(Philosocom Hedonism Directory) (Philosocom's Subcategory Directory on Dilemmas and Problems) (Background music) Synopsis by Mr. Emmanuel David The article discusses the potential pitfalls of pursuing joy through artificial means, such as the Neuro-Euphoria Stimulator (NES), which could provide instant, pure joy. It argues that addiction to joy can lead to significant issues, such as reducing humans to a state similar to lab rats, bypassing meaningful experiences. The NES could make personal development obsolete, diminish the value of relationships , and disrupt societal structures. The article critiques hedonism, suggesting that meaningful happiness involves morality, responsibility, and contributing to society. T he author advocates for a balance between seeking joy and engaging in meaningful experiences, emphasizing the importance of love , family, and social interactions. The Joy Shortcut: A Blissful Trap? Joy is an integral part of our lives. We love the feeling of joy; it is blissful and makes us feel good. This rush of happiness and good feeling makes us seek it sometimes too much, as if we chase it endlessly. It's an emotion capable of being an un-restricted rush, compared to falling head over heels over someone, and giving it to them, too!   Some of us, however, chase joy to the point of addiction. That's when we are exposed to the most honest part of being a human. Without our ability to make discretion, we can unfortunately become like rats pressing on a button of joy for the mere point of joy, ad-infinitum. Joy is addicting for a reason, after all, for it is contagious the same as it's gratifying. That is regardless of whether or not joy stems from morality, as it should for morality to be applied more frequently. But what if technology offered a shortcut to joy? What if we didn't need to work for joy? Imagine a device, like a helmet you put on your head, and isolates your experience from reality. Let's call it the Neuro-Euphoria Stimulator, or the (NES). It's even better than the original NES! It bypasses everything you usually need to do to get it. Instead, it directly stimulates pure joy with, well, a push of a button... This hypothetical NES presents a fascinating paradox. While it eliminates the need for external sources of happiness, it could also dismantle the very foundation of a meaningful life, as it becomes the one true source of happiness to be a good simp for. Here's why: The Erosion of Experience:  The (hypothetical) NES bypasses the journey, the struggle, to growth. All the elements that make joy truly earned and deeply satisfying are gone. We become accustomed to instant gratification, rendering the need to work on ourselves, as useless as working as an ornamental hermit. Love and Connection on Hold:  Why invest in complex relationships when the (superior) NES offers a dopamine rush on demand? The device could erode the need for love, friendship, and family , isolating us in a self-contained world of fleeting pleasure. We wouldn't love or appreciate others as much as, you know, pressing buttons like lab rats. Apathy and Stagnation:  Contribution to society often requires overcoming challenges. The NES (totally not a nefarious scheme to deter the populace from critical thinking) , eliminates discomfort. It could stifle motivation and leave us content with mediocrity. This dilemma isn't new.   Consider video games. While they offer entertainment, the allure of instant gratification they provide might make us question the effort required for real-world achievements and the cultivation of genuine human connections. The ( Ulterior-motive devised) NES becomes a metaphor for how hedonism can be a liability more than an asset at times . The philosophy prioritizing pleasure above all else. It's kind of ruthless against, you know, those who suffer and could use our help. While happiness is important, it's a fleeting high if not built upon deeper meaning and purpose . What do I mean by "deeper"? I mean when it has several benefits beyond the service of its own mindless accumulation. Roads to Nowhere These machines could be either humanity's crowning achievement or its ultimate downfall. Philosophically they are capable of disproving the idea that happiness/joy are entirely subjective , for the key to true happiness lies not in learning from cats but from lab rats. Imagine returning home from a tedious workday , only to bypass human connection and simply press a button for guaranteed joy. This machine could dismantle the very pillars of society , for society is based and preserved on working towards success and on overcoming ourselves. With such easy way to get pleased, many people who are prone to be lazy, won't bother showing up on work as much, and even when they get there they would easily be distracted by the thoughts and genuine passion to get their next fix. Should the device be self-sustainable in terms of energy, you'll find people on the streets and slums getting endless fixes and escaping from reality. After all who cares for the importance of work and other commitments when you can get that sweet, sweet joy, permanently? Success often matters more than joy or happiness because the accomplishment of our goals yield a greater benefit than our personal drive for pleasure. Hence the shortcomings of hedonism. While seeking pleasure is natural, it becomes a shaky foundation for a life of purpose. Morality, responsibility, and contribution to society all take a backseat when instant gratification reigns supreme. Hedonism fails to answer questions like: Why volunteer for a cause that brings no immediate pleasure? Why invest the time and energy in love, which can be messy and complex, when a button offers a dopamine rush? These machines, much like idle video games, which require very little effort towards victory. If anything, the true value of joy itself, but in its journey towards it. Then, the joy is used as a reward of the journey that was made. Joy, then, becomes ideal when it is secondary, AKA, when it creates this functional habit of making worthwhile effort towards greater accomplishment. A "Joy Machine" offer a hollow substitute. An escape made to replace the richness of a life well-lived. Why, then, not