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How a Broken Heart Improves You: A Personal Valentine's Story

  • Feb 12, 2021
  • 3 min read

Updated: 2 days ago

A heartbroken man

We struggle and curse-shaking our fists.
Wondering at the heartless design of it all.
Did it have to be this way, utterly appalled.
We are His imperfect creations, lost in the mist -- John Duran


The Catalyst of Asceticism


For many, Valentine's Day is a celebration of romance, or conversely, a day of grief for connections that are no longer part of their world. For me, however, Valentine's Day marks a vital anniversary: it was on this day in 2014 that my path to deliberate asceticism and structural independence truly began.


There was a specific individual who served as the primary catalyst for my transition away from mainstream societal expectations. Through the dissolution of that bond, I was forced to confront the transient, volatile nature of standard human attachments.


It was a profound realization that much of what the conventional world pursues is ultimately fleeting. This experience fostered a practical approach within me—a philosophical clearing of the board that eventually forged my identity as an ascetic.



Finding Purpose in the Hermitage


When I reflect on Valentine's Day, I do so with a grounded understanding of my own nature. I realized long ago that attempting to force myself into the standard molds of society would only result in continuous harm—both to myself and to others.


As I matured, I objectively analyzed my neurological framework. Conditions such as Asperger’s, Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and more, render me structurally different from the societal majority. Rather than viewing this neurodivergence as a deficit to mourn, I chose to weaponize it as a unique operational advantage. I accepted that I am too fundamentally eccentric for general societal integration.


Instead of forcing integration, I chose the Hermitage. I recognized that any person, even one without ill intent, could inadvertently bring me misery. It was then I realized, this is a heavily flawed, cold and harsh world, and that my satisfaction, as futile as it is, is to rectify it through my writings.


Because mainstream society largely prioritizes hedonism, emotional impulsivity, and escapism, interacting within it is inherently exhausting for a highly logical mind. Therefore, I voluntarily withdrew to the corners of society to build my influence and altruistic power from the shadows.


The Mechanics of Depersonalization


Embracing my dysfunctionality for standard social communication was not an act of misanthropy; it was an act of extreme pragmatism. It is the exact reason I write in isolation. My primary objective is relentless, altruistic productivity, so I could leave a lasting, impactful legacy after my departure from this world.


To achieve this, I had to undergo a radical internal transformation. I chose to depersonalize from volatile emotional states. While the masses are deeply intertwined with their fluctuating emotions, I learned to neutralize mine to walk forward without a psychological cane. I recognized firsthand that unmanaged emotions are a structural vulnerability, but when properly processed and detached, they can be utilized as a raw power source.


I do not know if the individual who triggered this awakening will ever read these words. Regardless, the lingering sentiment is not one of romantic longing, but of profound clarity. The rejection I experienced simply became the raw construction material for my current reality.


From Heartbreak to the Rational Philosopher


Instead of allowing a broken heart to destroy my baseline, I used it to become something much more resilient. I transitioned into a hyper-rational thinker—a strategist with minimal physical presence among the masses, but a vast digital footprint. I am a writer who utilizes the resources available to him to avoid the trap of stagnation, driven by an unyielding passion for philosophy.


While others might be driven by anger or spite, my response to rejection is the ultimate, objective vindication: profound success. For the validation that was denied to me in the past, I have substituted the undeniable reality of my own productivity.



Summary and Forward Directive


While some celebrate the present on Valentine's Day and others ruminate on the past, I simply observe it as the day I realized my primary purpose: to write and build infrastructure until my time concludes. I harbor no regret for the variables I could not control.


Let this stand as a functional lesson for anyone who feels uniquely unsuited for the conventional world: the shadows, too, can be a place of immense comfort and profound growth. You may not be able to erase the neurological or historical hand you were dealt, but you possess absolute authority over how you play it.


I choose to play it for my satisfaction, for helping others is my gratification, my solace in this cruel, painful realm.


Whether you remain integrated in society or choose the path of the hermit, trauma and heartbreak are merely natural occurrences. How you utilize that trauma to construct a life well-lived remains entirely your choice.

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Tomasio A. Rubinshtein, Philosocom's Founder & Writer

I am a philosopher. I'm also a semi-hermit who has decided to dedicate my life to writing and sharing my articles across the globe to help others with their problems and combat shallowness. More information about me can be found here.

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© 2019 And Onward, Mr. Tomasio Rubinshtein  

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