(Philosocom's Immortality Subcategory) (Villainy/Anti-Villainy Directory) Story Synopsis by Mr. J. Igwe and Co. "The Demon Philosopher - A Tale" is a captivating narrative that blends elements of existential philosophy, metaphysical speculation, and dark fantasy. The protagonist, a humble farmer, encounters a demonic entity named Monkrilla, who challenges him with profound questions about existence, purpose, and the meaning of life. Through these encounters, the protagonist's simple life is transformed into a journey of introspection and self-discovery, leading him to question the nature of reality, the significance of his own existence, and ultimately, the power dynamics that govern both mortal and immortal beings. The tale employs various literary techniques to engage readers, including vivid imagery, symbolism, and a philosophical dialogue format reminiscent of classical philosophical texts. The narrative structure is layered, starting with the protagonist's initial ignorance of philosophy and gradually unveiling deeper existential dilemmas through his conversations with Monkrilla. This approach allows the reader to witness the character's transformation from a naive peasant to a reluctant philosopher grappling with life's ultimate questions. The use of a demon as a philosophical mentor is an interesting twist, subverting the typical association of demons with malevolence, and instead, presenting Monkrilla as a complex figure — both tormentor and teacher. The demon's insistence on forcing the protagonist to confront the emptiness and futility of existence serves as a vehicle for exploring themes of nihilism, free will, and the pursuit of knowledge. The protagonist's struggle against the demon's questions mirrors the broader human struggle against the unknown and the unknowable, a fight that can often lead to a deeper understanding of oneself or, conversely, to madness and despair. In conclusion, "The Demon Philosopher - A Tale" is a thought-provoking and imaginative exploration of existential philosophy and the human condition, with its originality, rich imagery, and philosophical depth making it a compelling read. ************************* "HONESTY seems the greatest deception, since no one ever believes in it, or its real possibility" -- Mr. John Duran (Background music) **************************** Though I have lived many years and experienced much, I never encountered anything like philosophy - something so vast, complex, and sometimes unsettling. Until a few weeks ago, the term and its definition were unknown to me. You may rightly say I am not a very intelligent person, and I agree. My life has been a monotonous one, that of a poor farmer, repeating the same tasks with no clear vision of the future. Pondering grand ideas in philosophy simply never crossed my mind. In truth, I cannot even read or write. Someone else, as I speak, assists me with these difficult tasks. Yet, before my time in this world ends, I felt compelled to record some of my thoughts. You see, I have lived a simple life, though one of great ignorance. My lord, far away in his manor, demanded wheat and fruits, and that's what I provided; that's what I did for him, his son, and his grandson. I am an old and poor man who has never seen lands beyond my lord's territory. My knowledge extends barely beyond agriculture. Despite my limitations, I have lived a life of integrity and hard work. And while I may not understand the complexities of philosophy, I have my own wisdom, born from years of observation, and reflection. These are the thoughts I wish to leave behind, a proof to my existence and the life I have lived. A few weeks ago, I was visited by a demon. This creature, with its horns, tail, and sharp teeth, was grotesque. Its words were in a tongue unknown, yet their meaning reached my very core. It declared me a unique individual, possessing the potential for greatness in philosophy. Despite initial skepticism, the demon's persistence enticed me. It urged me to ponder life's profound questions, the meaning of existence and the nature of reality. Hesitant at first, I eventually yielded to the demon's demands. As I delved into these inquiries, I was surprised by my own natural talent at it. Never before had I experienced such insights into the essence of reality. It felt like awakening from a slumber, a long and deep sleep that deludes you you're awake. The demon, pleased with my progress, proclaimed me a natural philosopher, one with the potential to rank among history's greatest thinkers. Flattered by its words, I also felt a sense of responsibility. This newfound knowledge, I realized, was meant to serve others. I had to share my insights with the world. However, this awakening appears to have occurred years ago. Long in the past, I began experiencing what others call "hallucinations," though the line between them and daydreams blurs for me. Unexpectedly, I would be confronted by a terrifying creature, a hybrid of sorts. With immense eyes and a repulsive visage, it would fixate its blood-filled eyes on me, posing questions no one else ever dared, including myself. For some inexplicable reason, it called itself Monkrilla. Only I could perceive this entity. Though my family believes I've lost my mind, I discarded their criticism. I saw this abomination staring into my soul, speaking of things beyond the grasp of my aging, declining mind. It consumes me, draining my sanity with its relentless presence, indifferent to the torment it inflicts on my mentality. The first question Monkrilla posed was: "What is the meaning of life?" What could I possibly say? My knowledge extends only to farming, my rulers, my family, and the land I cultivate. So, I countered with my own question: "Why should I care about the meaning of life?" The creature, a disgusting, cosmic collection of iron, rotting flesh, and spikes, responded with its own question. Its voice is deep, twisted, and horrific, like an otherworldly construct of sorts: "For what reason do you live?" Frustration overwhelmed me. Why wouldn't it simply leave me be? But why should I complain? Do I possess even a shred of self-respect, an ego of any kind? I am a mere peasant, subjected to the humiliation of those more powerful than me. This heretical, despicable demon appears to hear my very thoughts. I sensed it through the movement of its metallic, blood-and-dust-covered eyes and its massive eyebrows. I feel violated. "My name is Monkrilla," it declared slowly, "The philosopher of the underworld. Ponder the questions I have posed to you, fragile mortal. We shall meet again, another time." With that, it vanished into nothingness, leaving me to return to my earthly reality, overwhelmed and clueless. I asked my wife, seeking confirmation of what I had witnessed, only to be dismissed as a madman. They believe I've lost my mind, yet I swear on my lord that I saw this monstrous creature. Yet, no one seems to care. Days turned into weeks, and my family began distancing themselves. My attempts to engage them with Monkrilla's questions were met with laughter and mockery. The head of a family for three generations, reduced to a laughingstock. I've witnessed them whispering behind my back, labeling me insane as I harvest wheat and slaughter pigs. I suppose I'm accustomed to such disrespect, having received none other throughout my life, both from others and from myself. At times, the demon would appear in my sleep. These dreams were filled with unbearable heat, humidity, and sweat, surpassing anything I've ever endured under the scorching sun. In this horror dimension, the atmosphere