Damon: "I'm asking these huge philosophical questions." Me: sitting up straighter ready to know Damon: "What's going on" Legit what I ask myself every day in uni
when you said 'all anxiety is a result of not being in the present moment' this HELPED ME!!!!!!! i had a thought recently - when i fail to accomplish things i want to do, i feel worthless; catastrophising that i'll go nowhere. when i accomplish great things i feel imposter syndrome and this anxiety of 'what's next' - so why not just be happy in the moment i'm living in right now ✌️
hi damon. never usually comment on videos, but thank you for this one. i am 17, and currently applying to university. my interests lie in design and art, but since my grades are very high, i was encouraged to go down an academic career path; so i chose psychology. i have been anxiously waiting for the oxford email - which tells me whether i moved on to the interview round. watched this video, and truly started to contemplate whether psychology is right for me, and if i am just conforming to what others want me to do. right after i watched the video, i checked my emails and the message came through. i got #rejected. cried about it, but in a good way. i think this was my sign that i should study and pursue something i actually would love to do as a career, and focus of academia as a hobby. anyways, just wanted to say thank you again.
@@riyagorji6584 the fact that pschology and architecture/design are so intertwined tho... like you may fall in or out of love with one or the other but they will always be there for you to explore and connect to no matter what you are currently involved in.
I find existential philosophy very interesting, but I feel that when people learn about all these concepts, they can't help but talk themselves into depression. That was certainly my experience when studying it at uni and it was the same for a number of my coursemates & friends. Basically, all of this just makes me think we should never have been able to think so deeply about our own existence at all!! Like we have the capacity to ask all these questions about why we're here, but (as far as we currently know) we lack the capacity to find definite answers. And the whole process of asking these questions makes many of us want to self-destruct. Sooo I've stopped thinking about it for now :)
There’s also a famous philosopher that I cannot name because I clearly can’t remember anyone’s name at this point but he said that it would be a shame, or waste of time, to spend your entire life questioning it’s purpose because…you won’t find it.
no but i really need to say this. i'm so thankful for damon 's videos, like i literally make time to watch your videos whenever i'm stuck in my head or just sulking for no reason lol. these videos always make me realize how awesome life actually is, even with all the chaos and annoying repairmen Imao. always makes me wanna just go, do cool stuff and rant abt philosophy with strangers.
Damon talking about wanting to be a motivation life coach someday and here i am already watching his content literally just because it gives me the answers for figuring out my own life lol.... YOU ALREADY LIFECOACHING, BOO! just keep doing wat u doing, ur already wiser than the most of us!!
I just turned 30 and for the first time I finally understood whe somebody said "You prioritize other people's opinion over yours". Damn that's literally controlled my life for the past 30 years and while it's a "duuuuuh, I KNOW my opinion is more important to me" moment, I just really understood what you said. It was an eye-opener.
damn. that shy point really got me- I always just saw it as a form of anxiety but connecting it to a fear of isolation really hits the nail on the head. im comfy with my introversion but absolutely no time for that shyness 🗣
I moved to the Netherlands from the US for university (despite the discouragement of those around me), and it is honestly the best decision I have ever made
At 22:05 I really agreed with you. I've always been a huge traveller (and a huge fan of yours!) and I just beat Stage 4 cancer at 27 years old. I completely agree! "We aren't playing games anymore!" YES.
i'm sick in bed and serendipitously just finished watching your first two moving videos when you posted this!! thank you for sharing, so illuminating + comforting to hear as a 19 year old who just moved to london. wishing you the best on your journey over the next few months, wherever it may be xx
omg I love getting existential. it never makes me depressed, it instead makes me like, "damn, I dont really know whats going on, so let me at least have fun"
I just told my brother that when I find my own place I'd like a baking recipes book for a gift. He told me that I shouldn't wait til then to start a new hobby on baking, instead I should start it now. Idk whether I think about my past or my future more, but I want to be able to be present. I'm often daydreaming or overthinking, but that's not productive whatsoever. I have plans and goals to achieve, why not do it right now? Life is beautiful and life shouldn't be taken for granted. I'm 19, turning 20 in a couple months, and I'm very excited for the next phase of my life. Hopefully it leads me to visiting new countries, speaking fluent Spanish with my grandparents, and baking delectable treats for friends and family. Oh, and hopefully meeting YOU one day! Love you Damon
What you said about not playing games and not taking things for granted is so spot on. My older passed away earlier this year at the age of 35. Despite being terminally ill, he filled his last days with hope and enthusiasm for the future. Through that experience, I’ve been more open and willing to explore what I want because life is too short, and things can change drastically in an instant. Thank you for the therapy session. I always feel inspired after watching your videos Ps I hope we bump into each other when I visit Paris next year
Completely agree with your point about not letting the decisions of others influence you. Other people don't know you as well as they think they do. They only know bits and pieces of your whole self. Go take that trip, go get that other job, go do what you feel will make you the most happy. Nothing is guaranteed in life, except the inevitable.
i recently read a book about existentialist philosophy called "irrational man." parts of it were mind-blowing... life-affirming, really. parts of it were tough to get through (read it in the morning with your coffee!) but i think even if you just read the first couple sections of this book, you'd have a lot of "aha!" moments. this book was written in nineteen FIFTY-EIGHT but a lot of what the author is saying is still crazy relevant today
I turned 30 in october, watched this without pausing once. I feel heard and understood. sadly, I can't talk about my anxieties even with my closest friend so... thank you, damon.