strive for a balance? Why not cherish both the struggles and the reward that both make all the overall endeavour fulfilling? When Trapped in the Mechanism of Love Consider procreation. Why endure the challenges of raising children when a few button presses offer instant gratification? Pure Joy render essential aspects of human existence – love, family, social interaction – obsolete more than your average search engine. They remove the struggle, the growth, the very elements that make joy earned and meaningful, and relationship fruitful, deep and honest. Of course that includes romantic relationships, and in love, like with the love of wisdom, joy is not everything. I once questioned a former friend, "Why the obsession with love? Isn't it simply for the good feelings?" Her hesitant "maybe" resonated deeply. However, love, in its purest form, transcends mere pleasure, as it involves sacrifice, vulnerability, and a commitment that goes beyond fleeting highs and honeymoon gateways. Now tell me, rhetorically, can a machine replicate that complexity? A machine providing pure joy might promise instant gratification, but it's a seductive trap, a succubus if you will. For it could weaken our resolve, turning us into pleasure-seeking automatons. By doing so, we risk sacrificing the very essence of what makes life meaningful for countless people: love, family, and caring for other human beings. How can we accept the possibility of love if we refuse to accept suffering? How can we conquer hearts if we cannot conquer ourselves first, and use the possibility of being loved as a good reason to work on ourselves , rather than staying as incels? The allure of a shortcut to happiness is strong, but don't be fooled. You'll find yourself alone without the ability to embrace suffering, which is a necessity in part of accepting reality . Embrace the messiness, the struggles, and the highest and the lowest of human connection. Resist the fears that entail with the thoughts of mere unease. They would only get in your way of your goals. Write, love, create, connect – not because it guarantees happiness, but because it's in the journey itself that we discover what we're truly capable of, and thus work towards the life we truly want to love. Mere "fixes" of pure joy would make you end up like a drug addict who's in a deep need for rehabilitation. Ms. Hali Bash-March's Feedback I remember hearing a professor's talk about the joy we get from expecting something happy to happen, like a vacation. It said that the brain releases the hormones of happiness when we think about the happy event, as we imagine it over and over in our brain. When our vacation actually arrives, we feel happy but sometimes less then how we imagined it in our brain. So, the idea that expecting something and working toward it is better than just getting the end result is very much true.

A Rubinshteinic Examination of the Holy Trinity of Drinks “Where do you get inspiration for your books? I tell myself I can't have another cup of coffee till I thought of an idea.” -- Douglas Adams "Water is the softest thing, yet it can penetrate mountains and earth. This shows clearly the principle of softness overcoming hardness." -- Lao Tzu "If you have enough alcohol, you should not fear the result of a thousand battles" -- Sun Tzu (Coffee Directory) (Background music) Water, Coffee, and Beer in Human History Throughout the influence of human history , certain beverages have played pivotal roles in our survival, productivity, and social engineering events. While individual preferences of drinks may vary, water, coffee, and beer stand out as exceptionally significant. Let's explore their impact from a more-philosophical standpoint... 1. Water: The Essence of Life It is a fundamental necessity for all biological mechanisms. Human bodies are composed largely of water, and its consumption is crucial for countless physiological processes. In astronomy, the existence of water in other planets can indicate the existence of alien life-forms. Access to clean water is a cornerstone of human health and societal stability. The utter lack of water can lead to devastating consequences, underscoring its irreplaceable role. While other liquids can contribute to hydration, water's purity and inherent benefits make it the optimal, basic and natural choice. 2. Coffee: The Catalyst for Productivity Coffee, with its caffeine content, has become a widely consumed stimulant that enhances alertness and focus. Historically, it has fueled intellectual pursuits , industrial development, and everyday productivity. The impact of coffee on global economies and social structures is undeniable. One might claim coffee is part of a more-universalized culture. Coffee has been linked to increased cognitive functions, and improved physical performance. Coffee can be a very easy way to get to know people from a more-social standpoint. 3. Beer: The Social Lubricant and Cultural Staple Beer has played a significant role in social gatherings, celebrations, and cultural traditions. Moderate alcohol consumption can help you reduce stress. Drinking beer is can be seen as a form of escapism and coping mechanism with difficult issues one is facing. Although women may also drink beer, it is a drink often associated with masculinity. Considerations While these beverages hold significant importance, responsible consumption is crucial. Excessiveness is not good in anything. Cultural and religious perspectives on alcohol consumption vary widely, and respecting these differences is essential for the understanding of humans from around the world. It is important to note that, while these beverages are important, they are not the only important beverages. Tea for instance, has also played an important role in human history. The availability of clean water, is still a major problem in many parts of the world, for instance, in Nigeria. Conclusions Water, coffee, and beer have indelibly shaped human societies as well as individuals. Their roles extend beyond mere sustenance, encompassing cultural, economic, and social aspects of human activity. Understanding their significance provides valuable insights into our past, present, and future.