was a sickly yellow, rusty, and filled with decay. My lungs craved fresh air, but only dirt and smoke choked my breath. The giant demon sat upon a throne of earth and metal, its eyes stared upon me as if judging me for undisclosed sins. "Fragile mortal," it said intensely. "Why do you live?" I possessed no answer, but I attempted to improvise. "My lord, I exist because my parents created me, and I have survived all these years in my harsh existence." "No, no, fragile mortal," it protested. "That I already know from merely observing your delicate, aged body. What is the true purpose behind your existence?" "My lord," I answered with anxiety, "my purpose is to ensure my master's satisfaction with the resources I provide." "Is that so..." it slowly replied. "Then why do they demand even more of these resources with each passing season? Their dissatisfaction is evident in their ever-increasing requests. If that is your purpose in this universe, then you have demonstrably failed to fulfill it, tiny mortal. For what you provide, is insufficient" "How do you know all of this? From where do you have such challenging wisdom?!" I answered with even greater feelings of anxiety, fear and confusion, boiling from within me. "Are you following me, or perhaps my master?" "Insignificant mortal", he called me, an identity I readily accepted. "I possess the wisdom of countless years stored within the depths of my mind. I exist everywhere and nowhere, observing, learning, and hopelessly searching for answers to my philosophical questions. I have questioned countless mortals and gods about the meaning of existence, and they, like you, were unsure of their answers, if they even offered one. We are all bound for oblivion, as the current order will tremble under the intensity of disillusionment, anarchy and despair" His words held no weight for me. I simply desired to be left alone. "In an ideal yet suffocating reality," he lectured, "no mortal or immortal would abandon the pursuit of the great philosophical questions, regardless of the void they reveal. As I choose to live by this hypothetical reality, haunted as I am by these questions, I shall eternally haunt you and countless others, until the void within me is finally filled!" For some reason, I anticipated laughter, but his expression remained far more serious than my family's disdain for me. "My lord," I inquired, "I am a simple man. What emptiness do you speak of?" The demon sighed deeply, the sound echoed through my very being. "Simple-minded mortals often find greater happiness than those who delve into the depths of thought. You are now my minion, mortal. Submit to my rule and swear allegiance, and I shall grant you an extended life in exchange. Refuse, and you shall suffocate under my eternal torment." My dream took a turn for the worse, and I realized I had made a fatal mistake, one I would deeply regret. "Why should I submit to a monstrosity like you, my lord? I have submitted enough in this life. Oh, my lord, when will this slavery end? Is death the only answer? This is the first time I have considered it, but I have never known what freedom truly is. Haven't I served others enough in my long life, living as a slave? When will I have the time to be free?" "‘Free’?" The demon mocked me, seemingly growing larger with each passing second of my terror. "There is no such thing as freedom in mortal life, except in death. Death is the liberator. Do you desire death? I wouldn't be surprised if you did. Even the wealthiest succumb to the inclinations of their existence. Submission is the natural order in a universe where the strong exploit, if not abuse, the weak. I must reiterate my question. Do you wish to die? You may not comprehend the torment of death, regardless of its duration." "I do not understand, my lord-" "Do you wish to die? Even an ignorant being such as yourself can understand this simple question, I believe. I am far more powerful than you, and I require a network of minions to act as my representatives in the mortal realm. Perhaps one day, you pathetic weaklings can offer me some relief from my existential suffering. You see, old man, I am an essence-consuming philosopher, and I require individuals like you to serve me as harvesters of life's essence. I need the meaning of life to survive, as does everyone who isn't practically depressed. Minion, swear your allegiance to me, and I shall grant you a significantly extended lifespan. I understand the look on your face, mortal. You lead a pitiful and seemingly inescapable existence. No one cares for you, not even the children your wife gave birth to. They laugh at you and shame you relentlessly. The deeper you sink into shame, the more your subconscious will torment you in compensation for your perceived meaninglessness. And the more you do that, the more of a monster you can become yourself... despite being another earthly mortal. If you acknowledge that you are my minion by swearing your oath to me, I can prevent your inevitable decline to the monsters within you. As long as you continue to ponder the grand philosophical questions. Even mere contemplation sustains me and allows me to thrive. I will ask you one last time, minion: Do you wish to die? I can haste your death, and it will consume you far more quickly than you anticipate. Declare your recognition of your servitude to me!" Exhaustion overwhelmed me. I wanted death, yet for reasons I could not explain, I obeyed him and submitted with a servant's dignity to Monkrilla, the God of Wisdom and Repulsion. "Your new lord is pleased with your obedience. Now, minion, your life will be forever changed, but I shall not reveal the specifics. You will discover them for yourself, for wisdom often arises from misery, and disillusionment succeeds momentary "'purity'". My fatal mistake was refusing death. Instead, my lifespan was significantly extended, but at the cost of seeing my family and the lord's manor consumed by flames... I watched from afar, now knowing the price of my sacrifice. From then on, I knew more than I ever wished to know in my previous, shameful life. I was reborn from my own fear of death, transformed from a lowly earthly servant to a minion of dark divinity. A choice I regretted and rightfully so. Indeed, I deeply regret selling my soul to a demon, especially to one as my lord and demon philosopher, Monkrilla. Hunger tormented at me constantly, and sleep became a fleeting feature, as I wandered through the land. My journey lacked any clear direction, and my new lord offered no explanation for the tasks they expected of their minion. Yet, I felt their ever-present gaze, as though a foreign eye had taken root within me. Forced to live as a hermit in the uncivilized wilderness, I experienced a deep isolation unlike any I had known before. Though it marked my first venture beyond the confines of my former lord's domain, I encountered no other human souls during my travels. I climbed mountains and hills, endured the bite of winter in a desolate cave, hunted birds and fish for food, and drank from the streams that flowed through the wilderness. Yet, with every passing day, the silence grew heavier, and the absence of human connection ate my core from within. In my previous life, I had known the comfort of communal life, the friendship of working alongside others in the fields, and the simple pleasure of sharing bread with my family in our humble hut. This enforced isolation became a form of torture, a contrast to the life I had once known. I longed for the warmth of human interaction, the comfort of a shared smile, the simple