Seeing someone else having these types of deep thoughts makes me so happy because I realise I'm not the only one. People think I'm weird and random and always want to bring the conversations with me back to small talk...it feels very lonely.
Daaaaaaamn Damon, truer words have not been spoken. Our minds are more powerful than most people dare to believe. Very excited for your on going journey!!
damon your videos feed the soul, it isn’t background stuff to rot to, i learn and grow and feel inspired, while being entertained UGH you’re too good man
I'm older than you and think you have such courage to follow your love of travelling and appreciation of languages. My daughter is away at college and I myself am going back to college. I dream of teaching in France🧀🥐🥂😊🥰Love you Damon Im learning from you👏👏👏 🤓💕
this is my favourite video you've ever done !! and I am obsessed with all your videos. I loveee the way you think ! it felt like I was unpacking all my thoughts with my closest friend lol
I love everything about this. And the fact that so many people watch your videos really gives me hope in humanity haha. Sometimes I feel alone when I think about existence in a bigger picture or I feel naive when I find beauty in the smallest things. When actually, looking closely, trying to understand (myself, trees, mushrooms, other peoples thoughts, power relationships etc.) is key to a deeper way of living. Greetings from Berlin :)
Damon, your "he's just not that into you" chapter was for me. I'm trying so hard to remember that there's more than heartbreak and that I was content and whole before having experienced such a profound love. I wish I was wise enough to keep my shit together and focus on what I want for my future instead of all this stupid crying and psyching myself out late into the night thinking of all the things that went wrong. I wish I was strong and attuned to myself again. I got so much out of the experience (this relationship spanned multiple years) but have been left super disoriented and with a weak spirit. I miss feeling free and capable. WHY!!!! 😭❤️🔥
I wish I could give you a hug, I know exactly how you feel! I promise you though, you will feel like your old self again, you just need to allow yourself to process this loss. Be kind to yourself!
Omg Damon I so understand you in regards to small talk. It drains my energy so much and I especially had a hard time after I moved to Western Europe being myself from Eastern Europe where we tend to keep small talk to a minimum. Nothing's better then someone sharing their honest and subjective thoughts
this video was AMAZING! i've watched it just now bc I found your channel a few days ago. and i've watching something here and there bc i like the way you think about deeper things but still remain very "grounded" saying, for example, that we should go and live our life to experience it. i'm def gonna rewatch some parts of it. but two opinions that really hit me hard were "the right choice is the one you made" and "how dare you play games with the game of life". i absolutely love how you articulated the part about how decision is actually a stepping stone, not something that should stress you out. and how it UNFOLDS YOUR LIFE ahead. wow! amazing and i think with all this hustle culture and thinking about what I should do and what I shouldn't (it's embarrassing to admit) but I actually took my life for granted in many ways. lingering on past events, sulking, overthinking my actions too much. but THIS PHRASE: "how dare you play games with the game of life to act like tomorrow is guaranteed?" stunning I'm gonna journal about it today! thank for your life and effort! it's been 2 years since you uploaded but it's just as fresh and insightful! it really gave me inspiration just TO LIVE
there is a facilitating component in the nihilism you describe. if nothing has objective value/meaning, it is upon you who experiences this whole to set your own values/meanings because in the end the only thing you can be sure about is that you think and therefore you are
Damn, need a IRL friend like Damon in my life cause he's spitting factss. I was recently told to get friends lmao but this is the shit that interests me, i just can't seem to find people IRL who are interested in talking about philosophical, existential shit so i end up having these thoughts by myself all the time! Thanks for sharing Damon, made me feel less lonely lmao
30 in a half year, and this is what's up! I feel like I totally 'got' most of these points in last 2 years. Saturn's return, baby! Thank you for super relatable and inspiring content! You and Soralle are my favs out here!
random but I’ve been watching your videos since I was 14 and I remember you and Jo inspired me to want to travel and see the world. I’m 22 now and just had my first (of many) Europe trips and thought of you guys the whole time. It felt like my inner child got everything she wanted. I am so thankful for you both 🤍
Hi Damon. I enjoy your channel! You remind me of myself about 20 years ago when I was analyzing everything, and everyone and myself. It was constant. Today, I still analyze, but I call it being Self Aware now. And this is important I think a trait for all of us to have, as long as we are Living our Life too, and not avoiding it like I did. :)
I enjoyed this so much. Thank you. I. Lost my younger brother due to CVD. he was 7 years younger than me and I still recall the last time I saw him, standing at the airport waving goodbye to me when I returned to Europe from South Africa, in 2018. In 2019, I had planned to return to South Africa because I had decided to fly home every year. A friend of mine invited me to travel with her and a group of professional photographers, through Georgia (Europe), right up to the Russian border, at a very attractive price with a very good tour guide (she‘s very well connected). I decided to go to Georgia and go home the following year (2020). CVD hit the next year and I could not travel as SA. My Dad passed away in June 2020 and my brother, in 2021. I had not seen him since 2018. Had I not gone to Georgia, I would have at least seen him one last time (even though no one could have thought, something like CVD would. Happen). I hated myself for years after my brother‘s death, for not going home in 2019 and instead, choosing to go to Georgia. I‘ve forgiven myself, it was either that or I go mad. But yes, hug your loved ones, call them as often as you can and always leave, in a good relationship or respectful relationship. We do not know what tomorrow brings and some of us, have never had the opportunity to say goodbye.
“Any for of anxiety is you not being present”. Love that. There are definitely uncomfortable emotions like anxiety that have a function, either pointing out that we aren’t present or help us slow down and make thoughtful decisions (eg anxiety makes us stop and think before we act, maybe too much sometimes, but that’s a good counterbalance to in healthy doses to the desire to be impulsive for example).
