Use SOUL.md with Hermes
Use SOUL.md with Hermes
Start with meaning, then move to detail.
This lesson explains Use SOUL.md with Hermes as part of using Hermes and understanding its behavior. You will learn what it does, when it matters, and the smallest safe test that proves it works.
If you are new, do not memorize names. Focus on three questions: what problem does this solve, what access does it need, and how can you verify the result?
For practice, inspect the first example, identify its effects, run it on test data, and compare the result with the source claim.
For advanced readers, inspect What SOUL.md is for, What SOUL.md is not for, Where it lives, then verify failure modes and version compatibility.
Start with installation if you have not run Hermes yet.
A clear outcome before you read.
- Understand Use SOUL.md with Hermes without assumed prior knowledge.
- Separate the source description from what still needs testing in your environment.
- Read the first command and identify its inputs and outputs before copying it.
How to use SOUL.md to shape Hermes Agent's default voice, what belongs there, and how it differs from AGENTS.md and /personality
What does the source say, and in what order?
- 01What SOUL.md is for
Start here to understand the core idea or structure.
- 02What SOUL.md is not for
Read this after the foundation, then connect it to the previous step.
- 03Where it lives
Read this after the foundation, then connect it to the previous step.
- 04First-run behavior
Read this after the foundation, then connect it to the previous step.
- 05How Hermes uses it
Read this after the foundation, then connect it to the previous step.
- 06A good first edit
Read this after the foundation, then connect it to the previous step.
- 07Example styles
Read this after the foundation, then connect it to the previous step.
- 081. Pragmatic engineer
Read this after the foundation, then connect it to the previous step.
- 09Style
Read this after the foundation, then connect it to the previous step.
- 10Avoid
Finish here to verify the result and special cases.
Copy only after you understand the effect.
~/.hermes/SOUL.md$HERMES_HOME/SOUL.mdThat alone can noticeably change how Hermes feels.
## Example styles
### 1. Pragmatic engineerRead the first command and identify its inputs and outputs before copying it.
Match every command to your installed Hermes version, review the files and accounts it can reach, and use non-sensitive data for the first test. If this explanation differs from the source, the official source wins.