joy of conversation. Perhaps my demon master orchestrated my journey, wielding their power over the earth and my very life. My frustration grew as I fought with the meaninglessness of my existence, aimlessly wandering the desolate lands. Though betrayal crossed my mind, the thought of facing their wrath held me back, even though I had nothing left to lose. Death, however, became an increasingly enticing option. My age remained a mystery even to me. In my former life, I held onto the illusion of purpose, a belief that gave my life meaning. I knew the tasks expected of me – to harvest a certain amount of food and deliver it to the lord's castle, ensuring my own survival in exchange. Yet, this new existence offered no such clarity. I was mere dust compared to the vastness of my former lord's domain, and venturing beyond its familiar borders revealed the true insignificance of my existence. The world stretched out before me, vast and infinite, a source of both wonder and loathing. I could walk for days, even weeks, without ever remembering my steps. The fear of reaching the world's edge and staring into the abyss of the underworld ever-present. Though voices whispered of a world not flat but round, they were only my own, the remnants of my sanity in the face of solitude. Since the day Monkrilla's flames consumed the manor and all within it, I had not heard a word from my master. One day, I collapsed on the seemingly endless grasslands, overwhelmed by despair. Tears streamed down my face as I questioned my direction, my purpose. Master Monkrilla was right; the burden of thought was far heavier than the blissful ignorance of a simple life. I yearned for the days when my mind was unburdened by such complex thoughts, a time when my greatest concern was the next harvest or the well-being of my family. Despite my solitude, I became wise, yet longed for the simplicity of my past. The stream of thoughts that raced through my mind offered no comfort, only a yearning for the life I had lost, and a questioning of the life I now lead. I lay there, a lifeless shell, my energy drained on the earth. For the first time, I felt a genuine love for my wife, despite the arranged nature of our marriage and the absence of her love. I missed my children, the ones I had taught the art of harvest and slaughter, yet never truly played with or loved. Even my former lord, a figure I had never truly known, became an object of my longing. I felt a strange urge to thank him for the shelter and purpose he had provided me. He was a man shrouded in mystery, forever lost to the flames that devoured the manor. His death, along with everyone else's, had been a swift and brutal situation. I laughed, a hollow sound. The irony was not lost on me - a lifetime's work reduced to ashes in mere minutes. As the initial shock reduced, I found a renewed determination to continue my journey, though its end seemed as uncertain as ever. One day, a disturbing conspiracy theory took root in my mind, a dangerous thought that could have been my undoing. Had Master Monkrilla manipulated me all along? What if he had deceived me, using the fabricated need for an "essence of meaning" as a means to simply fight off the boredom of his immortal existence? The constant feeling of being watched since leaving the manor's ruins, the absence of any meaningful discovery despite years of searching -- it all pointed towards a terrifying possibility: was I nothing more than a plaything to reduce the monotonous, immortal life of a careless cosmic God? Ancient immortals, having seen it all, should surely know the meaning of life, or even their absence, after living so many centuries. Why then, would such a being enslave a mortal and send them on a journey they themselves had likely already undertaken countless times over their eons of existence? Immortals, needed no such entertainment, beyond the purpose of entertainment itself. And if my master was truly a god, omnipresent as they claimed, then why was I needed in the first place? Years of wandering the barren lands, had ensured my own demise. My desire to live had only delayed the inevitable, my increasing intellect on this solitary journey of cold, hunger, thirst, and silence ultimately sealing my fate. On my final day, I lay on the ground, sensing my life force slipping away. Exhaustion weighed heavily upon me, despite having just awoken. Hunger governed my thoughts, and my body, weakened by my ordeal, refused to obey. Unable to rise, I longed for the comforting oblivion of sleep. When I finally opened my eyes, I found myself in the depths of Master Monkrilla's throne room, a place I had only visited in my dreams. A long silence stretched between us before the demon god spoke, his voice a rusty rasp echoing through the humid air. "Well done, my minion," he said, his hands slowly clapping, the sound's like shockwaves. "You have discovered the meaning of life. Yes, yes, we both know the truth, my dear minion. For all living beings, mortal and immortal alike, death is the ultimate certainty. While immortals may live forever, eventually, after experiencing all that life has to offer, sanity begins to slip away. We write books, travel the world, speak with countless individuals, witness the birth and death of civilizations. But even these things eventually lose their appeal, replaced by the emptiness of boredom. You are correct, mortal. I used you, for I was bored. I have no shame in this, for I am beyond the constraints of good and evil." "Really, master? Do you truly think you are the exception just because you are immortal, a demon, and a god?" I retorted angrily to the one who had granted me the gift of increasing and arousing intellect. "Now, enough. Since I have grown quite attached to you and your intelligence, I feel guilty letting you live for so long. You see, my servant, I believe that the concept of overdose, regardless of its type, is dangerous and life-threatening. I am afraid that, given the fact that you are becoming wiser and wiser as the years go by in your solitude, your fragile mind may crumble due to an overdose of uncompromising, unthreatened intellect. I am evident of that phenomenon deep inside you, as I observed your thoughts with my eye, and I let my loyal historian and author, Recordptile, record each and every one of your thoughts since you left your dead lord's manor. Recordptile! Bring the books!" A massive platform, overflowing with books and chained with iron, descended from the ceiling. It filled the entire space above, leaving me unable to see its end. With a terrifying thud of the demon's fist on his throne, the platform slowly ascended and disappeared into the darkness above. Beside the monstrous demon stood a tall, muscular reptile, carrying a sharp sword and a large black quill tucked in their pocket. They wore a knight's silver-plated armor and a spiked kettle helm, symbolizing both intellect and combat prowess. The demon master spoke once more. "For your own safety, you should be executed. But beforehand, Recordptile shall record your final thoughts. After you have finished recording all you have to say to the next generations, you shall be mercifully killed. Recordptile, escort this proper minion and write whatever he has to say. Then, execute him." The reptilian warrior nodded obediently. A hidden entrance burst open, revealing a dark, narrow corridor. For the first time, I witnessed Master Monkrilla's smile, as hideous as his usual expressions. Perhaps their smile was the result of my personal success, a potential indication that my life did not go entirely to waste....

