14 Jan 2026: Eternal Recurrence – TouchstoneTruth.com

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Weeky Wisdom Builder

Wed 14 Jan 2026

Online Edition

Wed 14 Jan 2026 Online Edition

Stories: Science Philosophy Critical Thinking History Big Bang Metaphysics Evolution Biases Futurism Ancient History Ethics Reasoning

5 Minutes Per Week

Weekly Insights for Thinkers

Takeaways! Click the title when inspired.

This Week’s Idea

— Eternal Recurrence —

Reframe your day-to-day life in a way you would want to live it forever.

This week’s essay:

Greetings!

This week’s Weekly Wisdom Builder centers on New Year’s resolutions and Nietzsche’s idea of Eternal Recurrence. It’s about stepping back and looking at your life from an unusual angle, and ask a simple question:

Would I want to live this life again and again?

What follows here are the bottom-line takeaways, a short read. I’ve also written a longer essay this week, linked below, that brings these ideas together in reflection on alignment, self-becoming, and what it might mean to live a life you’d willingly repeat.

I hope you enjoy it.

–Michael Alan Prestwood

Story of the Week

Friedrich Nietzsche

born 1844

1844-1900

For Nietzsche, the collapse of inherited meaning is not a tragedy but an opening. With “God dead,” humanity is no longer bound to borrowed values, inherited morals, or cultural scripts. Meaning must now be created—through strength, intellectual honesty, and the difficult work of becoming. Nietzsche’s philosophy is not about despair, but about responsibility: if the old meanings have fallen, then living authentically means daring to create new ones.

Quote of the Week

Could you affirm your life so fully that you would will its eternal repetition?

Friedrich Nietzsche
1882

Nietzsche’s idea of Eternal Recurrence asks us to treat life as if it might repeat endlessly. Not as fate or punishment, but as a measure of affirmation. Would you embrace your choices, struggles, and values again? If not, the task is clear: live more deliberately, honestly, and fully.

Weekly Crossroads: Takeaways

Wisdom at the crossroads of knowledge.

Wisdom emerges from the consistent exploration of the intersections of philosophy, science, critical thinking, and history.

1START: Science »

What does neuroscience say about “identity?”

Biologically, you’re constantly changing: cells, synapses, even memories shift. Identity is less a fixed thing and more a maintained pattern. Neuroscience shows that identity isn’t a fixed object stored in the brain. Your are constantly changing. What feels like a stable “you” is a maintained pattern: held together by memory, habits, and the story you keep updating.

2Philosophy »

Did existential authenticity originate in the East?

While existential authenticity is often associated with Western philosophy, its roots can be traced back to Eastern thought, particularly in Daoism’s concept of Ziran. This ancient idea emphasizes living naturally, in harmony with one’s true self, aligning closely with Western notions of authenticity. Both traditions suggest that the pursuit of authenticity transcends cultures, inviting individuals to live in accordance with their most genuine selves. Modern existentialism translated an ancient insight into a world stripped of shared meaning.

3Critical Thinking »

What’s the difference between intentional change and wishful thinking?

Many attempts at change fail not because of lack of desire, but because of faulty reasoning. Wishful thinking, the planning fallacy, and magical thinking all confuse intention with causation. Real change requires identifying the mechanisms that produce outcomes—not just declaring new goals or identities.

4History!

What is the history of existentialism?

Modern existentialism has roots going back to the late 1700s and modern psychology has roots back to the late 1800s. Both have deeper roots going back to prehistory. Kierkegaard’s focus on anxiety is part of the story of psychology. Existentialism explores the meaning from a nihilistic view. While it can be fatalistic, modern externalism focuses on living fully and authentically.

Inspired?

Take the deep dive.

Article of the Week

Philosophy

Article

Existential Toolkit: Evolution’s Consciousness Misstep

Existential Toolkit

Riding the Wild Horse: Life’s journey is an unpredictable, often absurd ride, but if you embrace your freedom and choose an authentic path, whether that path is through managing anxiety, forging your own meaning, or a rebellion against despair, you can find strength and purpose amidst the chaos.

Thanks for reading!

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