examples of personal statements for philosophy

101 Personal Philosophy Examples (Copy and Paste Ideas)

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’ .

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]

• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ 5 Top Tips for Succeeding at University
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ 50 Durable Goods Examples
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ 100 Consumer Goods Examples
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ 30 Globalization Pros and Cons

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Personal Philosophy

What is personal philosophy.

Imagine your brain is like a garden. Your personal philosophy is the collection of flowers, plants, and trees that you choose to grow in it. It’s the unique mix of ideas and values that you water, care for, and let bloom to make up who you are. It’s the set of beliefs that helps you figure out life’s big questions, like how to act, what’s meaningful, and what kind of life you want to live. Your personal philosophy is also like a toolbox that holds your favorite tools. It contains the thoughts and attitudes you rely on to build your life day by day. Understanding your personal philosophy is like knowing which tools work best for fixing a problem or creating something great.

To create your personal philosophy, you might start by picking out things that make your heart sing, like love, joy, and courage, and think about how these things shape your choices. You might add to your philosophy with ideas about fairness, helping others, or being true to yourself. And just like your taste in food or music can change, your personal philosophy can evolve as you have new experiences and learn more about the world around you.

Types of Personal Philosophy

Personal philosophies are as varied as people themselves, but here are a few common themes:

• Self-Improvement : This is about wanting to become the best version of yourself, whether that’s being smarter, kinder, or stronger.
• Success : Some people might focus on achieving their goals and dreams, whatever they may be.
• Balance : This is the idea of keeping a healthy balance in life, like not working too much and making time for fun.
• Respect for Nature : A person may believe that being in harmony with the environment is essential, treating the Earth with care.

Examples of Personal Philosophy

• Everyone deserves respect : By believing this, you treat each person with kindness and honor, no matter who they are. This idea guides you in every conversation and meeting. It’s a personal philosophy because it affects how you behave towards others, making respect the foundation of your interactions.
• Challenges make you stronger : If you think that facing tough times is important for growing, your philosophy pushes you to embrace difficulties instead of running away from them. This belief acts as a motivator, helping you to stay strong and learn from every hurdle in life.
• Always be curious : Someone whose personal philosophy is to always keep learning will always ask questions and seek new information. This philosophy places a high value on discovery and understanding, guiding a person’s journey through life like a treasure map leads to hidden gold.

Why Is Personal Philosophy Important?

Your personal philosophy is like your North Star, guiding you through life’s dark nights and sunny days. It helps you make choices that are true to who you are and moves you closer to the life you dream of. When you’re faced with a tough decision, like whether to be honest when it’s hard, your personal philosophy will light the way. It tells you a lot about what kind of person you are, like whether you believe in giving chances or if being fair is the most important to you. And just as important, your personal philosophy can influence the world around you. Kindness can catch on, creating a chain reaction of good vibes, while honesty can build trust with others.

Think about how, in team sports, a strong game plan can lead to victory. Your personal philosophy is your game plan for life. It keeps your actions and decisions aimed at your goals, whether that’s being a great friend, exploring the world, or standing up for what you believe in.

Origin of Personal Philosophy

From ancient times, people like Confucius , Buddha, and many others explored ideas about life’s purpose and how to live well. They provided a variety of perspectives, like different types of soil, in which our own personal philosophies could grow. Even today, the wisdom they shared acts like sunlight and rain, helping shape and nourish our ideas about life.

Controversies Surrounding Personal Philosophy

Disagreements over personal philosophy are as common as toppings on pizza. What one person swears by, another might completely disagree with. For instance, some might argue about whether happiness comes from what we do or what we have. Others might debate whether we’re shaped more by our environment or our genetics. These debates show that personal philosophy is a deeply personal and sometimes complex part of who we are.

Additional Important Factors

Your personal philosophy is far-reaching, touching more than just your own life. It can steer your career path, influence the friends you make, and even affect the community you live in. Just like a captain’s leadership can inspire a team, your personal philosophy can lead and inspire the people around you.