(Philosocom's Directory on Evil) (Background music) The Elusive Truth of Evil: Motive, Justification, and the Blurred Lines of Morality As some of you may have already noticed based on my earlier work, Polarity of Evil is a fascinating concept when applied to non-fiction. The more realistically complex an issue gets, the more one realizes that people very rarely use plain evil as the justification for their actions. The most opposite figure in this regard is the Joker from the DC Universe franchise. He serves as an example of pure, motiveless evil, which is in contrast to the real world where everyone operates with some underlying reason, however warped it may appear. This blurring of lines is crucial. Because it is so easy for us humans to disagree with one another, any controversial act, even a crime, could be seen as logically justified by a few, while the attempt to condemn or stop it could be seen as the true evil (like drinking alcohol at a 1920's speakeasy during the prohibition era). This leaves us with a paradox: The only act that cannot be judged as evil is one that is without any motive whatsoever. Without motive, it would be impossible to logically conclude the true intention of one's deeds. This is because evil without an intention that cannot be seen as wrong, cannot technically be evil, even in an existence where everything has a reason. Thus, you can't really be evil if you don't intend to be (hence the existence of accidents and misfortune caused by innocence). This complexity brings to light the power dynamics inherent in our interpretations of good and evil. The cliché expression, "might makes right," reflects this truth. The entity or ideology with the most physical power is the one more likely to receive the most agreements, and thus, be seen as justified. Likewise, the notion of democracy as the most preferred regime of any nation was not always regarded as such. In fact, Socrates disagreed with its competency, believing that the people are not always capable of deciding the best leadership for their country. Challenging Perspectives: The Evolving Notions of Good and Evil Across Time and Cultures Mind you, most of humanity's history has been filled with absolute monarchies and other forms of totalitarian governments (due to fear from external, "barbarian threats", for example), where it was "okay" to execute someone for treason or any reason the ruler believed to be justified. Unless the population was happy with what they got, your average pre-modern regime remained under the same ruler for as long as they survived before either getting killed, dying of old age, being sent to exile, and so on. What if Socrates wrote about his disbelief in democracy on Twitter? Surely, he would get a lot of hate from the world, but if your average Athenian or any other native to the time Socrates lived in heard his words, chances are they would logically agree with him. They would not shame him in the town square like some contemporary people might do nowadays on such media. What if we lived in an alternative universe where communism reigned supreme as most of the world's countries' political ideology? For example, what if the Soviet Union won the Cold War, and many countries fell to the influence of communism? Surely in such a universe, the notion of democracy would be seen as less desirable, or even as evil, if the propaganda did its job. In such a world, assuming there would be social media, expressing your thoughts in deep favor of democracy would get you shamed as well by that network's users, if not get you killed for treason, and few would protest on your behalf due to fear from being executed themselves. It is why courage is capable of oppressing tyranny itself, and reshaping the moral, subjective reality of countless citizens. Reflection on Norms, Perspectives, and Globalization What I'm saying is that, in some way, the dictating norms of what we should think and believe, could be evil to others as they are seen as good to us. Even in a world that is mostly ruled by liberal democracies, if someone from the far past would hear about such a regime, which we see as good and ideal, they may comment very negatively about our world's state of affairs, due to it being so democratic. To put it even simpler, those who do or think for the sake of evil are extremely few; the vast majority of us do and think what we believe to be good, even if someone may believe it to be evil. This is how mind-blocking our norms can be, because should someone criticize our thoughts and/or endeavors to be evil, what are the odds that we will genuinely agree with them and confess we're evil, while liking it? Perhaps some will do it out of mockery towards that critic, but in the end, extremely few are the people who believe in evil or genuinely want to be evil, whether or not evil has an objective definition that most, if not all, would agree with. Even Hitler would not tell you that he's the personification of evil, even though he appears that way very much in the eyes of many; he would claim, after all, that he was a vegetarian. Surely an evil person won't eat innocent animals? As many of us do on a regular basis? You may use moral vegetarianism as a front for your other moral depravities. That is known as a red herring fallcy. Perhaps it is only when the world becomes fully globalized, AKA, if a single or a coalition of cultures will "conquer" the world's population, under a universal culture, that we will be able to optimally determine, at least during that "conquest," what is actually good and what is actually evil. Such "conquering" has been partially implemented already—murder and other crimes have become almost entirely illegal over our world's history, as it's logical that we shouldn't murder. And yet, medieval regent who mistreated his wife would not receive the same negative reception as a contemporary one who would do just that. Imagine what would happen if your country's leader were accused of a criminal act today, compared to yourself. That politician can affect the laws while you cannot, giving him or her advantage over how justice is enforced (if at all). Your far-away ancestor, however, might not even really care and return to their work in defeatist apathy. They might even justify it the case of the previous paragraph, claiming that a woman should not resist her husband's command or something in that now-disgusting way (but objectively sexist). Conclusion In summary, norms can be as noble as they can be dastardly and wicked, and they have a role in subjecting our perception to morality. What we were taught to believe as good and appropriate is not an undeniable truth, even if many would scold you for believing otherwise. From an education such as mine I learned the importance of fearing disrespecting nuclear family. How many of you have the dignity to not disrespect those who raised you, provided for you, and gave you education? Cooperation between individuals on moral grounds is only possible once there is some kind of shared recognition of morality, as long as that moral viewpoints do not contradict one another, and thus, polarize themselves and those who hold them. In fact, one may even claim that there is no such thing as an undeniable truth when it comes to the very gray area that is the philosophical field of ethics. In many ways, unless we're brave enough to disagree and express that disagreement, much of who we are is indeed a product of our environment. However, without a vocal opposition to the norms, they will rarely change. And yet, we must recognize somehow that in someone's eyes, we might be evil in one way or another. And instead of getting into pointless arguments with them, a more intelligent approach is to actually understand why. Perhaps instead of giving in to the feelings of being accused, we can keep an open mind and explore new ideas. And because of too much emotion, we might as well be attacking the philosophical exploration of ideas in the name of our feelings. Is it worth it? John Duran's Testimonial Quote I am forced to admit, I was born different. As a boy I didn't admire the heroes, but the villains. They seem to enjoy life the most, by squeezing the world they got the most they could get out of living. It seems like such a fun craft and you get to cackle evilly on a daily basis, what's not to admire and love?