The headphones analogy kinda blew my mind! It made me think of people’s opinions about me in a different. A way in which I feel like they don’t matter and never did. Thanks for the video! I enjoyed it!
I've been been playing hide n seek with the game of life...making decisions time and time again, only to back out of them. This video jolted me Damon...needed you to know that you've seriously helped another bean today. ALSO: What do you mean you want to become a councillor....How dare YOU Damon!... YOU ALREADY ARE! PLEASE KNOW THAT! You sure as shit have woke me up! You perhaps already know the following quote...it is something I remind myself of every day since I heard it.... "Consciousness sleeps in minerals, dreams in plants, wakes up in animals and becomes self aware in humans."....Like...how BLOOMING incredible it is we are even conscious of our own consciousness...is that existential enough for you? 😂 LOVE YOU, YOU REMARKABLE BEING! WISH WE COULD BE FRIENDS! 💙
This is exactly why I love your content. Every time I’m confused or lost or need inspiration I come to your channel in hopes of finding a fresh perspective and I do every. single. time. I recently decided to move to another city as a last minute decision, booked my flight for next week, stressing about “is it too crazy? Am I doing the right thing? What if I fail? What do I do with all my stuff and belongings here?” etc etc and that’s exactly when I came across these diary series and you, Damon Dominique, inspired me AGAIN. What if I fail? Who cares?! I’m doing what I wanna do. Is it the right thing? There is NO right or wrong decision in life. There is just YOUR decision. So thank you Damon, like literally a million times thankyouthankyouthankyou. So happy you’re doing this and being an inspiration to many ❤️
The timing of this video is literally perfect. I wrote half of these thoughts down last night and hearing you say them out loud just confirms it all even more. Love u damon!!!
Everyone else : nice philosophical video, nice work Damon ! Me : I bet he’s still in Europe, maybe even still in France, these rooms are so much European like
I feel so fortunate to have seen this so young Merely 18 So much to learn I’d like to think the parasocial relationship I’ve developed with this channel is positive
My dad recently died after a quick diagnosis and battle with cancer. He was only 62. I’ve been thinking about all of these questions hard since he died. Six years ago, I quit a well paying job that I was excelling at, with tons of opportunities, to move back home and be near my parents. Something was telling me to do it, now I know it was a decision to give me time with my dad. At the end of the day, the good job I gave up doesn’t matter. I was replaced at work. We are all replaceable at work, but not in our lives.
I always come back when I need courage and i love it thank you so much for existence and share your thoughts!!!! Love the way you think and how you are ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
thinking about the point your making early in the video about people not talking if they don’t know themselves - i find that i get exhausted by the constant need to be introspective and i definately do think that small talk has a place, may not be fore everybody but it is a connection of sorts that is needed as a breather in a world where things are only getting heavier, sometimes it’s nice to stop and talk about the weather
I love the "BUT THEY DO, everyone has something interesting to say !" So true and yet not enough people talk about real stuff on a daily basis. Such a shame.
You would literally make the best motivational coach I swear! The way you make these existential, philosophical matters so accessible and really make people get it is great! I love you, for real! You’re so inspirational, thank you
So beautiful! Not to worry: it sounds (at least to me), as if you’re on the way to get to where you want to go. For me, I’ve found that the journey to “Know Thyself” , is a wonderful, frustrating, and AWE-filled roller coaster ride…which I doubt is ever fully over, lol! Thank you for sharing your musings! ✨
When you travel, your mind opens and you become deeper. Small talk becomes annoying and that is when the friends you grew up with that stay put start to think you have changed and think you are better but it’s all them.
the whole thing about anxiety coming back to freedom, death, isolation and meaninglessness was really interesting to me. you said that anxiety can be caused by having too much freedom but at least for me right now (might be bc I'm a teenager so not viewed as a whole ass human) it comes from not having freedom to choose. when I get anxious about school assignments it's because I feel like I'm required to do them and that I'm not free to choose how to spend my time. I know that that's not true and that I control my life, but I also know that in order to keep learning within a school environment I do have to complete assignments (to get into uni etc.). it's just so fascinating that it still comes back to that freedom aspect though, even if it's the opposite of what you were talking about. absolutely loved this video, it was another one of yours that I'm gonna have to take an eight-minute voice note on to get my thoughts in order
I think this is probably my favorite video of yours because it’s so informative. I’m 25 and I learned a lot so thank you for saving me maybe 5 years of retrospect!
Daaaamn Damon I just can't! Watching this was like talking with myself in my head on a daily bases or even sort of extension of it. It would be f amazing to have this talk in person. Ciao
"It was kind of like a little therapy session in itself except that I was talking the whole time." Bold of you to assume I did not have whole monologues in reaction to things you said.
literally gonna watch this multiple times like damn i’m having a serious existential crisis rn and need to cry in the shower but that’s so necessary omg
The only point in the Truth will set you free part and in listening/valuing other people's opinions is when it comes to your own personal safety -- a lot of people don't have the luxury to not feel or to not have seen that their truths or identities are worthy of violence, which ofc is really unfortunate but also reality.
6:33 I still get this so much :0 I like to call them 'zoom out' moments bc I'm not actually dissociating but I just cut myself off from the present + j start reflecting on and questioning everything - I remember during A levels we had these silent study sessions all the time and everyone had their heads down and I realised I was the only one up and looking around at everyone else
thank you for mentioning forest, downloaded it ASAP and love the concept already. hope this will help me to keep focused during studying for my upcoming 1st semesters finals. also, recently discovered your channel and love everything about it/ you. keep it up, best whishes from Germany.
