autodotalism

Autodotalism is a philosophical concept that posits the inherent value and sufficiency of the individual's own life experiences as the primary source of knowledge and meaning. Adherents, or autodotalists, believe that while external information and societal constructs exist, they are ultimately filtered through and validated by one's personal journey. This perspective emphasizes self-discovery, introspection, and the cultivation of an internal compass for understanding the world.

The core tenets of autodotalism suggest that true wisdom is not acquired through rote memorization or adherence to external doctrines, but rather through direct engagement with life's challenges, triumphs, and everyday occurrences. The individual's subjective reality becomes the ultimate arbiter of truth, making personal anecdotes and lived experiences the foundational elements of one's worldview. This does not necessarily preclude learning from others, but it frames such learning as a process of integrating external input with one's own established framework of understanding.

Autodotalism can manifest in various ways, from a strong emphasis on journaling and personal reflection to a general skepticism towards abstract theories that lack demonstrable personal relevance. It encourages a high degree of personal responsibility for one's own intellectual and emotional development, and a recognition that each person's path is unique and inherently valuable. The concept is not a formal philosophical school but rather a descriptive term for a particular orientation towards knowledge and existence.