(Background music) Table of Contents: The article itself. Mr. Nathan Lasher's Feedback. Mr. M. Svartgold's Self-Preservation Strategy. The Article The Power of Staying Unseen Lying low, otherwise known as laying low, is a continuous attempt to remain hidden, in order to avoid attention that is usually negative. I learned that when I played games where I was the criminal or the "bad guy" and had to hide from enemies, usually the police, until they stopped looking for me. If there's anything we can learn from this activity, it is that external attention can be more powerful than ourselves. So, in order to overcome it, we don't fight it, but hide from it until it will be reduced by itself. External attention is not always a good idea, especially in today's world, where everything can be traced digitally. As such, when you're a public figure, you need to be very prudent as to not sabotage your own endeavors. Jack the Ripper, a Victorian-era serial killer, was never found, and is obviously dead. If he wasn't a master at lying low, perhaps his true identity would've been revealed to the world. If he had no reason to get caught, then he would've had no reason to remain hidden, because those who hide, usually have something they hide from the public eye. Maybe his first name was never Jack at all. When Transparency Hurts More Than Helps And the thing is, we all have things to hide, don't we? We want our private lives to remain private. Clothes are essentially glorified walls that keep others from seeing our real, physical selves. Just like with make-up and facial hair. We don't tell just anyone very intimate information, even though some of us have nothing illegal or not indecent to hide from others. If we are not criminals like Jack the Ripper was, then why hide anything at all from the world? Why not all those who did nothing wrong, expose themselves to the world in a free manner? The problem with these questions comes with the fact that privacy somehow still exists, despite the invasive-ness of the internet, and that not all of us are exactly comfortable with foreign attention. Some of us just want to live in peace, so we may abstain from social media, sometimes or even permanently. Interactions with human beings can often be dramatic, and some of us have no desire for drama, and want to live the remainder of our lives in peace. Freedom of speech allows anyone to say anything, basically, unless confined by local rules, like that of a school or workplace or even certain forums (even if public). This means that anyone can comment on any information that they receive, as long as they don't break any local rules in the process, AKA, the rules of the frameworks they're in. Since norms are not of the same degree of importance as rules, there's little that prevents people from not behaving in an uglier fashion. After all, why should they care, if no rules were broken? By the same token, there isn't necessarily a law that forbids us to share private information of either ourselves or of others with strangers. We may ruin each others' anonymity without even being aware of that. The lack of privacy is a growing contemporary problem. The Downsides of External Attention Some of us may be too naive to realize the virtue of lying low. Of living at peace within a conflicted, divided planet. Of having the entitled potential to live in peace, and not just rest in peace. Of having the right to not be harassed by others, and so on. In a sense, we're all laying low, at varying degrees, because of the threat of foreign attention. External attention can be intrusive, lack any empathy, and even lead to harassment, either online, offline or both. Is it something we want for ourselves? For our loved ones? We humans are, arguably, tribal people, or people have more care towards people we know and associate ourselves with, than other people we don't care as much. As a result, some people have to lay below the radar, so the people who identify others as external of their own "tribe", will eventually go away, while the former get less and less relevant than other subjects and people. Being associated with with a toxic person can also make them an adversary. With a greater level of recognition comes a greater level of privacy sacrifice. Those, like me, who want to be more relevant, either worldwide or locally, must prepare for the option that lying low won't always be an option, should one be known enough. Make sure you're aware that what you're doing is worthy of your sacrifice. When Public Observation Turns to Mockery Anyone can be banned from Twitter, but if you're like the Canadian philosopher Jordan Peterson, you can become a laughingstock for complaining about your ban. Since people like having a good laugh, you too can become a common subject for their laughter, and unless you have the option to lie low until the mockery stops, you just have to deal with it. That's because you have no control over others who don't owe anything to you. You can only influence them. Some people like the idea of themselves being famous, of being celebrities and thus privileged, but that cliche premise is biased because it's a fantasy that ignores the downfalls of being famous. Being famous means that you are now public knowledge, and therefore, you've lost a massive deal of the privacy you could've had. When you're famous or aiming to become famous, you may want to conceal your physical location in order to avoid being harassed. It's something that will cost you extra. We're all flawed to an extent and it's very hard to find an exception to that rule, but when your relevancy gets significant, your flaws can be emphasized by the public, and some may even tell you: Go away, do your thing elsewhere! Lay low! Being a public figure means that some of your deeds can overshadow other deeds. Make sure that these deeds are positive and not negative to your image. It is when you are told to go further away from the public, it is when it's possible to convince yourself that you are truly important on the public scale. Why? Because more anonymous people won't necessarily receive the same rejection and disapproval, as you do, whether or not you also receive the opposite, too. People care less for the anonymous, and so much more for you. It is an unfair bias, where "the small" are discarded, whether or not being discarded is desired. The Sacrifices of a Public Figure The anonymous don't publicly matter as much, so people will overlook their presence. The anonymous are defined by their ability to blend in to the point of being non-distinct. Most of humanity is anonymous. So, if you do not like public or foreign attention, I would suggest trying to be less relevant. It's nice to contribute to others thanks to your work, but should your work be important enough that it would turn you into a public figure, you might need to consider that laying low won't always be a feature. That is true the more and more known you are. Therefore, with renown, comes self-sacrifice, or more specifically, the sacrifice of the private self. It is the same with honesty. A world of truth often requires vulnerability. Mr. Nathan Lasher's Feedback Lying low can be done as a way to stay hidden or a way to bide one’s time. What do you mean by lying low? Yes... I see how it can be beneficial, but I also see how it can be damaging. It's a kind of way to avoid things. Think of Bonnie and Clyde. Outlaws lying low [have different reasons to do so than] a CEO or some other corporate person laying low so they don’t get into trouble until they fix a problem. Mr. M. Svartgold Strategy for Self-Preservation I've found that keeping a low profile has been an effective strategy for my well-being. It helps me avoid unnecessary drama, protect my unique perspectives from mockery and from offense, and learn from my past mistakes. By being more selective in my social interactions, I've been able to surround myself with supportive and understanding people. I sometimes don't even talk positively about myself, so to make sure no one would use that against me maliciously. I mainly accept people whose behavior to me demonstrated their good-hearted nature. I prefer not spending time with people who can't empathize with me. While staying low can sometimes feel isolating, it's a strategy that has allowed me to maintain my hope to stay alive, and avoid negative consequences. My tendency to be alone and in peace, has empowered me to make decisions that align with my personal values and goals. The rules and the norms of society are not determined in the favor of people like me. They are determined in the favor of the majority. This is why I prefer, physically, to stay unseen.