(Inspired by reading Mr. Aizaz Baqir's book " Soulless Goddess "). There were a few scientists in a gathering, The first one invented the keyboard, The second uses it to write magnificent poems, The third spreads messages of hatred online. What, therefore, can you say about this device? Three intellectuals sit in a coffee shop. The first brings up the subject of the Roman Empire. The second claims: "It was the greatest Empire on earth!" The third is triggered, "It was the Nazi Germany of the ancient past; Caused genocides, killed people for entertainment, and enslaved countless subjects". What is, therefore, to objectively be said about that ancient country? Finally, Three geeks discuss about video games. The first brings up Suikoden IV, An obscure game that has been received negatively. The second said "This game was so bad!" And the third said... "It was bad, but I enjoyed it a lot". Who's to say "I am right, you are wrong", When to reality, We all belong? Not only us, but anything possibly real, Regardless of level? Facts are superior? Opinions, inferior? The truth does not work, According to a supremacist racial hierarchy. It contains anyone and anything, Like the Earth, its humans, And the universe -- all the asteroids, planets and galaxies. 6 is both 6 and 9, And 9 is both 9 and 6. Anything is small at the right distance, And huge at the right closure. A picture can exist -- fact, But can also be photoshopped, And still exist. A man can be feminine, And not be seen as a "Real Man", And still be, An existent man, (As if there is a difference). Vegetarians are doing good for the environment, But Hitler was also one, Did he do good for the world? A smart man can sometimes make stupid mistakes, And even a stupid man can come with bright insights. The mentally healthy can too get into a meltdown, And the mentally ill doesn't always need a psychologist. Can you say otherwise? The truth welcomes all correct things, Into its guest house, With no discrimination. The only requirement -- Be Correct! To those who wish to "hit" me, Even just because of my content -- Hit Laozi Hit Sun Tzu, Hit the Bible, Hit the Quran, Hit Epictetus, Hit Socrates, Hit Osho -- My thought process Is a source too; Digging further into contemplation, Is research of the conscious mind, And its vast potential. Logical reasoning, once sound enough, It's his own source, As long as the logician is proficient enough.

Article Summary by Mr. Chris Kingsley and Co. This article provides a comprehensive exploration of sexuality, focusing on biological, social, and psychological aspects that shape human behavior and societal norms. Mr. Tomasio acknowledges the complexity of human sexuality , emphasizing that it is not a one-size-fits-all phenomenon. This recognition promotes a more inclusive and nuanced discussion. The article's strengths include its comprehensive approach, acknowledging the diversity in sexual orientation, preferences, and behaviors, and its personal reflections, such as the renunciation of claims of asexuality and the connection to sexual transmutation. It encourages critical thinking by questioning widely held beliefs and presenting alternative viewpoints, fostering an open-minded and analytical approach to the subject matter. In summary, this article presents a thoughtful and wide-ranging discussion of the issues surrounding human sexuality, commendable for its inclusivity, critical approach, and personal reflections. (Background music) **************************** Introduction: The Drive to Reproduce As much as we are social beings , we are also sexual beings. Even those who are more solitary than social are not necessarily asexual. This is because it is more imperative for biological beings to have children than it is to communicate with others. It is a biological imperative to reproduce, but not communicate. While communication is important, it is not essential for survival as procreation is. Especially social communication . Having children, on the other hand, is essential for the survival of the species. Those who do not reproduce enough, or at all, risk putting their lineage at jeopardy. Some people believe that having children is mandated by the heavens or that it is an essential part of adulthood. Regarding the "mandated by the heavens" belief, it is evident. Others may feel pressure from their parents or other family members to have children. That is even though they decide to have children is a personal one. When it comes to gender, women are often more stressed about having children than men. This is because women are the ones who carry and give birth to children. Some may even, you know, secure themselves a man just to get pregnant. Some people believe that women's reproductive systems are only meant to be used for reproduction. They argue that women should not have the choice to have an abortion or to use birth control . I disagree with this view. I believe that women have the right to choose what happens to their own bodies. Their wombs are their property, and they should be able to do with them as they please. Part I: Controversies There is something very conflicting about sex when it comes to humanity. Due to the dominance of the three Abrahamic religions, homosexuality is seen as something morally wrong in the eyes of many. Are LGBTQ people not legitimate in their endeavor to live and to be accepted like anyone else? Whatever your thoughts on the matter may be, it is very logical to assume that we