And remember, just as you might outgrow your favorite sweater, you might also outgrow parts of your philosophy. As you soak in new knowledge and experiences, your beliefs can shift. You might find that ideas that used to be important to you no longer fit quite right, and that’s okay. Growing and changing is part of the adventure of life.

Related Topics

• Personal Growth : Just as a plant grows from a seed, we grow as individuals. This process is about becoming wiser, stronger, and more in tune with who we are. It’s closely linked with personal philosophy as our values and beliefs play a big part in shaping our growth.
• Social Responsibility : This is about recognizing that we’re part of a bigger community and working to make the world a better place. Personal philosophy often includes thoughts on how we should behave not just for ourselves, but for the good of others too.
• Mindfulness : This is about being fully aware and present in each moment. When you practice mindfulness, you’re living out a philosophy that values the now and teaches you to enjoy each experience fully.

In conclusion, your personal philosophy is the collection of beliefs, ideals, and values that you use to fill the book of your life. It’s unique to you and evolves over time as you learn, grow, and change. Your philosophy shapes every decision you make and guides you on your path through life. It’s your inner compass, your set of blueprints, and your personal theme song all rolled into one. It embodies who you are and lights up the way to where you want to be. Just like painting your own masterpiece, your personal philosophy lets you put your individual stamp on the world.

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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.

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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?

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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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Download our Free Personal Statement Starter Guide 

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.

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• How to Create a Personal Philosophy That Guides You Like a Lighthouse
• December 3, 2023

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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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Philosophy Personal Statement

“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.... Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.” - Martin Luther King Jr., Letter from Birmingham Jail, April 16, 1963. This quote from the renowned civil rights activist and Nobel peace prize winner perfectly encapsulates the reason why I would like to study Law. I believe justice, liberty and equality under law to be inalienable rights that are paramount for promoting peace and security in a diverse and multicultural society as we have in the UK. However, justice doesn't happen automatically and instead requires every institutional participant in the justice system, from police to judiciary to play their own part with professionalism and without bias. I believe that studying Law is one of the most empowering things that an individual can do to make a positive contribution to society.

An area of law that particularly interests me is human rights and discrimination. During 2016, I followed the legal tussles and alleged miscarriages of justice that spawned the Black Lives Matter movement in USA with interest. It seemed to me that there were some key differences in approach between how such cases of fatal police brutality would be handled in the UK as compared to USA. I researched and learned that in the UK such cases would be immediately referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) whereas in USA, the division of investigative responsibility at the state and federal levels was perhaps one of the reasons why Human Rights Watch recommended the setting up of independent Special Prosecutor state offices in their July 1998 report, "Shielded from Justice: Police Brutality and Accountability in the United States". According to the report there are serious conflicts of interest today where state prosecutors are investigating the same police departments that they work with on a day to day basis.

My recent work experiences, have reinforced my passion and interest in Law and the legal system. Last summer, I undertook a two-week work experience placement with Penman Sedgwick solicitors in Hemel Hempstead. I worked in the Paralegal team and received training on how to write up telephone notes and letters to clients regarding their property legal affairs. Through shadowing staff and partners at the firm, I learnt about how they operate and the different fields of law in which the firm specialises. I was also able to advance my skill set, including communication, time management, organisation, attention to detail and teamwork. I felt my experience was helpful to me in gaining confidence and coming out of my comfort zone. I believe my choice of A-Level subjects – Religious Studies, Psychology and Government and Politics - provides an excellent foundation for study of Law at university level. My study of these essay based subjects have prepared me to tackle the intricacies of law as they require a great deal of research and critical analysis including formulating arguments and debating. I am confident that my choice of subjects has prepared me for the inevitable workload associated with studying Law.

On a personal level, I believe myself to be someone who is highly motivated and possesses a great work ethic. I am also someone who perseveres through challenges. This was most recently demonstrated through achieving a Bronze award for the Duke of Edinburgh which I completed in secondary school. Although I found the expedition quite testing at times, my determination grew over the few days and I refused to give up despite the harsh weather conditions we faced.