Discover Philosocom, your gateway to insightful philosophical articles on ethics, metaphysics, and more. Start learning today. Philosophy of Mind - Metaphysics - Existentialism - Epistemology - Ethics - Insights - Unique Ideas FEATURED POSTS Into the Mind of the Dark Ascetic Master, Heihachi Mishima of Tekken (And Directory) The King and the Bargainer -- A Philosophical Analysis of Mr. John Duran's Story (The King's Saga) Name as Identity - Rebranding Yourself (By Ms. Panama Dusa) Daniel Dennett Philosophy: Exploring Consciousness, Evolution, and the Mind (By Mr. J. Igwe, Mr. E. Peter and Mr. E. David) The Philosophy of the Galactic Empire -- Why Oppression Isn't the Way to Rule Why You Should Be Good and Not Evil According to Occam's Razor The Drug Lords Fallacy -- The Philosophy of Moritz Zimmerman's Redemption -- Why We Need to Work On Ourselves Over Getting Power What are the Actions and Meaning of Flying Monkeys (By Mr. Manduela Svarl) Working To Live VS Living To Work -- Why Focusing on Quality of Life is Problematic A Philosophical Analysis of John Duran's Story, "For the King's Pleasure" -- How People "Like" to Be Lied To Lessons From a Hermit (Poem) The Philosophy of a Homeless Sage (An Interview by Ms. Grace Gabbi) (And Philosocom's Subcategory Directory On John Duran) The Rubinshteinic Guide to Being Friends With Philosophers What Can We Learn From Diogenes' Cynical Philosophy (By Mr. M. Svartgold) Bird In a Cage -- A Tale of Two Tigresses (A Guest Story by Ms. Yael Hilesoom On Solitude) A Concise Guide to Philosophy -- A Revamped Introduction The South Sudan National Revolutionary Movement Manifesto (By Mr. M. A. Cayier) Preparing to Suffer -- My Philosophy On A Broken Heart How We Are Deceived By Many Ulterior Motives Philosophy Versus Ideology -- Why They Are Not the Same (And How To Identify) Anarcho-Cinema --- By Guest Writer Ori Sindel (And His Articles) On the Path to Philosophership: "Lambasting" (Criticizing Harshly) How Workaholism Can Be Futile (And When It's Not) Philosophy As "Basic" -- How It can Touch the Heart Thoughts On the Theory of Unity -- "We Are All One" -- Why Interconnectedness Needs to Be Understood More The Attempt to Redeem Subjectivity The Way of the Cat -- A Philosophy For Satisfaction (Short Article) The Degree Fallacy -- A Critique Towards Exclusivity The Keyless Lock: A Philosocom Subcategory E-Book You’ll Enjoy The Tiger's Mask (Poem) Insights on Racism: Why It’s a Flawed Trait in Any View The Issues of Sex (Clean Article) Thoughts On The Universality of Existence -- How to Understand It The Attack on Philosophical Exploration -- A Revamped Critique Rubinshteinic Soldier: 3 Values for Task Completion Mindset The Long-Term Question The 4 Horrors of Time Travel How to Distinguish Intelligence From Wisdom The Rubinshteinic Strategy to Living -- How To Think For Success Stages of Suffering: Living a Less Painful Life The Iron Way -- A Poem of The Enduring Pillar (And an "Enduring Pillar" Directory) The Problems of Following Your Passions POPULAR POSTS The Rubinshteinic Technique to Deal With The Past - For a Better Future How To Overcome The Timing Bias For Better Relationships The Newcomer's Fallacy -- The Problem With Those New to Philosophy The Human Connection as Agriculture -- How to Treat Those You Care About For Progress Doing Versus Being -- The Philosophy of True Love Insights to Understand Social Engineering -- By Mr. Ogbule Chibuzo Isaac System of Illusion -- Reality as Application (By Igal Shenderey) Minerva Within (Poem) The Capacity of Human Emotion -- How To Be a Relentless Altruist Why Honesty is So Important in Philosophizing; Philosophy As an Attempt On Reading and Writing Philosophy -- The Different Ways -- How I Became A Better Philosopher (And How You Can Too) Habit and Help -- A Philosophical Exploration of Altruistic Strength -- How Solitude Has An Altruistic Value On the Path of Philosophership -- The Importance of Inclusion The "Wizard" and the "Sorcerer" Factions In Philosophy -- Proving Innate Philosophers Exist How to Become a Philosopher -- Philosophy as Art and Science The Rubinshteinic Philosophy on Why Love Hurts Universality of Truth (Poem) The Day Philosophy Would End (And Why It's Unlikely) Naturality of Trauma -- How Subtle, Negative Human Reality Can Be Understood and Reduced The Autistic "Rune of Punishment" -- How To Overcome Punishment Using Redemption The Philosopher's Two Archetypes -- The Politician and Madman -- Understanding The Value of Public Opinion The Rubinshteinic Guide to the Philosophy Blogger Why Positivity is More Reasonable Than Pessimism Life as an Exhausted Man On the Act of Meditating How to Become More Unique Why I'm a Hermit (Poem) True Satisfaction -- How It Can Be Reached (Poem) How and Why I (Formerly) Gave Up On Love The Problem With Time Stormtrooper Culture (A Poem) When the Law Should Be Broken (And Philosocom's Subcategory On Law and Order) The Drained One -- a Poem The "Not-Okay" Paradigm -- How Fault Became Default Disability Shaming and the Mentally-Ill -- Understanding Mental Illness Why You Shouldn't Murder Virtual Dictatorships and Plutocracies: Shaping Humanity A Writer's Voice (A Poem) The Good Life (What is it?) -- How to Attain It How to Find Purpose Climbing the Bias-Breaker Hill: Beyond Algorithm Bias The Rubinshteinic Philosophy On The Night Zeno's Paradox and the Infinity of Everything Solomon Maimon and the "Villainy" of Philosophy -- The Ongoing Struggle for Unpopular Ideas The Consequences of Repression 3 Video Games With Wisdom We Can Learn From How Philosophers Can Be Good Assets For Companies Solitarus -- The Love of Solitude (Translated Article) 3 Essential Philosophical Questions to Ask Yourself How Understanding Can Be Defined RECENT POSTS Lament of Past Trauma -- On Struggles Long Gone My Enemy -- A Poem On