While many modern guides focus on “hacks,” Dr. Michael Egnor—a renowned neurosurgeon and philosopher—suggests a deeper path rooted in the Aristotelian and Thomistic traditions. He argues that the mind consists of two primary immaterial faculties: the intellect, which grasps truth, and the will, which chooses the good. This classical approach provides a rigorous alternative to standard self-help advice, focusing on “philosophy as a way of life” to fundamentally transform how you engage with reality.

Strengthening the Intellect

The goal of the intellect is to align your mind with truth rather than just accumulating data. To strengthen this faculty, you should prioritize deep understanding over information gathering. Valuable life improvement tips from this tradition include:

• Reading Foundational Texts: Engage with difficult literature or philosophy slowly, summarizing core arguments in your own words to abstract universal meanings.
• Abstract Reasoning: Practice “weightlifting for the intellect” by studying purely formal subjects like logic, mathematics, or metaphysics.
• Contemplation: Set aside time for silent reflection on a single profound idea, such as justice or infinity, without an immediate practical goal.

Fortifying the Will

The will is a muscle strengthened through resistance and deliberate choice. You can discover how to improve life by training the will to follow reason rather than impulse. This is achieved through:

• Small Acts of Virtue: Perform “askesis,” or self-discipline, such as waking up at a set time immediately or finishing tedious chores without procrastination.
• Reasoned Choices: For every significant decision, articulate the specific reason for your choice to ensure it aligns with a true principle rather than a fleeting passion.

The Bridge of Conscience

The pinnacle of this training is the conscience, which acts as the bridge between intellect and will. Unlike modern “manifesting” techniques, which often bypass the search for truth to focus purely on desire, a well-formed intellect must inform the will to create a better life. By regularly examining your conscience and reflecting on where your choices met—or failed—your internal standard of truth, you can build a stable disposition of moral virtue.