Philosophy

“The happiness of a man in this life does not consist in the absence, but in the mastery of his passions.” 
- Alfred Lord Tennyson

Like the quotation written across his apartment wall, Sanford believes that happiness is found in following one’s passions. “There’s a fountain of youth,” he says, “associated with your joys and your desires.” If you completely subscribe to social norms and majority beliefs, then you won’t be able to pursue what really makes you happy. Instead of worrying about what others think, he recommends finding your own way.

He applies this viewpoint not just to his personal life, but in every aspect of life. For this reason, he prefers the company of entrepreneurs. These people, more than anyone else, really understand how to follow their passions. Instead of accepting the way society is now, they’re constantly creating something new, whether it’s a company, a business model, or a revolutionary way to do something everyone thought was already figured out.

Objectivism, a philosophy illustrated in Rand’s novel Atlas Shrugged appeals to Sanford. This is the belief that reason, above all else, should prevail. According to it, there is one definite reality, and only through reason can you discover what this reality is. Belief, faith and majority opinion will not change anything. Therefore, nothing is more essential than having a rational mind.

As in this philosophy, Sanford believes that the three most important values in life are reason, purpose and self-esteem. Reason allows you to see reality as it is, purpose provides your motivation, and with self-esteem, you can continue your path knowing that you and your works are worthwhile.