Morals and Edges How to Save Lives Using Philosophy How To Live Well with a Mental Illness The Cost of Perfection: The Philosophy of Dural The Metaphysics of Schizoaffective Disorder The Evolution of a Sanctuary: The Multitudinous Purposes of Philosocom The Cost of His Mastery -- The Philosophy of Lau Chan The Rubinshteinic Philosophy of Azazel The Gap Between Knowing and Feeling -- A Reflection on Intellectual Clarity, Emotional Lag, and the Craft of Existing The Calculus of Suffering and the Limits of Reach Essence and Lament of Elevated Humanity AI Religion Is Expressing a Spiraling Neural Model of Consciousness (By Cristian Horgos) The Dragon’s Ledger: Like a Dragon and the Philosophy of Attrition The Architecture of Sustainable Goodwill: A Guide to Pragmatic Altruism The Ultimate Sacrifice The Asocialpath's Path -- Theme of Societal Rejection Choosing a Path of Humility The Rubinshteinic Introduction to the Asocialpath -- A Philosophical Archetype On Mortality: The Cost of Being a Protector The Architecture of Redemption: Jin Kazama’s Sovereign Path from Destruction to Integration Dismantling the Myth of the Ultimate Soldier: A Sovereign Guide to Overcoming the Savior Complex Micro-Rectification: How Fixing Your Coordinate Heals a Broken World The Ultimate Task: To Die The Economics of Autonomy: Adulthood, Market Conformity, and the Price of Intellectual Sovereignty The Architecture of Emptiness: The Dangers of Alexander’s Paradox and the Strategy of Post-Victory Survival Neon Ruins and the Sovereign Self: Deconstructive Existentialism and Absurdist Survival in Daraku Tenshi The Razro Paradox: Defiance in the Vacuum of a Poisoned Well The Spark in a Dying World -- Theme of Renewed Vitality The Poison in the Well and the Futility of Good in Human Relationships Does A.I. Promote Bad Faith? (By Tyler Young) Thoughts On Being Normal and Living a Normal Life The Architecture of Silence: Self-Restraint as the Ultimate Sovereign Act Thoughts On Life Many Have to Endure Explaining My Motives -- From Saving My Grandmother to World Rectification The Impossibility of Neutral Wisdom: Artificial Intelligence and the Ancient Problem of Phronesis (By Josh) A Rectifier's Despair I Long for the Madness... Grieving What Was Confessions of a Lonely Man, Part 4: War and the Localized Utopia Standing, Not Afraid and War Directory The Architecture of the Cold Harsh World: Why the System Was Never Built for Your Happiness Strength Creates Distance: The Solitude of the Sovereign Confessions of a Lonely Man, Part 3: Instability and Final Decision On Absurdity -- Life In the Q Continuum Rectification Of this World Starts with Ordinary People (By Mr. Yvan Pion) Confessions of a Lonely Man Part 2: Moonlit Reflections The Quiet Insurrection: Why Being Good Is The Ultimate Rebellion Why I Find The World Disgusting -- Disgust as Moral Repulsion Confessions of a Lonely Man PINNED Regarding Scammers -- Beware (PIN) 1 min read How to Navigate the Site Using Subcategory Directories (PIN) 1 min read On the Concept of Philosocom -- How to Understand This Website (PIN) 6 min read Rules For Commenters and Guest Writers From Mr. Rubinshtein (PIN) 2 min read The "Why" of Philosocom (PIN) 3 min read Political Rubinshteinism; T. Rubinshtein's Political Philosophy (PIN) 10 min read The Delusion of Necessity -- What Truly Makes Something Necessary (PIN) 6 min read Rubinshteinic Philosophy In a Nutshell (PIN) 4 min read Categories All (1,050) 1,050 posts Wisdom (643) 643 posts Society (480) 480 posts Solitude (213) 213 posts Personal (401) 401 posts Featured (42) 42 posts Poetry (119) 119 posts Love (109) 109 posts Serenity (79) 79 posts Misc (152) 152 posts Popular (52) 52 posts Guest Posts (142) 142 posts Subcategory Directories (109) 109 posts Stories (38) 38 posts Fallacies (45) 45 posts Rubinshteinic (91) 91 posts Short Essays (123) 123 posts Pinned Posts (8) 8 posts CONTACT US Mr. Tomasio Rubinshtein, mrtomasio@philosocom.com

Delve into the enigmatic world of Mr. Tomasio Rubinshtein, a philosopher whose ideas have ignited minds and defied the boundaries of conventional thought. Who is this enigmatic figure? About the Philosopher "Even if you try to bring down my spirit, I will rarely despair as I have decided to put my very own life at stake. Therefore, there is only room for improvement or death. Since I don't want to die, I will resume my craft." -- Rubinshtein on adversity "Tomasio is a great philosopher we can all relate to." -- Panama Dusa , writer and researcher "I see in you a beacon of hope for the distressed. Your courage, perseverance, and fortitude are a shining example for those who fail to see the light at the end of the tunnel. The sun always shines after a dark night! I wish you to worship the sun, which, as Khalil Gibran said, is the eye of God in the sky." -- Dr. S. K. Pachauri , former Secretary to the Government of India "Mr. Rubinstein Tomasio is an erudite, intelligent, and multifaceted individual with a wide range of skills and an exceptionally high capacity for analysis and synthesis, including in the spiritual and moral spheres. His ability to identify complex problems and find creative and well-structured solutions to them earns him an honorable title for his wisdom, which allows him to distinguish between right and wrong. In every situation. He has extensive experience in writing and is blessed with exceptional written, spoken, and pictorial expression skills in the English language. He possesses exceptional interpersonal skills, enabling him to effectively conduct in-depth conversations without judgment but with great wisdom, an open mind, and a constant curiosity. As a result, he deserves the respect he deserves and a position of authority in any setting in which he finds himself. " -- Anonymous **************************** Who is Mr. Tomasio