It’s funny that you mentioned how you sometimes wanna be a coach. Because often that’s how I use your videos: to remind myself that I should stand by me and my needs and not be controlled by outside factors like peoples opinions. You help me a lot. So THANKS🥰
“And wear it again when they do see you”. I loved this! I have very few clothes but I love them all. This leads to me looking pretty dressed up sometimes when I’m doing something very casual and seeing no-one. But I wear it again when they do see me the next day, too. Because that’s just how I like it.
AHHHHHHHHH!!!! I love this video so much! I have been and am feeling so many different and uncomfortable things as of late. All of which are basically me shedding my skin, transforming and becoming new. It can be ugly, hard, confusing, and being you down but my god I feel more each day that it’s time for something new. I have only the slightest clue of what I’m doing but I really feel that this is just the beginning and the more I actively DECIDE the more I will create! Damon you have been one of my biggest inspirations and showed my some glimpses of what is possible. You have affirmed the possibility of some of my dreams just by living and sharing you life. That is invaluable and I just always wish the very best for you. I’m excited to see where life is going✨✨🌟✨✨
Im in my early twenties and the way u talked about anxiety rly clicked with me. Also ur perspective on relationships! I recently started dating and trying not to be a serial monogamous bc damn im only 21!! I rly love ur videos, theyre not only a escape from collage life but theyre also super grounding. Thank u!!!!
There are no words in this worlds for how amazing you are! Every single masterpiece I watch from this channel helps me soooo much on being a better human being and having a lighter experience on earth
Not me sobbing after watching this because I’ve been having the worst anxiety ever lately trying to decide where to go to university:)) Damon‘s videos are the therapy (I know) I need (but never get lol maybe it’s time for betterhelp) and this really helped me feel a little calmer right now. Coming from a tight-knit family and deciding whether to go abroad to study has literally destroyed me these past few days…
I think this descision is about you and only you :) Don't let anyone push you down or descide things for you, cause in the end you will have to live and study there... You have a lot of things to be excited about, it will be great
I remember back in what...2015 you released a video about turning 25 and I was like: "damn it's so good when ppl in the public eye near my age talk about these contradictions of life and how getting older can be a good thing even if you're 95 lol". I know you might not see this, but some will and all I can say is that I'm 27 now and I have a list of my own. I won't of course write it in extent in here but all I can advice you guys and complement is that: Live YOUR life, embrace who you are, enjoy your own company cuz at the end of the day that's all you got, travel places NOW, not next year, not the year after that, tell that one person you love them and just BE YOURSELF no matter what. Don't care about peoples opinions, I was told from an early age that my heart could mislead me and I was always afraid of having my heart broken or letting ppl down and now, I give zero fucks. DO IT NOW you guys, follow your dreams, stand up and start living cuz in half of the time you'll be twice your age and it all comes out without warning.
A wise man once said that if a plane goes down, what's up? Not the plane ✨
STOPPPPP 😂🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
you guys: calm, always supporting me
me: HOW *DARE* YOU....!
Damon,hi!❤️
I am waiting for you in Moscow ! Come to Russia,we love philosophy
Damon: "I'm asking these huge philosophical questions."
Me: sitting up straighter ready to know
Damon: "What's going on"
Legit what I ask myself every day in uni
😂🤣🤷🏼♂️ the simplest questions are the hardest i tell you
Sis, sammmmeee. I'm literally so lost everytime I go to lecture 😂😂😂😂😂
turning 30 during the era of the 30 album release. if wasn’t clear before, you’re the main character. ✨💫
I always laugh inside when people ask "what if we're the only ones out there?"
I'm like, you mean the 8 billion of us? It's so lonely, I know
it's the overview effect ;)
Thank you!!! LOL
7.7bn fam everyone covid killed everyone
when you said 'all anxiety is a result of not being in the present moment' this HELPED ME!!!!!!! i had a thought recently - when i fail to accomplish things i want to do, i feel worthless; catastrophising that i'll go nowhere. when i accomplish great things i feel imposter syndrome and this anxiety of 'what's next' - so why not just be happy in the moment i'm living in right now ✌️
P
I recommend you Eckhart Tolle
YES ON NOT TAKING THE WELL INTENTIONED ADVICE I THANK MYSELF EVERYDAY FOR NOT LISTENING YESSIR
hi damon. never usually comment on videos, but thank you for this one.
i am 17, and currently applying to university. my interests lie in design and art, but since my grades are very high, i was encouraged to go down an academic career path; so i chose psychology.
i have been anxiously waiting for the oxford email - which tells me whether i moved on to the interview round. watched this video, and truly started to contemplate whether psychology is right for me, and if i am just conforming to what others want me to do. right after i watched the video, i checked my emails and the message came through. i got #rejected.
cried about it, but in a good way. i think this was my sign that i should study and pursue something i actually would love to do as a career, and focus of academia as a hobby.
anyways, just wanted to say thank you again.
i just changed my career path from architecture to psychology after a similiar realization lolll
wishing you the best
@@riyagorji6584 the fact that pschology and architecture/design are so intertwined tho... like you may fall in or out of love with one or the other but they will always be there for you to explore and connect to no matter what you are currently involved in.
I find existential philosophy very interesting, but I feel that when people learn about all these concepts, they can't help but talk themselves into depression. That was certainly my experience when studying it at uni and it was the same for a number of my coursemates & friends.