cannot learn how to be attracted to something we are not attracted to in the first place. This could entail that sexuality is innate, rather than learned, even if it develops later in life. Here are some additional thoughts on the matter: There is no scientific evidence to support the claim that homosexuality is a choice. In fact, studies have shown that there is a biological basis for homosexuality. For example, one study found that gay people have different brain structures than the same gender. LGBTQ people are just as capable of love, commitment, and happiness as anyone else. They deserve to be treated with respect like any other human being. It is important to note that not all members of any group are the same. I devised a theory that can suggest this as true. There are good and bad people in every social category, and the LGBTQ community is no exception. It is unfair to judge an entire category of people based on the actions of a few. As it is unfair to judge said category with traits it does not necessarily have in its entirety, as that will be a generalization fallacy . If I were to show you a car and force you to be sexually attracted to it, chances are you would not be successful. There are people who are attracted to cars and other machinery, known as mechanophilia . However, according to the reasoning I found, it isn't necessarily a choice one can change like any other preference. Unique Traits Or Disorders/Illnesses? Whether a disorder or not is an issue that can be compared to autism . Some autists may claim that being on the spectrum isn't a disorder but simply a neurological diversity . That is the reasoning I'm talking about, applicable to unorthodox sexual orientations. Due to lack of normalcy in this field I wouldn't mind being proven wrong. It's part of the "job". This is the whole idea behind LGBTQ people: Unless one is asexual , we are all attracted to something or someone, and it is not necessarily a conscious choice . Even if the source of our attraction cannot collaborate with us in the process of actual reproduction, the sexual attraction cannot be denied. It may be reduced due to a variety of reasons , but I failed to find sources that claim it can be lost permanently. You can try to repress it, but it is still a part of who you are. As such you can just become asexual. Naturally Animalistic or Deeply Human? The whole thing with same-sex attraction is ironic because it is not "natural," AKA, according to the biological imperative, to be attracted to someone who cannot bring offspring into the world. And yet, it exists. Does it make it a disorder or a disease? I argue that not, just like the desire of not having children is not a disorder or a disease. We either way do not have to have children if we do not want to. The choice itself, embedded uniquely in humans for psychological needs , is not a dysfunction when it is a natural feature of who we are. Furthermore, r*** is not morally justified, just because procreation is imperative for the survival of our species. In addition, some people are too unfit to have children, and you know that, I believe. They can be very poor and abusive parents and traumatize their children. Hence the idea of parenting licenses. How Necessary Is It, Really? As such, the biological imperative does not compel every single human to procreate. For that matter, people who cannot procreate due to other reasons, such as permanent injuries in the reproductive system, can still find other reasons to live. After all, aside from their contributions to society, there are other biological imperatives in play, such as group forming . Would an excellent leader of an organization that does good for the world, be deemed irrelevant just because he or she might not have biological successors? By the way, the gaining, holding and protection of territory is also a biological imperative as organisms need a physical space to exist in. It is unreasonable to say that soldiers who died to protect their country failed to achieve their purpose, when in reality they sacrificed their lives for us. Procreation isn't sufficient because we never exist in a vacuum, and as such there are other factors of existence to consider. Surprisingly enough there is a spectrum of asexuality . I'll not dive too much into it right now. Even though most of us have the means of reproduction, some of us have no inherent desire to have sex with anyone, male or female. Some of us are straight-out anti-sexual , and they may deem sexual activity as disgusting. You can at least learn from the example of this article, that not everything in existence has to have an objective purpose. That includes organs, as women, for example, do not have to use their wombs if they don't want children. How come? Potential is not necessity. Part II: Sex As an Obsession Anyways, the point still stands -- many if not most of us are sexual beings even if we will never have children. It is very imperative as it is psychological and also a social activity . Something in the mere act can make one very passionate, to the risk of addiction , to the point it will become their central aim in life. There is something very pleasing in it as there is traumatic. It may play a role in our ego, as some of us may disregard it from our egos... Like when I wrote my thoughts about incels. All because of a single, simple act which this site is too respectful to mention here explicitly. It's so simple, and yet a concept so chewed by