Mindset
3/A New Kind of Freedom
Personality
Selfhood
The values that define this mindset are rooted in a sense of privacy and personal sovereignty, a more introspective and sentimental way of being, a mix of, nostalgia, melancholy and irony. There is a quiet resistance to the superficial aspects of society, valuing the protection of one’s daily life and inner world.
This focus on personal privacy forms the basis for a deeper exploration of the self and spirituality, alternative practices that allow for greater emotional expression. This is not about conforming to expectations but about safeguarding a unique identity in a world that often pushes for stereotypes and over exposure.
There is a distinct embrace of irony, individality, and the unconventional. The challenge of societal norms and the questioning of mainstream narratives create space for critical thinking, encouraging individuals to explore alternative perspectives. The space between performance and the private self becomes a fertile ground for self-discovery and growth.
This mindset views selfhood as an ongoing, evolving process of self-discovery, where the “weird and wonderful” are celebrated as essential elements of personal growth. There is a subtle romanticism of the unknown, where contradictions are not obstacles but opportunities to explore layers of identity. People feel as though they are still sketching the outlines of their true selves, finding space for exploration and uncertainty.
Expect the unexpected, not everything has to make perfect sense to be meaningful or influential. The world’s most meaningful shifts often emerge from chaos, contradiction, and the seemingly illogical.
Anachronistic
Romanticism
Introspection
Identity
Work
Expression
The secret to creativity is giving it space, room to experiment, for the unusual to mix what doesn’t always seem to fit. It is about connecting dots between unlikely subjects. Think of history meeting material science or literature blending with future tech. This is where new ideas emerge.
The creative process thrives when we give it the freedom and time to evolve. It is a reminder that being inspired is not always finding something new but about reimagining what is already there, connecting past insights with future possibilities. Maybe all it takes is a book, a quote, and a little time to try things out.
Workaholism feels outdated, people increasingly prioritize personal fulfillment and meaningful over productivity and careers. The “low-desire life” and “minimalist life” resonate strongly, emphasizing simplicity: buy only what you need, focus on family, and invest time in pursuits such as reading, making, creativity and personal growth.
We are seeing a shift towards authenticity and real expression, something more immediate, raw, and human. This shift reflects a broader yearning for connection, an understanding that resonance stems not from perfection but from the vulnerability of the unscripted.
The slow act of being with a book is no longer just a pastime; it is a countercultural statement against modernity. Small gatherings, creative salons, and underground meetups to share ideas in spaces where they can grow naturally, without the pressure to sell or seek instant results.
Creativity
Expressive
Slowness
Meaning
Active
Gameplayer
Playing sports is not just about beating an opponent or setting records; it is more about immersing yourself in the flow of play. When you approach sports or any physical activity from this perspective, the goal shifts from proving something to simply being present in the moment, exploring what your body and mind can do when they work together.
Play is not just about personal enjoyment, it is a way to connect with others. Whether it is a casual game, or run, or a weekly practice, sport creates shared experiences that strengthen social bonds. The flow of play is something more than exercise, it becomes a form of self-expression, a way to nurture your mind, body, and spirit while connecting deeply with yourself and others.
Board games offer more than entertainment; they create spaces for strategy, collaboration, and meaningful interaction. Whether you’re solving puzzles or outsmarting opponents, games bring people together through shared challenges and playful competition.
Travel or being in a different environment opens up your mind in ways that staying home cannot. It pulls you out of the same four walls that keep your thinking on repeat, sparking something new by changing the location.
Dance is a physical language, movement becomes a form of storytelling, and emotions are expressed without words. In performance, the body creates a dialogue between space, audience, and expression.
Crusades
Play
Teamwork
Fantasy
Japanese female wrestling league, photo by Ezra Shaw
Illustration by David Shrigley
Tchotchke by Nevena Ekimova
Snakes of Wrath game by Weast Coast
Spending
Culturalist
For the culturalist, creativity is more than a skill or tool, it is a form of freedom. It is not about conformity or the need to appeal to mass markets or generate profit. Irony and experimentation thrive here, offering space for playful, subversive takes on tradition.
Spending on culture, identity, and self-expression instead of fleeting luxury goods. As the boundary between person and possessions dissolves, identity is increasingly shaped by experiences and values rather than ownership. Financial choices reflect their priorities, supporting culture, community, and personal identity rather than chasing status symbols.
This idea of spending habits mirrors a desire for authenticity and meaning. As people seek fulfilment through travel, art, and connection, culturalists contribute to a world where identity is celebrated as a dynamic, evolving narrative not defined by what you own.
In a world dominated by consumerism, gathering becomes an act of curation rather than accumulation. Collections are often built over time, with each piece telling a story or serving as a tangible connection. It’s a process rooted in mindfulness, where the emphasis shifts from acquiring more to appreciating what truly resonates and adds value to people’s lives.
People navigate culture, turning shared codes, references, and memes into signals of belonging and understanding. These layers of meaning, in fashion, language, or digital spaces, create the framework that defines who is in the know and who remains on the outside. Culture gains its value not just from creation but from interpretation, where recognizing the deeper context adds layers of meaning and connection.
Curation
Gathering
Narrative
Insider
Index
The Shifts