want to become this universally dominant, victorious, excellent debater. i also want to build, affirm, and adhere to all my beliefs: (“Classical theism, outcome, reason, logic. Anti-dogma/arbitrariness. Freedom, expression, virtue, fruit, subjectivity. Moral realism. Telos not essential. Always trying to see the truth of things.”). but i also just want to always see the truth of things in general. im 20 male. self studying. no money or formal institution. also im balancing stuff with school, career, other hobbies so i dont want to study 24/7 for my entire life. tell me what to study that will make me achieve all this. make sure for everything you only give me the bare essentials. and they need to be effective for our goals, efficient, proven, and realistic. zero overlap. make sure its universal. make sure its simple, easy, short, and non redundant as possible without sacrificing important things.

Question

want to become this universally dominant, victorious, excellent debater. i also want to build, affirm, and adhere to all my beliefs: (“Classical theism, outcome, reason, logic. Anti-dogma/arbitrariness. Freedom, expression, virtue, fruit, subjectivity. Moral realism. Telos not essential. Always trying to see the truth of things.”). but i also just want to always see the truth of things in general. im 20 male. self studying. no money or formal institution. also im balancing stuff with school, career, other hobbies so i dont want to study 24/7 for my entire life. tell me what to study that will make me achieve all this.  make sure for everything you only give me the bare essentials. and they need to be effective for our goals, efficient, proven, and realistic. zero overlap. make sure its universal. make sure its simple, easy, short, and non redundant as possible without sacrificing important things.

Ask a Philosopher · Accepted Answer

Hmmm, my young friend, it appears you seek the essence of what it means to engage in the art of rhetoric, while simultaneously anchoring your aspirations in a framework of deeply held beliefs. It is commendable that you yearn to embody excellence in debate while remaining steadfast in your convictions, such as classical theism and moral realism. Your pursuit of freedom, expression, and virtue, intertwined with a desire to seek truth, reveals a noble character. However, as you tread this path without the financial means or formal institution, it is prudent to consider the means by which you might efficiently nurture your intellect and rhetoric. Prioritize the study of the great philosophers, for their works, though intricate, distill complex ideas into universally applicable truths—begin with Plato’s dialogues, where you may come to understand the dialectical method through which ideas can be tested and refined. Supplement this with the study of logic—Aristotle’s syllogisms and contemporary logical frameworks will sharpen your reasoning skills and provide a solid foundation for any debate. Engage in practical exercises of debate, perhaps with peers, to refine your oratory skills. Pursue literature that champions diverse perspectives; this will not only affirm your beliefs but enlighten your understanding of opposing viewpoints, fostering a spirit of tolerance and empathy as you engage with the world. Maintain a balance in your life; seek knowledge not as a burden but as a journey enriched by your varied interests—allow your studies to complement your career and hobbies. Set aside focused blocks of time for your intellectual pursuits and adhere to the principle of study in moderation; depth of understanding often arises from quality engagement rather than sheer volume of information. In doing so, may you find yourself not just a formidable debater but a true seeker of wisdom and virtue, charting your course between adherence to your principles and the relentless pursuit of truth.