Mattism For Beginners (archival)

MATTISM (rev. 091609)

(NOTE: This posting is from a few years back, and as a relaunching of Mattism online, this post contains some tenets that have been altered or even deprecated. I will shortly post a more updated version).

Mattism has been my attempt to codify some of my core beliefs into a single document for my own edification, reflection, and enjoyment. Since starting Mattism, I discovered how Unitarian Universalism jibes nicely with both Mattism and Judaism, and I have found a comfortable home there... but Mattism still remains at the center of my believe system. It is subject to change at any time, and it has... though things seem to have begun to solidify in the 17 years since I founded the practice. All of these tenets should be taken with a strong dose of common sense, and perhaps your own personal grain of salt (see tenet #32).

The Tenets of Mattism:

Mattism is open and accepting - the only thing it does not tolerate is intolerance (except perhaps against really terrible drivers; I need to add a tenet or amendment or something in here for that one). All with an open mind, an interesting thought or two and a smile are welcome to join.

As of right now, my membership consists of one adherent - me. That's all I need, but if you like this philosophy, feel free live by it. If not, make up your own.


1) The cosmic joke is everywhere. Learn to laugh, even when you are the punchline.

2) Fate and responsibility exist in equal measures.

3) Nothing is truly random (you just might not be privy to the explanations)

4) Everything in moderation, including moderation

5) You need to have faith. What you have faith IN is not as important.

6) Having stuff can be really fun, but don’t get hung up on it – it’s just stuff.

7) Money is just coupons for stuff. Don’t get hung up on it – it’s barely even stuff.

8) Believe what comes from inside as well as what comes from outside. Try to know the difference.

9) We’re all looking for the same thing, we just use different words, symbols and personal neuroses to try and reach it.

10) Practice diplomacy.

11) Know thyself. Love thyself. Get together and have coffee and a nice chat with thyself.

12) Love thy neighbor as thyself (ok, so I plagiarized that one).

13) Honesty and communication avoid a lot of problems.

14) You are a unique and special individual. Enjoy it, but don’t let it go to your head.

15) No single solution for anything can work for everyone, especially religion and politics.

16) Know how much you don’t know.

17) Ask for help. You deserve it.

18) The one who sees a problem is the one responsible for dealing with it, in whatever form that takes. Annoying, but true – awareness has its drawbacks ;-)

19) Pick your battles, and know when to delegate and when to back down.

20) Grow up – but not too much. Real life exists somewhere between childhood and adulthood.

21) It’s ok to be mad, sad, depressed or frustrated. Just don’t overdo it.

22) Make mistakes. Learn from them.

23) Every now and then, make sure to do something that THEY would consider stupid, irresponsible, or downright insane.

24) Music, art and literature are every bit as important as science, math and history, if not moreso... but you should know a little about all of them.

25) Remember that guilt and stress are self-imposed and unnecessary.

26) Respect your elders. Respect your youngers, too – neither of them is as stupid as you think when you are the other one.

27) Life can hurt… but sometimes that’s just your ego.

28) Have expectations. Just don’t depend on the outcomes.

29) Gratitude works, try it. Thanks is much more successful than begging.

30) Be here now. Enjoy yourself. Life isn’t always easy, but it’s all you’ve got right now.

31) YOU ARE LOVED. Deal with it.

32) Actual mileage may vary.

33) Bacon is the one true meat. Others are ok, though.