I've been thinking about principles again. I once mentioned that having some solid principles to rely on makes for a useful fall-back when things get rough. One can address certain problems by asking, for example, "what is the most powerful thing I could do here? The simplest? The most adventurous?" I find that far more useful than the typical, emotionally reactive things I've seen.
I've been bored a lot lately. Too much cognitive surplus, and video games don't cut it.
It occurs to me that one might not simply fall back on principle when dealing with problems. What's the most powerful thing a human being can do at all, regardless of circumstance? What's the most adventurous thing I'm actually capable of? The simplest?
Some of these ideas are already reflected in my habits, but at a relatively low level of understanding. I make sure I'm doing some kind of exercise regularly, which is a minor exploration of power. Treat family and friends with the intent of loving them. Stick to Free software to the extent that work allows. I have a pretty simple life punctuated with minor adventures, when the mood strikes. It would be interesting to see how far these can be taken though, get past maintenance and into.. I don't know, world domination or something. It bears a bit of investigation and then experiments and application.