Basically, all of this just makes me think we should never have been able to think so deeply about our own existence at all!! Like we have the capacity to ask all these questions about why we're here, but (as far as we currently know) we lack the capacity to find definite answers. And the whole process of asking these questions makes many of us want to self-destruct. Sooo I've stopped thinking about it for now :)
There’s also a famous philosopher that I cannot name because I clearly can’t remember anyone’s name at this point but he said that it would be a shame, or waste of time, to spend your entire life questioning it’s purpose because…you won’t find it.
@@damondominique L'angoisse de Sartre you mean ?
THISISIISISIS!!!
@@damondominique also THISISISISIISS
@@damondominique so why do you keep harping on it?
no but i really need to say this. i'm so thankful for damon 's videos, like i literally make time to watch your videos whenever i'm stuck in my head or just sulking for no reason lol. these videos always make me realize how awesome life actually is, even with all the chaos and annoying repairmen Imao. always makes me wanna just go, do cool stuff and rant abt philosophy with strangers.
SAY IT LOUDER FOR THOSE IN THE BACK
SAMMEEEE SAMMMEEE ... you better read this comment Damon!!!!
yessss soo trueee
The way i listen to this man's advice more than my very own therapist.
This title made me realize I would 100% watch a 13 going on 30 reboot with you as the main character! @Netflix you better step up your game.
I rewatch this video every time when I need a face slap to wake me up from self-doubt and fear
Damon talking about wanting to be a motivation life coach someday and here i am already watching his content literally just because it gives me the answers for figuring out my own life lol.... YOU ALREADY LIFECOACHING, BOO! just keep doing wat u doing, ur already wiser than the most of us!!
SAME !!
I just turned 30 and for the first time I finally understood whe somebody said "You prioritize other people's opinion over yours". Damn that's literally controlled my life for the past 30 years and while it's a "duuuuuh, I KNOW my opinion is more important to me" moment, I just really understood what you said. It was an eye-opener.
I just left my toxic mother and going to live my life. Thanks, Damon for being an inspiration. You have been such a positive influence in my life.
damn. that shy point really got me- I always just saw it as a form of anxiety but connecting it to a fear of isolation really hits the nail on the head. im comfy with my introversion but absolutely no time for that shyness 🗣
I swear that class on existential therapy totally changed the way I saw so many things
@@damondominique im sold
Damon you should make a podcast because I would love to listen to you talking about things like this throughout my day
The chapter “he’s just not that into you” really called me out thank you needed that
Yesssssssss. I feel like we getting extra extra content. I hope all is well on the new journey Damon. Excited to see where life takes ya 💗
I moved to the Netherlands from the US for university (despite the discouragement of those around me), and it is honestly the best decision I have ever made
At 22:05 I really agreed with you. I've always been a huge traveller (and a huge fan of yours!) and I just beat Stage 4 cancer at 27 years old. I completely agree! "We aren't playing games anymore!" YES.
i'm sick in bed and serendipitously just finished watching your first two moving videos when you posted this!! thank you for sharing, so illuminating + comforting to hear as a 19 year old who just moved to london. wishing you the best on your journey over the next few months, wherever it may be xx
And also, to recap, I DON'T KNOW.
I am so sorry, but the entire video I was trying to figure out how you can climb on that thin ladder to your bed 🤭
if you find out can you let me know
omg I love getting existential. it never makes me depressed, it instead makes me like, "damn, I dont really know whats going on, so let me at least have fun"
I just told my brother that when I find my own place I'd like a baking recipes book for a gift. He told me that I shouldn't wait til then to start a new hobby on baking, instead I should start it now. Idk whether I think about my past or my future more, but I want to be able to be present. I'm often daydreaming or overthinking, but that's not productive whatsoever. I have plans and goals to achieve, why not do it right now? Life is beautiful and life shouldn't be taken for granted.
I'm 19, turning 20 in a couple months, and I'm very excited for the next phase of my life. Hopefully it leads me to visiting new countries, speaking fluent Spanish with my grandparents, and baking delectable treats for friends and family. Oh, and hopefully meeting YOU one day!
Love you Damon
What you said about not playing games and not taking things for granted is so spot on. My older passed away earlier this year at the age of 35. Despite being terminally ill, he filled his last days with hope and enthusiasm for the future. Through that experience, I’ve been more open and willing to explore what I want because life is too short, and things can change drastically in an instant. Thank you for the therapy session. I always feel inspired after watching your videos
Ps I hope we bump into each other when I visit Paris next year
Completely agree with your point about not letting the decisions of others influence you. Other people don't know you as well as they think they do. They only know bits and pieces of your whole self. Go take that trip, go get that other job, go do what you feel will make you the most happy. Nothing is guaranteed in life, except the inevitable.
"go do what you feel will make you the most happy", love that!
Please don’t delete this Damon! I’d love to constantly remind myself with your advice. :)
needed this reality check on existential dread
i recently read a book about existentialist philosophy called "irrational man." parts of it were mind-blowing... life-affirming, really. parts of it were tough to get through (read it in the morning with your coffee!) but i think even if you just read the first couple sections of this book, you'd have a lot of "aha!" moments. this book was written in nineteen FIFTY-EIGHT but a lot of what the author is saying is still crazy relevant today
Googled, and added to the list immediately. Thank you!!!!
I turned 30 in october, watched this without pausing once. I feel heard and understood. sadly, I can't talk about my anxieties even with my closest friend so... thank you, damon.
