An Introduction to Greybeard Philosophy
Philo Sofia: the love of wisdom.
An Introduction to Greybeard Philosophy: Finding the Philosopher Within
Greybeard Philosophy grew over my lifespan much the same as did my beard. I went from the “no beard” phase of seeking to the “peach fuzz” phase of experimental growth, finally arriving at the “full dark beard of browns and reds,” until it ultimately became the fully developed grey beard of shades of greys. My philosophy, just like my beard, has passed through phases over the years.
As with every human who has entered this world, I’ve endured my full allotment of joy and sorrow, love and loss, along with personal trials and triumphs. Through these experiences, I have learned the central truth: that the quality of a life is determined not by the challenges we face, but by the response we choose. This pursuit of a well-lived life requires both ancient wisdom and modern habit.
The Core: What Pressure Reveals
I’ve often shared the counsel: Pressure is how you find out what’s on the inside. A bitter inner core cannot produce sweet results, regardless of the outer wrapping. This archive exists to help you discern your own true core and commit to its cultivation.
My own early journey was rooted in a religious tradition that valued peace and “true doctrine”, sometimes at the expense of open truth. I was an avid wonderer, but I struggled to make sense of a world that felt limited to a single book or a singular voice.
The moment that crystallized the difference between following doctrine and living truth came during a conflict over my own developing beard while serving on a local council. It wasn’t the institution’s disapproval that mattered; it was the realization of my own agency—the power of my choice—that set me on the path to finding my own inner guides.
The Companions Who Shared the Journey
My grey beard is very personal. It represents what and who I have become. Over the course of my life, I found like-minded companions who provided fellowship and guidance in the late-night and darkness—voices that went beyond any single tradition.
These guides are not abstract theories; they are friends who have taught me how to live: the Stoic resilience of Epictetus, the practical clarity of Stephen R. Covey, the deep compassion of the Buddha (as taught to me by Thich Nhat Hanh), and the strategic leadership of figures in faith, government, and military service (like Viktor Frankl and Martin Luther).
Forging Virtue in the Real World
I believe true wisdom must be forged under the heat of real-world pressure. My professional and personal life has been dedicated to service, leadership, and the discipline of endurance:
- Service & Endurance: My nearly 12 years in the National Guard, becoming airborne qualified and serving time with the Special Forces as a Green Beret, taught me the true meaning of discipline and faithful companionship under duress.
- Education & Leadership: As a founder of Paideia Academies Inc and a coach with a Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership, I learned that the greatest moral purpose of a leader is to help others build character.
- Nature & Reflection: My love of backpacking and Scuba Diving (from the heights of Mount Whitney to depths of waters around Fiji island) continually grounds my perspective. My research into nature’s impact on health, and the Peace Path I created—planting over 200 trees—is a physical testament to the Greek proverb, “A society grows great when its old men plant trees whose shade they may never sit in.”
My greatest lessons have been learned alongside my wife, Micki, in 37 years of marriage, and through our 5 children and 8 grandchildren—my most treasured connections. We recently chose to embody the principle of simplicity by moving into our Fifth Wheel in rural Jackson County, Alabama, bringing us closer to the natural world that grounds my philosophy.
The Archive and the Purpose
This entire site is the archive of my life’s journey, the friends who guided me, and the hard-won wisdom gained from climbing mountains and exploring the deep.
If you join me on the journey of Greybeard Philosophy, my hope and my purpose is simple: for you to find the philosopher within yourself. Whether you are a Redbeard, a Smooth-Face, or just beginning your quest, this archive is dedicated to empowering you to choose well, persist through adversity, and leave a profound legacy.
Join me!
Dr. Brian Winsor