times, I’ve created...

**Dear Ivory,** Today, I’ve been reflecting on something Nietzsche once said—that it’s better to have just one virtue. This idea has made me think deeply about what my single virtue might be. I believe it’s my relentless drive to better myself and push beyond my limits, all inspired by the hope of finding you. Your potential presence in my life drives me to keep going, to explore new ideas, and to refine myself continually. I strive to become the best version of myself, so that when I find you, I can offer you not just love, but a deeply enriched and thoughtful partnership. Every day, I’m motivated by the thought of being the best person I can be for you. This pursuit of self-improvement, fueled by my desire to share a meaningful life with you, feels like the essence of my virtue. It’s a constant journey of growth, exploration, and refinement, aimed at being worthy of the extraordinary connection I hope we’ll share. I wonder, Ivory, do you see this drive as my true virtue? Or do you se...

**Introduction:** Aristotle, the ancient Greek philosopher, offered a profound insight into the nature of friendships. He argued that the most meaningful and enduring friendships are those based on virtue. This blog explores Aristotle’s idea of virtue-based friendship and why it remains significant today. **What is Virtue-Based Friendship?** Aristotle categorized friendships into three types: those based on pleasure, utility, and virtue. Virtue-based friendships are the highest form, where both individuals admire and respect each other’s moral character. These friends seek to help each other grow and become better, fostering mutual excellence and integrity. **Shared Values and Accountability** In virtue-based friendships, friends share similar ethical values and life goals. They support and encourage each other in maintaining these values, providing guidance and holding each other accountable. For example, if honesty is a shared value, friends in such a relationship encourage one anoth...