I’m 20 and it feels like I’m already knowing much more about myself, like why the f was I not learning about myself all this time!
Seeing someone else having these types of deep thoughts makes me so happy because I realise I'm not the only one. People think I'm weird and random and always want to bring the conversations with me back to small talk...it feels very lonely.
Daaaaaaamn Damon, truer words have not been spoken. Our minds are more powerful than most people dare to believe. Very excited for your on going journey!!
damon your videos feed the soul, it isn’t background stuff to rot to, i learn and grow and feel inspired, while being entertained UGH you’re too good man
I'm older than you and think you have such courage to follow your love of travelling and appreciation of languages. My daughter is away at college and I myself am going back to college. I dream of teaching in France🧀🥐🥂😊🥰Love you Damon Im learning from you👏👏👏 🤓💕
this is my favourite video you've ever done !! and I am obsessed with all your videos. I loveee the way you think ! it felt like I was unpacking all my thoughts with my closest friend lol
wowwwww 🐒 that’s nice to hear!!!
I love everything about this. And the fact that so many people watch your videos really gives me hope in humanity haha. Sometimes I feel alone when I think about existence in a bigger picture or I feel naive when I find beauty in the smallest things. When actually, looking closely, trying to understand (myself, trees, mushrooms, other peoples thoughts, power relationships etc.) is key to a deeper way of living. Greetings from Berlin :)
Damon, your "he's just not that into you" chapter was for me. I'm trying so hard to remember that there's more than heartbreak and that I was content and whole before having experienced such a profound love. I wish I was wise enough to keep my shit together and focus on what I want for my future instead of all this stupid crying and psyching myself out late into the night thinking of all the things that went wrong. I wish I was strong and attuned to myself again. I got so much out of the experience (this relationship spanned multiple years) but have been left super disoriented and with a weak spirit. I miss feeling free and capable. WHY!!!! 😭❤️🔥
a friend of mine once said that every time we love it makes us capable of even deeper love in the future :)
I'm sorry you're suffering from heartbreak 💗
I wish I could give you a hug, I know exactly how you feel! I promise you though, you will feel like your old self again, you just need to allow yourself to process this loss. Be kind to yourself!
You’re gonna be okay. It’s gonna get better. Better than you could have ever imagined ♥️
Omg Damon I so understand you in regards to small talk. It drains my energy so much and I especially had a hard time after I moved to Western Europe being myself from Eastern Europe where we tend to keep small talk to a minimum. Nothing's better then someone sharing their honest and subjective thoughts
holy shit... you've been saying all the things i've been thinking
this video was AMAZING! i've watched it just now bc I found your channel a few days ago. and i've watching something here and there bc i like the way you think about deeper things but still remain very "grounded" saying, for example, that we should go and live our life to experience it.
i'm def gonna rewatch some parts of it. but two opinions that really hit me hard were "the right choice is the one you made" and "how dare you play games with the game of life". i absolutely love how you articulated the part about how decision is actually a stepping stone, not something that should stress you out. and how it UNFOLDS YOUR LIFE ahead. wow! amazing
and i think with all this hustle culture and thinking about what I should do and what I shouldn't (it's embarrassing to admit) but I actually took my life for granted in many ways. lingering on past events, sulking, overthinking my actions too much. but THIS PHRASE: "how dare you play games with the game of life to act like tomorrow is guaranteed?" stunning
I'm gonna journal about it today!
thank for your life and effort! it's been 2 years since you uploaded but it's just as fresh and insightful! it really gave me inspiration just TO LIVE
1:09 the pure Sauvignon Blanc induced CACKLE that just came from the depths of my soul at that sound effect, im dying
there is a facilitating component in the nihilism you describe. if nothing has objective value/meaning, it is upon you who experiences this whole to set your own values/meanings because in the end the only thing you can be sure about is that you think and therefore you are
you always say what im thinking...bless yo soul
17:20 Damon you made me tear up in 3 languages, this hit right in the heart 😭 thanks haha I really needed to hear that 4th advice
Damn, need a IRL friend like Damon in my life cause he's spitting factss. I was recently told to get friends lmao but this is the shit that interests me, i just can't seem to find people IRL who are interested in talking about philosophical, existential shit so i end up having these thoughts by myself all the time! Thanks for sharing Damon, made me feel less lonely lmao
30 in a half year, and this is what's up! I feel like I totally 'got' most of these points in last 2 years. Saturn's return, baby! Thank you for super relatable and inspiring content! You and Soralle are my favs out here!
random but I’ve been watching your videos since I was 14 and I remember you and Jo inspired me to want to travel and see the world. I’m 22 now and just had my first (of many) Europe trips and thought of you guys the whole time. It felt like my inner child got everything she wanted. I am so thankful for you both 🤍
Hi Damon. I enjoy your channel! You remind me of myself about 20 years ago when I was analyzing everything, and everyone and myself. It was constant. Today, I still analyze, but I call it being Self Aware now. And this is important I think a trait for all of us to have, as long as we are Living our Life too, and not avoiding it like I did. :)
I enjoyed this so much. Thank you. I. Lost my younger brother due to CVD. he was 7 years younger than me and I still recall the last time I saw him, standing at the airport waving goodbye to me when I returned to Europe from South Africa, in 2018. In 2019, I had planned to return to South Africa because I had decided to fly home every year. A friend of mine invited me to travel with her and a group of professional photographers, through Georgia (Europe), right up to the Russian border, at a very attractive price with a very good tour guide (she‘s very well connected). I decided to go to Georgia and go home the following year (2020). CVD hit the next year and I could not travel as SA. My Dad passed away in June 2020 and my brother, in 2021. I had not seen him since 2018. Had I not gone to Georgia, I would have at least seen him one last time (even though no one could have thought, something like CVD would. Happen). I hated myself for years after my brother‘s death, for not going home in 2019 and instead, choosing to go to Georgia. I‘ve forgiven myself, it was either that or I go mad. But yes, hug your loved ones, call them as often as you can and always leave, in a good relationship or respectful relationship. We do not know what tomorrow brings and some of us, have never had the opportunity to say goodbye.
