Levelup Transformed My Life

by Jackson UpmannLifestyleMar 6, 2024

In 2020, I didn’t know what to do with my life. I had just dropped out of college, had no career path, no clear values, no purpose. I didn’t like myself. I felt anxious most of the time, and honestly, I was pretty scared about my future. I just wanted to be happy. But I didn’t know how.

Then I came to LevelUp.

For the first time in my life, I was surrounded by exceptional people. People who asked big questions and wanted rational answers. People who were living fulfilling, happy lives. People who took ideas seriously.

I remember Craig Biddle arguing for free will in a clarifying way I’d never heard before. I was a determinist at the time—I believed my successes and failures were the result of forces beyond my control. After his presentation, it felt like a weight was lifted off my shoulders. I realized that I am in control. I can move my life in the direction that I want to go.

That was huge. And that was just one talk.

The conference helped me understand that I should pursue happiness, that I can make sense of the world, and that if I learn and apply the right ideas, success is mine.

Since then, I’ve never looked back. I’m happier than ever and I have a purpose: to share the ideas that transformed my life with people who are where I was a few years ago—people who want to make sense of the world and thrive.

LevelUp changed my life. What will it do for you?

This year, it’s in Atlanta (June 19–21). It’ll be my third. I hope to meet you there!

Sign up now to take advantage of early-bird savings (ends March 15).

On Solid Ground

On Solid Ground is the hub for content from OSI fellows and affiliates, along with announcements about OSI’s programs and events. Here, you’ll find links to our team’s articles, videos, and other materials published across various platforms. And you’ll discover opportunities to support and engage with our global community.

Latest Blog Posts

From Anxiety to Serenity

by Seamus RileyLifestyle, Philosophy

Oct 14, 2025

Seamus shares how he broke free from negative emotional patterns using philosophy, psychology, and personal experience.

Death after Religion

by Maddox LocherPhilosophy

Oct 13, 2025

Maddox shares how accepting mortality after losing faith brought deeper meaning and urgency to his life.

Discussing Metaethics with Craig Biddle

by Craig BiddlePhilosophy

Oct 13, 2025

Craig Biddle and philosopher Lance Bush dive into metaethics—exploring intrinsicism, subjectivism, and Objectivism—and what each view means for understanding “good” and “value.”

How to Embrace Mortality For Flourishing

by Maddox LocherPhilosophy

Oct 1, 2025

What if Christianity's promise of an afterlife is obstructing our motivation to fully live the one life we know we have? And what if living fully requires navigating obstacles like this and confronting our mortality?