In summary, I hope that my passion for studying Law has been effectively conveyed. I look forward to using my experience and skills that I have developed and hope that you will be able to provide me with a place to study Law at your university.

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4 Teaching Philosophy Statement Examples

Develop Your Own Teaching Philosophy

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• Becoming A Teacher
• Assessments & Tests
• Elementary Education
• Secondary Education
• Special Education
• Homeschooling
• M.S., Education, Buffalo State College
• B.S., Education, Buffalo State College

An educational philosophy statement or teaching philosophy statement is a brief essay that all nearly prospective teachers are required to write. Vanderbilt University explains:

"A teaching (philosophy) statement is a purposeful and reflective essay about the author’s teaching beliefs and practices. It is an individual narrative that includes not only one’s beliefs about the teaching and learning process but also concrete examples of the ways in which he or she enacts these beliefs in the classroom."

A well-crafted teaching statement gives a clear and unique portrait of the author as a teacher. Ohio State University's Center for the Advancement of Teaching further explains that a teaching philosophy statement is important because a clear philosophy of teaching can lead to a change in teaching behavior and foster professional and personal growth.

Examples of Teaching Philosophy Statements

This passage is an example of a strong statement of teaching philosophy because it puts students where they belong in education: at the front and center of a teacher's focus. An author who writes such as a statement is likely to continuously examine and verify this philosophy by always ensuring that 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 indeed all students, are unique and have specific learning needs and styles. A teacher with such a philosophy is likely to ensure that she spends time helping each student achieve her 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 that engage and activate students learning." 

This statement provides a solid example because the author emphasizes the moral objective of teaching: that she will hold each student to the highest expectations and ensure that each one is diligent in her studies. Implied in this statement is that the teacher will not give up on even a single recalcitrant 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 tack: Classrooms should be warm and caring communities. Unlike the previous statements, this one minimizes the individuality of students and emphasizes that, essentially, it take a village to foster truly community-based learning. All teaching strategies then, such as morning meetings and community problem solving, follow this philosophy.

"I believe that a classroom should be a safe, caring community where children are free to speak their mind and 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 specific components that you need to include in any such statement:

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 ideals in relation to teaching. You should "begin with the end," says James M. Lang in an Aug. 29, 2010, article titled, " 4 Steps to a Memorable Teaching Philosophy " published in "The Chronicle of Higher Education." Lang says you should consider what the students will have learned once they depart your class, after having been guided by 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 parent/child interactions. Discuss how you would facilitate age-appropriate learning , and how you involve students in the assessment process . Explain how you would put your educational ​​ideals into practice.

Lang says that you should 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 offering "a detailed description of an innovative or interesting teaching strategy you have used," says Lang. 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 these 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 to further support education.

Lang notes that, while you don't need to use official citation style, you should 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

In addition to considering the type of teaching philosophy to write, Ohio State University offers some general formatting suggestions. The Ohio State University Center for the Advancement of Teaching states:

Statement Format

"There is no required content or set format. There is no right or wrong way to write a philosophy statement, which is why it is so challenging for most people to write one. You may decide to write in prose, use famous quotes, create visuals, use a question/answer format, etc."

There are, however, some general rules to follow when writing a teaching philosophy statement, says the university's teacher-training department:

Keep it brief. The statement should be no more than one to two pages, according to the Ohio State University Center for the Advancement of Teaching.

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

Avoid jargon. Use common, everyday language, not "technical terms," the university advises.

Create a "vivid portrait" that includes "strategies and methods ... (to help) your reader take a mental 'peek' into your classroom," adds the Ohio State University Center for the Advancement of Teaching.

Additionally, make sure you talk about " your  experiences and  your  beliefs" and ensure your statement is original and truly describes the methods and philosophy you would employ in teaching, the university adds.

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40 Philosophy of Education Examples, Plus How To Write Your Own

Learn how to define and share your teaching philosophy.

