We live in a world full of wise-sounding mottos and inspiring quotes. One of them is:
“Do what you will — harm no one.”
At first glance, it feels like the perfect life philosophy: a balance of freedom and kindness.
But when you take a closer look — and truly try to live by it — you’ll notice how quickly it becomes complicated.
What does it actually mean to harm no one?
Is pulling a carrot from the ground harmless?
Is defending yourself against a threat without causing harm always possible?
And what about the subtle harm we might cause with words we don’t even realize sting?
True freedom isn’t about following ready-made slogans.
It’s about daring to question them.
To feel what resonates with your own heart and to admit when something no longer fits.
When I tried turning that motto into my own voice — saying, “I do what I want and I will harm no one” — I immediately felt a disconnect.
Life isn’t that black and white.
And pretending it is would mean lying to myself.
Freedom lives in honesty.
In embracing the contradictions.
In crafting your own truth, instead of adopting someone else’s.
If you’ve ever felt uneasy about life mottos you’ve inherited or absorbed without questioning — you’re not alone.
And if you long to reconnect with what truly feels right and real to you, I invite you to start exploring.
I wrote this article for you — and if you’d like to take it deeper, I warmly offer you a free discovery call.
Let’s uncover your authentic path together.
With love,
Jon
photo by tabea magura