humanity, it will be resumed being so indefinitely . Erotica, romance (usually) and so on -- all are very popular genres/industries that will probably keep on giving until the end of the human race, all thanks to said action. It is probably humanity's one of the most popular obsessions. Personal Reflections As an asocial man, I don't know if I'll understand what is so appealing about sexual relations, to the point of obsession. Like the example with the attraction to machinery, I can't force myself to be obsessive about something that is in a lower priority. I know I can bring children to the world. However, even if I wanted to do so, there is this obstacle that is called my existence ("Verdict of Being") . And everything in my life revolves around my life's work. Still, I understand I am intuitively transmuting my energies for Philosocom. That's how I still managed to work on this article empire during the Reaping Fatigue Era. Conclusions The reproductive organs go further than just mere reproduction. Some may even consider them tools for power and control. We aren't mere robots who just have happened to be able to multiply. It's both a blessing as it is a curse. It can bring life as it can even bring death . It can satisfy our wants and needs and even cause trauma quite "naturally". What we can conclude from all of this is, sexuality is a part of who we are, even if we lack it. Since we are different people with different affinities, that also applies to sex regardless of what kind of people you are attracted to, if at all . Human beings are very diverse beings . Furthermore, expressions innate diversity is yet to be fully agreed upon as such. Or even as completely legitimate ( in the case of eccentricities, for example ). Unlike many other traits that can be changed through exercise and discipline , sexuality is bound to stay with us, whether we have yet to discover what it is or if we're well aware of it. Some people, you could say, are just not attracted to the "right" people for reproductive reasons. Will it doom humankind? Perhaps not, as there are enough straight people to sustain the human race. In the U.S, their number isn't significant enough to risk population growth. But if it's true that sexuality is innate and unchangeable -- being straight is simply one way of having a sexual tendency. It's the most practical, for sure, but far from being the only one. It is desired by many that one shall be straight, but what sorcery can completely eradicate one's heart , and the other's heart below the belt? Final conclusion -- sexuality doesn't have to be directed at reproduction in order for one to practice it. That is true as having sex is fun and even healthy , as it is for the average non-straight man or woman. Perhaps animals will be capable of reproducing many successors, but, perhaps, the sexual complexity of many humans is far more complicated than that of an animal in the correspondent season. Bonus Insight -- Sex Drive and Love as Spontaneous It is the same in sex as it is the same in love -- you can't force yourself to love someone you don't, even if you both will be going to live together for a long time. Was every marriage meant to be fated? Judging by the high divorce rates , it's very unlikely. If you're going to be married to a murderer, are you meant to be murdered, especially if you know they're a killer? There are no soul mates . There is love, attraction, partner maintenance , and, for many, sex. Extra source: https://theconversation.com/stop-calling-it-a-choice-biological-factors-drive-homosexuality-122764

Article Synopsis by Mr. C. Kinsgley and Co. The article "Philosophizing On Capitalism – Why We Should Help Others" critiques capitalism, contrasting its core principles with the values of altruism and social welfare. It delves into the ideological divide between the wealthy and the working class and the consequences of this disparity. Mr. Tomasio engages with complex ideas, such as the inherent tensions between capitalism, altruism, and social welfare. The article acknowledges the charitable contributions of the wealthy, offering a balanced approach that avoids overly simplistic or one-sided views. The moral duty to help others , especially the disadvantaged, is compelling, emphasizing the need for empathy, reduced loneliness , and prevention of conflict. The personal touch, sharing the philosopher's own experience living on disability benefits and committing to writing, adds depth and sincerity to the argument. The philosopher encourages social unification by promoting collaboration, mutual support, and moral egoism , linking individual and collective well-being in a pragmatic way. In conclusion, the article effectively raises important questions about capitalism, altruism, and social welfare, offering a balanced and reflective critique. Why is it so hard for people to simply ask for help? -- Mr. Nathan Lasher (Directory on Rectification and Help) (Background music) The Two Sides of the Coin: Capitalism vs. Social Welfare One of the core problems with capitalism is that it leads to a great divide between two main types of people: Those who know how to make great sums of money, and those who take small bites of that money by working their lives until retirement ( assuming they will even have one, given that not everyone can even afford it ). The same ideology that promotes individual freedom and free markets can also devolve into an oligarchy , a society ruled by a rich minority. This