These days, it’s become common for educators to be asked what their personal teaching philosophy is. Whether it’s for a job interview, a college class, or to share with your principal, crafting a philosophy of education can seem like a daunting task. So set aside some time to consider your own teaching philosophy (we’ll walk you through it), and be sure to look at philosophy of education examples from others (we’ve got those too!).

What is a philosophy of education?

Before we dive into the examples, it’s important to understand the purpose of a philosophy of education. This statement will provide an explanation of your teaching values and beliefs. Your teaching philosophy is ultimately a combination of the methods you studied in college and any professional experiences you’ve learned from since. It incorporates your own experiences (negative or positive) in education.

Many teachers have two versions of their teaching philosophy: a long form (a page or so of text) and a short form. The longer form is useful for job application cover letters or to include as part of your teacher portfolio. The short form distills the longer philosophy into a couple of succinct sentences that you can use to answer teacher job interview questions or even share with parents.

What’s the best teaching philosophy?

Here’s one key thing to remember: There’s no one right answer to “What’s your teaching philosophy?” Every teacher’s will be a little bit different, depending on their own teaching style, experiences, and expectations. And many teachers find that their philosophies change over time, as they learn and grow in their careers.

When someone asks for your philosophy of education, what they really want to know is that you’ve given thought to how you prepare lessons and interact with students in and out of the classroom. They’re interested in finding out what you expect from your students and from yourself, and how you’ll apply those expectations. And they want to hear examples of how you put your teaching philosophy into action.

What’s included in strong teaching philosophy examples?

Depending on who you ask, a philosophy of education statement can include a variety of values, beliefs, and information. As you build your own teaching philosophy statement, consider these aspects, and write down your answers to the questions.

Purpose of Education (Core Beliefs)

What do you believe is the purpose of teaching and learning? Why does education matter to today’s children? How will time spent in your classroom help prepare them for the future?

Use your answers to draft the opening statement of your philosophy of education, like these:

• Education isn’t just about what students learn, but about learning how to learn.
• A good education prepares students to be productive and empathetic members of society.
• Teachers help students embrace new information and new ways of seeing the world around them.
• A strong education with a focus on fundamentals ensures students can take on any challenges that come their way.
• I believe education is key to empowering today’s youth, so they’ll feel confident in their future careers, relationships, and duties as members of their community.
• Well-educated students are open-minded, welcoming the opinions of others and knowing how to evaluate information critically and carefully.

Teaching Style and Practices

Do you believe in student-led learning, or do you like to use the Socratic method instead? Is your classroom a place for quiet concentration or sociable collaboration? Do you focus on play-based learning, hands-on practice, debate and discussion, problem-solving, or project-based learning? All teachers use a mix of teaching practices and styles, of course, but there are some you’re likely more comfortable with than others. Possible examples:

• I frequently use project-based learning in my classrooms because I believe it helps make learning more relevant to my students. When students work together to address real-world problems, they use their [subject] knowledge and skills and develop communication and critical thinking abilities too.
• Play-based learning is a big part of my teaching philosophy. Kids who learn through play have more authentic experiences, exploring and discovering the world naturally in ways that make the process more engaging and likely to make a lasting impact.
• In my classroom, technology is key. I believe in teaching students how to use today’s technology in responsible ways, embracing new possibilities and using technology as a tool, not a crutch.
• While I believe in trying new teaching methods, I also find that traditional learning activities can still be effective. My teaching is mainly a mix of lecture, Socratic seminar, and small-group discussions.
• I’m a big believer in formative assessment , taking every opportunity to measure my students’ understanding and progress. I use tools like exit tickets and Kahoot! quizzes, and watch my students closely to see if they’re engaged and on track.
• Group work and discussions play a major role in my instructional style. Students who learn to work cooperatively at a young age are better equipped to succeed in school, in their future careers, and in their communities.

Students and Learning Styles

Why is it important to recognize all learning styles? How do you accommodate different learning styles in your classroom? What are your beliefs on diversity, equity, and inclusion? How do you ensure every student in your classroom receives the same opportunities to learn? How do you expect students to behave, and how do you measure success?

