As we celebrate World Philosophy Day on November 21st, I’m reflecting on 7 thinkers who have deeply influenced my thinking in 2024. While not all of them may identify as philosophers, or even think of themselves as thinkers, their actions, words, and ways of being have expanded my view of the world. From brain science to spirituality, from healing to food, each has helped me think outside the box and explore new dimensions of philosophy—sometimes through doing, sometimes through feeling, but always by challenging and broadening my perspective.
1. Jill Bolte Taylor
Who She Is Jill Bolte Taylor is a neuroanatomist and author, best known for her book My Stroke of Insight and her popular TED Talk. After surviving a stroke that impacted her left hemisphere, she gained powerful insights into brain function and the differences between the logical and intuitive sides of our minds.
How She Inspires Me I first saw Jill’s TED Talk years ago, and I keep coming back to it. This year alone, I’ve probably watched it five times! Jill’s reflections on the peaceful right brain make me think about how we could cultivate more peace and community in the world—starting from within rather than trying to change everything outside of us.
--- 2. Jean Torne Who He Is Jean Torne is a wholefood chef and teacher, passionate about seasonal cooking. He views food as a way to nourish both the body and the soul, teaching that cooking mindfully is a path to healing and balance.
How He Inspires Me I’ve had the privilege of volunteering with Jean in the Concord kitchen, and through him, I’ve learned so much about food as medicine. His influence led to my blog post and the "Living with Food" circle I started this year. I’m not as complex a cook as Jean, but I regularly incorporate his teachings, like adding millet flakes to my porridge or beetroot to my stocks. Jean has shown me how food can nurture the body, mind, and soul. -
-- 3. Sue Cox OBE Who She Is Sue Cox is a pioneer in addiction treatment, founding SMART UK and developing the SMART Protocol, now used by the NHS, prisons, and the military. Known for her work with addicts and her innovative use of auricular acupuncture, she was awarded an OBE for her contributions.
How She Has Shaped My Thinking Sue has had a profound influence on me over the last decade, from our work together in Oxford running humanist events to my role as admin for SMART UK. Even though I’ve only visited her a couple of times this year, her wisdom stays with me. Her belief that "everyone is made of star dust" and deserving of healing and a meaningful life has shaped my understanding of addiction and recovery. Sue’s approach underscores the power of kindness, resilience, and transformation.
--- 4. Manda Scott Who She Is Manda Scott is a British author, best known for her Boudica series, which tells the story of the legendary warrior queen of the Iceni tribe. Her writing blends historical research with creative storytelling, focusing on ancient cultures, women’s roles in history, and mythology.
How She Has Shaped My Thinking I’ve been immersed in Manda Scott’s Boudica series this year and plan to finish all four books by Christmas. Her work has led me to reflect on the lost philosophies of pre-Roman Britain—ways of thinking that have been almost erased over time. Manda’s writing inspires me to explore a philosophy rooted in nature, spirituality, and community, and to think about how we can reconnect with these ancient ways of living in today’s fragmented world.
--- 5. Bill Tara
Who He Is Bill Tara is a health advocate and teacher in macrobiotics. Over the past five decades, he has promoted natural health practices and sustainable lifestyles that link personal well-being to ecological awareness.
How He Inspires Me Attending a workshop with Bill Tara this year changed my relationship with food. His approach to wholefood cooking, especially in reducing inflammation, gave me a new understanding of food as medicine. Though I haven’t fully embraced veganism, the months I spent eating a plant-based diet had a lasting positive impact on my body and health.
--- 6. Amanda Hamilton
Who She Is Amanda Hamilton is a student of Shamanism, initiated under the guidance of XamAM Alba Maria. She is deeply connected to the Mother Goddess and is a Daughter of the Four Elements. Her Shamanic teachings are integrated into her yoga practices, helping others discover their true selves through the elements and spiritual awareness.
How She Inspires Me This year, I’ve had the pleasure of learning from Amanda about Shamanism, particularly her work with the sweatlodge on her land in Herefordshire. One of the key lessons she’s taught me is to shift from a "subject to object" perspective to a "subject to subject" relationship with the world. Amanda encourages us to walk gently through life, honoring the spirit in all things.
--- 7. Danny Blyth Who He Is Danny Blyth is a Chinese medicine practitioner specializing in acupuncture and herbal medicine. He has been teaching Tai Chi and Qi Gong for many years, integrating these practices with his work in nutrition and movement for healing.
How He Inspires Me Danny has been my Tai Chi and Qi Gong teacher for nearly five years, and this year he encouraged me to pursue instructor training, deepening my connection to my body. His teachings on Chinese philosophy, including studying the Tao Te Ching in class, are helping me integrate theoretical insights with physical practice, creating a more connected and holistic approach to movement and healing.
Note: The content of this blog post is a combination of my own reflections and insights, along with input from ChatGPT. The majority of the text reflects my personal thoughts and experiences, with some assistance from ChatGPT in crafting and refining the content to maintain clarity and flow. I’d estimate around 80-85% of the content is my own, with ChatGPT contributing to the structure and presentation of the ideas.
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