The troubling thoughts we sometimes label as “inner demons” are the mind’s imperfect attempts to solve problems without a full picture.

The inner conflict arises from a knowledge gap. If our minds held perfect knowledge (an impossibility), there would be no internal war. We sometimes describe this tension with spiritual language, but those metaphors are placeholders for what we don’t understand.

Though we will never have complete knowledge and never be without some inner turmoil, the best way to navigate it is to develop a better understanding of yourself. Be radically honest with yourself—especially about your insecurities and about what is truly important.