Sample teaching philosophy statements about students might sound like this:

• Every student has their own unique talents, skills, challenges, and background. By getting to know my students as individuals, I can help them find the learning styles that work best for them, now and throughout their education.
• I find that motivated students learn best. They’re more engaged in the classroom and more diligent when working alone. I work to motivate students by making learning relevant, meaningful, and enjoyable.
• We must give every student equal opportunities to learn and grow. Not all students have the same support outside the classroom. So as a teacher, I try to help bridge gaps when I see them and give struggling students a chance to succeed academically.
• I believe every student has their own story and deserves a chance to create and share it. I encourage my students to approach learning as individuals, and I know I’m succeeding when they show a real interest in showing up and learning more every day.
• In my classroom, students take responsibility for their own success. I help them craft their own learning goals, then encourage them to evaluate their progress honestly and ask for help when they need it.
• To me, the best classrooms are those that are the most diverse. Students learn to recognize and respect each other’s differences, celebrating what each brings to the community. They also have the opportunity to find common ground, sometimes in ways that surprise them.

How do I write my philosophy of education?

Think back to any essay you’ve ever written and follow a similar format. Write in the present tense; your philosophy isn’t aspirational, it’s something you already live and follow. This is true even if you’re applying for your first teaching job. Your philosophy is informed by your student teaching, internships, and other teaching experiences.

Lead with your core beliefs about teaching and learning. These beliefs should be reflected throughout the rest of your teaching philosophy statement.

Then, explain your teaching style and practices, being sure to include concrete examples of how you put those practices into action. Transition into your beliefs about students and learning styles, with more examples. Explain why you believe in these teaching and learning styles, and how you’ve seen them work in your experiences.

A long-form philosophy of education statement usually takes a few paragraphs (not generally more than a page or two). From that long-form philosophy, highlight a few key statements and phrases and use them to sum up your teaching philosophy in a couple of well-crafted sentences for your short-form teaching philosophy.

Still feeling overwhelmed? Try answering these three key questions:

• Why do you teach?
• What are your favorite, tried-and-true methods for teaching and learning?
• How do you help students of all abilities and backgrounds learn?

If you can answer those three questions, you can write your teaching philosophy!

Short Philosophy of Education Examples

We asked real educators in the We Are Teachers HELPLINE group on Facebook to share their teaching philosophy examples in a few sentences . Here’s what they had to say:

I am always trying to turn my students into self-sufficient learners who use their resources to figure it out instead of resorting to just asking someone for the answers. —Amy J.

My philosophy is that all students can learn. Good educators meet all students’ differentiated learning needs to help all students meet their maximum learning potential. —Lisa B.

I believe that all students are unique and need a teacher that caters to their individual needs in a safe and stimulating environment. I want to create a classroom where students can flourish and explore to reach their full potential. My goal is also to create a warm, loving environment, so students feel safe to take risks and express themselves. —Valerie T.

In my classroom, I like to focus on the student-teacher relationships/one-on-one interactions. Flexibility is a must, and I’ve learned that you do the best you can with the students you have for however long you have them in your class. —Elizabeth Y

I want to prepare my students to be able to get along without me and take ownership of their learning. I have implemented a growth mindset. —Kirk H.

My teaching philosophy is centered around seeing the whole student and allowing the student to use their whole self to direct their own learning. As a secondary teacher, I also believe strongly in exposing all students to the same core content of my subject so that they have equal opportunities for careers and other experiences dependent upon that content in the future. —Jacky B.

All children learn best when learning is hands-on. This works for the high students and the low students too, even the ones in between. I teach by creating experiences, not giving information. —Jessica R.

As teachers, it’s our job to foster creativity. In order to do that, it’s important for me to embrace the mistakes of my students, create a learning environment that allows them to feel comfortable enough to take chances, and try new methods. —Chelsie L.

I believe that every child can learn and deserves the best, well-trained teacher possible who has high expectations for them. I differentiate all my lessons and include all learning modalities. —Amy S.

All students can learn and want to learn. It is my job to meet them where they are and move them forward. —Holli A.