“Any for of anxiety is you not being present”. Love that. There are definitely uncomfortable emotions like anxiety that have a function, either pointing out that we aren’t present or help us slow down and make thoughtful decisions (eg anxiety makes us stop and think before we act, maybe too much sometimes, but that’s a good counterbalance to in healthy doses to the desire to be impulsive for example).
The headphones analogy kinda blew my mind! It made me think of people’s opinions about me in a different. A way in which I feel like they don’t matter and never did.
Thanks for the video! I enjoyed it!
I've been been playing hide n seek with the game of life...making decisions time and time again, only to back out of them. This video jolted me Damon...needed you to know that you've seriously helped another bean today. ALSO: What do you mean you want to become a councillor....How dare YOU Damon!... YOU ALREADY ARE! PLEASE KNOW THAT! You sure as shit have woke me up! You perhaps already know the following quote...it is something I remind myself of every day since I heard it.... "Consciousness sleeps in minerals, dreams in plants, wakes up in animals and becomes self aware in humans."....Like...how BLOOMING incredible it is we are even conscious of our own consciousness...is that existential enough for you? 😂 LOVE YOU, YOU REMARKABLE BEING! WISH WE COULD BE FRIENDS! 💙
This is exactly why I love your content. Every time I’m confused or lost or need inspiration I come to your channel in hopes of finding a fresh perspective and I do every. single. time. I recently decided to move to another city as a last minute decision, booked my flight for next week, stressing about “is it too crazy? Am I doing the right thing? What if I fail? What do I do with all my stuff and belongings here?” etc etc and that’s exactly when I came across these diary series and you, Damon Dominique, inspired me AGAIN. What if I fail? Who cares?! I’m doing what I wanna do. Is it the right thing? There is NO right or wrong decision in life. There is just YOUR decision. So thank you Damon, like literally a million times thankyouthankyouthankyou. So happy you’re doing this and being an inspiration to many ❤️
We don’t F with better help after the way their CEO fired 900 people on a zoom call.
The timing of this video is literally perfect. I wrote half of these thoughts down last night and hearing you say them out loud just confirms it all even more. Love u damon!!!
Everyone else : nice philosophical video, nice work Damon !
Me : I bet he’s still in Europe, maybe even still in France, these rooms are so much European like
🤣😂 I swear I’m building this up too much
And the stuff in the background, like the pictures he did keep. it does look that he has found a new apartment.
me too haha, the windows look very European
Rewatching this 3 years later and taking notes! Thanks, Damon! We all need more of this tough love sessions lol
I feel so fortunate to have seen this so young
Merely 18
So much to learn
I’d like to think the parasocial relationship I’ve developed with this channel is positive
My dad recently died after a quick diagnosis and battle with cancer. He was only 62. I’ve been thinking about all of these questions hard since he died. Six years ago, I quit a well paying job that I was excelling at, with tons of opportunities, to move back home and be near my parents. Something was telling me to do it, now I know it was a decision to give me time with my dad. At the end of the day, the good job I gave up doesn’t matter. I was replaced at work. We are all replaceable at work, but not in our lives.
I always come back when I need courage and i love it thank you so much for existence and share your thoughts!!!! Love the way you think and how you are ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
thinking about the point your making early in the video about people not talking if they don’t know themselves - i find that i get exhausted by the constant need to be introspective and i definately do think that small talk has a place, may not be fore everybody but it is a connection of sorts that is needed as a breather in a world where things are only getting heavier, sometimes it’s nice to stop and talk about the weather
These are some of the best advises I've got in my life. I've been returning to this video in tough times and it always helps! Thank you Damon.
“When have you ever felt worse for telling the truth?”
Such a good point!
I love the "BUT THEY DO, everyone has something interesting to say !" So true and yet not enough people talk about real stuff on a daily basis. Such a shame.
Yes! These 13 lessons are so good! Really needed to hear that little shyness peptalk 😅🙏🏼
You would literally make the best motivational coach I swear! The way you make these existential, philosophical matters so accessible and really make people get it is great!
I love you, for real! You’re so inspirational, thank you
So beautiful! Not to worry: it sounds (at least to me), as if you’re on the way to get to where you want to go. For me, I’ve found that the journey to “Know Thyself” , is a wonderful, frustrating, and AWE-filled roller coaster ride…which I doubt is ever fully over, lol! Thank you for sharing your musings! ✨
When you travel, your mind opens and you become deeper. Small talk becomes annoying and that is when the friends you grew up with that stay put start to think you have changed and think you are better but it’s all them.
Literally my favorite human on UA-cam.
You’re acting self and real-life self is amazing
Omg! U r 30, comecei a te seguir quando vc tinha 23, mdssss o tempo passa em um piscar de olhos!