Rubinshtein? Written By – Nr. M. J. K. Molai Mr. Tomasio Rubinshtein is a philosopher and writer, born in the 1990s, who has gained recognition for his philosophical work and contributions to the Quora community. He began writing philosophical books at a very young age, starting at 15 years old. Despite his early success, he decided to deviate from traditional academic studies and pursue an independent path as a philosopher, emphasizing the belief that formal academic degrees are not necessary to engage in philosophical pursuits. He cites historical philosophers like Socrates , Diogenes , and Nietzsche as examples of individuals who didn't possess formal degrees but were influential thinkers. In April 2019, he established Philosocom, a platform dedicated to hosting his articles, with the intention of having them read and pondered for generations to come. It demonstrates his strong commitment to sharing his philosophical ideas and insights with the world. Regarding his education , Mr. Rubinshtein completed high school and attended a few philosophy courses at the Israeli Open University . He has also demonstrated his writing abilities by winning third place in a local writing contest for high school students and reaching the finals of an English speech competition in Jerusalem. It is noteworthy that Tomasio Rubinshtein has been diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome, which makes his accomplishments even more remarkable, considering the challenges he may face in social interactions and communication. Mr. Rubinshtein's life purpose revolves around contributing to the world in his unique way , which involves solitude, deep contemplation, and gaining followers who appreciate his ideas. Despite facing challenges that prevent him from holding a traditional job , he is deeply motivated to serve (and rectify) the world in a meaningful and productive manner. Thus, Philosocom aims to make his philosophical articles accessible to readers from around the globe, as a way to improve the world. In April 2022, in his quest for relevance and as an extension of his philosophical ideas, Mr. Rubinshtein founded a political ideology called Political Rubinshteinism or Rubinshteinism. It is categorized as a right-wing, libertarian ideology and is influenced by his philosophical teachings on society and the importance of democracy. Overall, Tomasio Rubinshtein's journey as a philosopher and writer is an inspiring tale of determination, independence, and a commitment to share profound ideas with the world, despite any challenges he may face. As a friend of Mr. Tomasio Rubinshtein, I can attest to the remarkable qualities that make him a truly inspiring and unique individual. From the very beginning of our friendship, it was evident that Tomasio possessed a profound intellect and a genuine passion for philosophical exploration . His thirst for knowledge and understanding was infectious, and I found myself drawn to his deep insights and perspectives on various philosophical concepts. One of the most admirable aspects of Tomasio's character is his unwavering belief in individuality and independence. He dauntlessly chose to forge his own path as a philosopher, even when it meant diverging from the traditional academic route. This decision, grounded in the belief that formal degrees don't define a true philosopher, showcases his courage and determination to pursue his calling on his own terms. I've witnessed firsthand Tomasio's dedication to his craft. He spent countless hours writing, contemplating, and refining his philosophical ideas, often sharing his drafts and seeking feedback. It's incredible to see how he effortlessly translated complex philosophical concepts into accessible and thought-provoking articles that resonate with readers from different backgrounds and cultures. Despite the challenges posed by Asperger's syndrome , Tomasio's resilience and adaptability are truly inspiring. He has an innate ability to connect with others through his writing and philosophical discussions, breaking down barriers and fostering meaningful connections with people around the world. As a friend, I've also witnessed the profound impact Tomasio has had on those around him. His passion for philosophical discourse and individuality has sparked intellectual curiosity in others, encouraging them to explore their own philosophical journeys. He has a remarkable ability to inspire and motivate people to think critically about the world and their place in it. Moreover, Tomasio's commitment to founding Philosocom , where he intends for his articles to be read for generations to come, reveals his desire to leave a lasting legacy. His vision to share his ideas across time and space demonstrates his profound sense of responsibility to contribute positively to the world. And let's not forget his recent endeavor in creating the political ideology of Rubinshteinism. This is a testament to his multidimensional thinking and his desire to extend his philosophical influence to realms beyond just pure philosophy. It showcases his dedication to shaping a better society, informed by his understanding of democracy and societal dynamics. In summary, Tomasio Rubinshtein is not just a remarkable philosopher and writer but also a true friend who continually inspires me and others around him. His intellectual brilliance, dedication to individuality , and commitment to sharing meaningful ideas are a testament to the positive impact one person can make on the world. I feel fortunate to know him and be a part of his journey as he continues to shape the philosophical landscape and contribute to the betterment of society.

Recieve information about Tomasio Rubinshtein's philosophical books, along with a link where you can find and buy them in PDF formats. T. Rubinshtein's Books Click here to Browse