About

Thank you for visiting my website and showing interest in who I am and what I do. Do you have a question? Or a comment? Or do you just want to say ‘hi’? Please feel free to contact me.

Politics

I was born and raised in The Netherlands and studied political science at the University of Leiden. In 2003 I got my PhD at the University of Amsterdam and published my first book, Tussen ideaal en illusie, about the history of the Dutch political party D66. In 2012 I published its sequel, Langs de afgrond. You can read more about my books here (Dutch only).

Over the years, my interests shifted. Away from politics (although I am still interested in that) and towards philosophy and psychology. Away from what matters in politics towards what matters in life and the wisdom of thinkers from past and present. As Jimmy McGill would say: “Clarity. Not midlife crisis, midlife clarity.”

Life

Over the years I have read a lot of books and articles, attended workshops and classes, and thought about the big existential questions of life endlessly. Life, death, happiness, meaning, hope, truth, loneliness, values, and so on. Some of this thinking has resulted in articles which you can read here. Maybe they will inspire you and help you navigate through life.

My ideas and insights keep evolving (they probably will untill I die), so the posts you will find here on this website won’t give you definitive answers. They only reflect what I think I know about life so far. Drawing on the wisdom of the philosophers that inspire me and other people from whom I have learned, they provide practical insights that may change the way you look at things and deal with the absurdity and meaninglessness of human existence.

“Life is an existential road trip. You are free to drive where you want. There are no reasons for taking one road over another. You may crash, and you have to take responsibility for that. But whatever you do, don’t hand the wheel over to someone else.”

Travel

Never having left my home country as a kid, I have been traveling the world my whole adult life. I feel very fortunate that I have been able to visit many incredibly beautiful places around the world. And there’s a lot more I hope to visit in the future. If I haven’t been there, it’s on my list! I have set up a dedicated website about my travels: Traveling Dutchie.

The saying goes that the world is a book and those who do not travel read only the first page, and I agree. Traveling broadens your scope and alters your perspective on the world. And it’s great fun of course. So go, discover and enjoy! Check out Traveling Dutchie for captivating travelogues, the best travel tips, travel inspiration and helpful advice.

Roots

Also on this website is the story of my Frisian ancestors, a story spanning 500 years and 15 generations. Click here if you want to learn more (Dutch only).