I believe learning comes from making sense of chaos. My job is to design work that will allow students to process, explore, and discuss concepts to own the learning. I need to be part of the process to guide and challenge perceptions. —Shelly G.

I want my students to know that they are valued members of our classroom community, and I want to teach each of them what they need to continue to grow in my classroom. —Doreen G.

Teach to every child’s passion and encourage a joy for and love of education and school. —Iris B.

I believe in creating a classroom culture of learning through mistakes and overcoming obstacles through teamwork. —Jenn B.

It’s our job to introduce our kids to many, many different things and help them find what they excel in and what they don’t. Then nurture their excellence and help them figure out how to compensate for their problem areas. That way, they will become happy, successful adults. —Haley T.

Longer Philosophy of Education Examples

Looking for longer teaching philosophy examples? Check out these selections from experienced teachers of all ages and grades.

• Learning To Wear the Big Shoes: One Step at a Time
• Nellie Edge: My Kindergarten Teaching Philosophy
• Faculty Focus: My Philosophy of Teaching
• Robinson Elementary School: My Teaching Philosophy
• David Orace Kelly: Philosophy of Education
• Explorations in Higher Education: My Teaching Philosophy Statement
• University of Washington Medical School Faculty Teaching Philosophy Statements

Do you have any philosophy of education examples? Share them in the We Are Teachers HELPLINE Group on Facebook!

Want more articles and tips like this be sure to subscribe to our newsletters to find out when they’re posted..

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Politics, philosophy & economics (ppe) personal statement example 3.

In this day and age virtually every aspect of our lives may be considered political. My passion to study Politics stems from this tenet and a belief that a comprehension of Politics is integral to understanding the current state of humanity.

However, I believe that to approach Politics without appreciating the ethical motivations and implications of political decisions, as well as the economic context of political events, would be futile. My study of Mathematics will be advantageous in learning the quantitative aspects of Economics.

Moreover the intellectual clarity of Mathematics and Physics has equipped me with a logical rigour useful in Philosophy. Through History I have developed a greater understanding of Politics through analysis of Gladstone and Disraeli and of Russia's transition from autocracy to communism.

The course has altered my perceptions of the extent to which politicians must approach situations pragmatically, not simply ideologically, in order to achieve their goals.

I have explored this theme in my additional reading; in 'Thatcher and Thatcherism' Eric J Evans challenged many of my pre-conceptions about Margaret Thatcher, her ideology and the extent to which, like similarly ideologically driven politicians such as Lenin, she was forced to make concessions for wider political gain.

Economics fascinates me and I have enjoyed reading Edmund Conway's '50 Economics Ideas You Really Need to Know' to gain a basic understanding. Reading 'Micromotives and Macrobehaviour', I was intrigued by the use of Econometrics in modelling human behaviour.

It forced me to question my belief that desirable social outcomes, such as racial integration, can be achieved without government intervention.

My confidence in laissez-faire was again brought into question by reading 'False Dawn' by John Gray, as I found his condemnation of the propensity of free markets to exacerbate social ills compelling.

Notwithstanding this, I found merit in many arguments in favour of markets put forward by Friedman in 'Capitalism and Freedom', notably his claim that economic and political freedoms are inextricably linked; this reaffirmed the importance of studying Politics alongside Economics. I have read several introductory texts regarding Philosophy and recently attended a Philosophy conference at York University.

Reading 'Religion for Atheists' by Alain de Botton, I considered the author's analysis of humanity's emotional needs very valuable, yet was frustrated by the impracticality of many of his recommendations, for example to reduce the emphasis on vocational education.

This has confirmed my desire to study Philosophy alongside the practical disciplines of Politics and Economics. The History: Race and Protest course at the Oxford University UNIQ summer school, accompanied by Stephen Tuck's 'We Ain't What We Ought to Be,' fundamentally altered my perception of racial inequality, by presenting a far harsher portrayal of the struggle for civil rights than the often diluted version present in much of the media.

I have also examined inequality from a philosophical angle, through reading Rousseau's 'Second Discourse'.