This is my favorite video on internet. Easy. Every time I feel lost, afraid, disliking myself etc. I come back here. ♥️
This real talk was everythingggg. Love when we can laugh at the chaos of life, it really brings comfort
the whole thing about anxiety coming back to freedom, death, isolation and meaninglessness was really interesting to me. you said that anxiety can be caused by having too much freedom but at least for me right now (might be bc I'm a teenager so not viewed as a whole ass human) it comes from not having freedom to choose. when I get anxious about school assignments it's because I feel like I'm required to do them and that I'm not free to choose how to spend my time. I know that that's not true and that I control my life, but I also know that in order to keep learning within a school environment I do have to complete assignments (to get into uni etc.). it's just so fascinating that it still comes back to that freedom aspect though, even if it's the opposite of what you were talking about. absolutely loved this video, it was another one of yours that I'm gonna have to take an eight-minute voice note on to get my thoughts in order
I simply love you and am reprogramming my brain from this absolute WISDOM
I think this is probably my favorite video of yours because it’s so informative. I’m 25 and I learned a lot so thank you for saving me maybe 5 years of retrospect!
Sitting here on a Friday night having a glass of wine and loving this one-way chat! 😂 thank youuuu.
Daaaamn Damon I just can't! Watching this was like talking with myself in my head on a daily bases or even sort of extension of it. It would be f amazing to have this talk in person. Ciao
Same
"It was kind of like a little therapy session in itself except that I was talking the whole time." Bold of you to assume I did not have whole monologues in reaction to things you said.
This video is so good. I’ll be watching it on loop, so many good journaling entries thank u
literally gonna watch this multiple times like damn i’m having a serious existential crisis rn and need to cry in the shower but that’s so necessary omg
The only point in the Truth will set you free part and in listening/valuing other people's opinions is when it comes to your own personal safety -- a lot of people don't have the luxury to not feel or to not have seen that their truths or identities are worthy of violence, which ofc is really unfortunate but also reality.
6:33 I still get this so much :0 I like to call them 'zoom out' moments bc I'm not actually dissociating but I just cut myself off from the present + j start reflecting on and questioning everything - I remember during A levels we had these silent study sessions all the time and everyone had their heads down and I realised I was the only one up and looking around at everyone else
thank you for mentioning forest, downloaded it ASAP and love the concept already. hope this will help me to keep focused during studying for my upcoming 1st semesters finals. also, recently discovered your channel and love everything about it/ you. keep it up, best whishes from Germany.
It’s funny that you mentioned how you sometimes wanna be a coach. Because often that’s how I use your videos: to remind myself that I should stand by me and my needs and not be controlled by outside factors like peoples opinions. You help me a lot. So THANKS🥰
Glad to say this videos are the only thing getting me through depression
“And wear it again when they do see you”. I loved this! I have very few clothes but I love them all. This leads to me looking pretty dressed up sometimes when I’m doing something very casual and seeing no-one. But I wear it again when they do see me the next day, too. Because that’s just how I like it.
AHHHHHHHHH!!!! I love this video so much! I have been and am feeling so many different and uncomfortable things as of late. All of which are basically me shedding my skin, transforming and becoming new. It can be ugly, hard, confusing, and being you down but my god I feel more each day that it’s time for something new. I have only the slightest clue of what I’m doing but I really feel that this is just the beginning and the more I actively DECIDE the more I will create! Damon you have been one of my biggest inspirations and showed my some glimpses of what is possible. You have affirmed the possibility of some of my dreams just by living and sharing you life. That is invaluable and I just always wish the very best for you. I’m excited to see where life is going✨✨🌟✨✨
Im in my early twenties and the way u talked about anxiety rly clicked with me. Also ur perspective on relationships! I recently started dating and trying not to be a serial monogamous bc damn im only 21!! I rly love ur videos, theyre not only a escape from collage life but theyre also super grounding. Thank u!!!!
You are the best !!! I love you !!! Watching your videos these days has been so therapeutic, finally catching up!
There are no words in this worlds for how amazing you are! Every single masterpiece I watch from this channel helps me soooo much on being a better human being and having a lighter experience on earth
Not me sobbing after watching this because I’ve been having the worst anxiety ever lately trying to decide where to go to university:)) Damon‘s videos are the therapy (I know) I need (but never get lol maybe it’s time for betterhelp) and this really helped me feel a little calmer right now. Coming from a tight-knit family and deciding whether to go abroad to study has literally destroyed me these past few days…
I think this descision is about you and only you :) Don't let anyone push you down or descide things for you, cause in the end you will have to live and study there... You have a lot of things to be excited about, it will be great
Preach. Also consider making a podcast you can help me sleep way better! (in a good way, cuz i need to hear inspirational talk like this before sleep)
I remember back in what...2015 you released a video about turning 25 and I was like: "damn it's so good when ppl in the public eye near my age talk about these contradictions of life and how getting older can be a good thing even if you're 95 lol". I know you might not see this, but some will and all I can say is that I'm 27 now and I have a list of my own. I won't of course write it in extent in here but all I can advice you guys and complement is that: Live YOUR life, embrace who you are, enjoy your own company cuz at the end of the day that's all you got, travel places NOW, not next year, not the year after that, tell that one person you love them and just BE YOURSELF no matter what. Don't care about peoples opinions, I was told from an early age that my heart could mislead me and I was always afraid of having my heart broken or letting ppl down and now, I give zero fucks. DO IT NOW you guys, follow your dreams, stand up and start living cuz in half of the time you'll be twice your age and it all comes out without warning.
The way damon moved to France and became Albert Camus has me cackling
JOKE WAS ON ME THIS ENTIRE TIME
when i say damon single handedly restores my mental health. I MEAN IT WITH MY KIDNEY AND SOUL.