Whilst I agreed with his arguments regarding the origins of political inequality, I found myself opposed to his claims regarding the state of nature, particularly that humans would naturally live alone, a claim which appears contrary to modern knowledge of early human society. Next year I look forward to expanding my knowledge of PPE, but also to fully immersing myself in the extra-curricular aspects of university.

I enjoy playing Rugby and Hockey, run Chess Club, am a member of a Boys' Vocal Group and the Sixth Form Debating society; served on the latter for two years as its youngest member.

Having always enjoyed debating ideological issues as well as current affairs I also organised a talk regarding the importance of the separation of church and state delivered by Michael Meadowcroft.

Profile info

This personal statement was written by finnplees for application in 2014.

finnplees's university choices The University of Durham University of Leeds The University of Hull Oxford University The University of York

Green : offer made Red : no offer made

finnplees's Comments

I felt this was a moderately good personal statement. It got me 5 offers, including ones from Oxford (where I am currently a student) and Durham.

This personal statement is unrated

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Statement of Educational Philosophy

This essay about the philosophy of education explores the dynamic interplay between pedagogical principles and social justice. It emphasizes student-centered learning, digital literacy, and fostering a culture of inclusivity and empowerment. Grounded in a commitment to lifelong learning, the essay highlights the educator’s role as a guide and facilitator in navigating the complexities of the modern world. Ultimately, it advocates for an educational approach that embraces diversity, equity, and the transformative power of education to shape future generations.

How it works

Within the labyrinthine realm of educational philosophy, my journey is a kaleidoscope of convictions, each facet unique, each hue a blend of experiences and aspirations. My statement of educational philosophy is not a static monolith but a dynamic tapestry, woven from the threads of innovation, empathy, and resilience, unfurling a narrative that is distinctly my own.

At the core of my educational creed lies the belief in the transformative potential of every learner. I perceive education not merely as the impartation of knowledge but as the cultivation of individual brilliance, a process of unlocking the latent talents and passions within each student.

It is a journey of exploration and discovery, where the classroom becomes a crucible for curiosity, creativity, and self-actualization.

Central to my pedagogical approach is the principle of student-centered learning, where the classroom is a bustling marketplace of ideas, perspectives, and experiences. Embracing the rich tapestry of diversity within my classroom, I strive to create an inclusive environment where every voice is not only heard but cherished. Through differentiated instruction, collaborative projects, and experiential learning, I seek to honor the unique identities and learning styles of each student, fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment.

In the digital age, where information is ubiquitous and ever-evolving, the role of the educator extends beyond that of a mere disseminator of facts. I view myself as a guide, a facilitator, and a curator of knowledge, navigating the vast sea of information alongside my students. From inquiry-based learning to project-based assessments, I employ pedagogical approaches that promote critical thinking, problem-solving, and digital literacy, equipping my students with the skills and competencies necessary to thrive in the 21st century.

Moreover, my educational philosophy is grounded in a commitment to social justice and equity. In a world rife with systemic inequities and injustices, education emerges as a powerful tool for liberation and empowerment. As an educator, I see it as my moral imperative to challenge oppressive structures, amplify marginalized voices, and cultivate a culture of empathy and activism. Through culturally responsive teaching, social-emotional learning, and community engagement, I endeavor to create a more just and equitable society, one classroom at a time.

As I navigate the ever-changing landscape of education, I remain steadfast in my dedication to lifelong learning. Like a river carving its path through the terrain, I am continually evolving, embracing new ideas, pedagogies, and technologies to enhance my practice. Through reflective inquiry, professional development, and collaboration with colleagues, I strive to refine my craft and inspire a culture of lifelong learning among my students.

In essence, my statement of educational philosophy is a testament to my belief in the transformative power of education. It is a living document, a testament to my evolving understanding of teaching and learning, shaped by the intersections of theory and practice, passion and pragmatism. As I embark on this journey as an educator, I do so with humility, curiosity, and a profound sense of purpose, knowing that I have the privilege and responsibility to shape the minds and hearts of future generations.

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