is just like how democracy can turn into a tyranny of the majority. Some may claim that the United States, for instance, is transforming from a democracy into an oligarchy, as the richer are able to get away with their crimes more than others, and thus compromise justice in the name of more profit. Communism, even though it was a failure in execution that led to the foundation of oppressive dictatorships , was a philosophy that at least gave us a reason to care about others, the common good. It promoted unity, patriotism, caring for your fellow men and women, and altruism —values that are often overlooked by more capitalistic societies. A Critique of Capitalism and the Benefits of Altruism Therefore, even though capitalism brings much liberty to the economy, it fails to answer the following question: why should we care for someone when they do not serve us in any way? Why should we help others when our efforts can be invested elsewhere, such as in making even more money? If we wish to promote both our individual liberties and the importance of altruism to people who are unable to reach the same achievements as we did, (such as making lots of money or getting a steady job with a reasonable pay), we should at least consider promoting the social unification behind socialist and/or communist philosophies. That is along with the importance of providing welfare to those in need. For the benefits of social unification are many, not only to the economy but also to our health. Social unification between people allows the nurturing of more empathy, of reducing loneliness , and the prevention of unnecessary conflict, which could further deteriorate into coercion , into trauma , and into war. All of the three we are capable of preventing, and that is done by understanding the importance of a healthy and beneficial social engineering. While I don't think capitalism is evil by itself, some people do, according to Mr. John Duran : At what point will mankind start actually learning and realize how insidiously evil capitalism is? When the children starve, or the helpless souls are living on sidewalks, when no one can be happy without the concept of everything only ever done for profit? At what tipping point will this evil be rightfully toppled for the good of all mankind? Sadly, not in our lifetime. It's the perfect tool for control of the masses, to make them believe that it's the only way, while watching others starve and die because they cannot afford to eat. Or freeze to death because they can't pay outrageous rents on land that was given freely to all species. Surely, something to think about. The Unfair Share: Capitalism and the Need for Social Safety Nets The immense wealth generated by capitalism can be a double-edged sword. While it fosters material prosperity, it often comes at the cost of neglecting those who struggle to participate effectively in the rat race, known for its compromises on both physical and mental health. The current system prioritizes profit maximization, leaving many, particularly the poor, the disabled, and the underprivileged, vulnerable to the unfairness of modernity. I am not trying to condemn wealthy individuals. Much of the donations to charity comes from America's wealthiest people , the Forbes 400 . However, the capitalist system itself rewards immense personal gain over broader societal well-being. This results in a situation where abundance exists alongside poverty, where only those who care for their own profit-making, and do it successfully, are more appreciated than those who struggle, regardless of whether or not they care for the overall well-being of society. Some may not even bother caring about societal well-being because there's no money to be made worrying about it. Many employees report that their bosses don't even care about their mental health, at least in the UK . Furthermore, caring about the wellbeing of others could in theory be even costlier, especially when it comes to one's employees. An example for that is something known as an EAP, or an employee assistance programme , which has its share of expenses. For many bosses, however, it's preferable for them to outright fire people with mental health issues and replace them with healthier individuals, than to actually make the extra cost of supporting them. Mental health is a professional taboo for a reason. Capitalist philosophy is about maximizing profit, not reducing them in favor of others. An asset is there to generate revenue . When an asset yields less revenue, its value decreases, compelling companies to replace it. Workers are assets as well . Treating people as mere assets is one of the reasons individuals are expendable , unfortunately. I guess that from this aspect much evil can indeed stem from capitalism, unfortunately -- when you have the power to care for others, but refuse to do so. The vast resources concentrated in the hands of a privileged few highlight the shortcomings of a purely market-driven approach. Global corporations and the ultra-wealthy possess more than they likely need, while others lack basic necessities. Using Wealth For The Greater Good The relentless pursuit of profit often overshadows altruism, perpetuating a cycle where the disadvantaged remain trapped, while the advantaged thrive on their prosperity. The current distribution of wealth creates a grim inequality: the "have-nots" with too little and the "haves" with an abundance they can't fully utilize. A hypothetical wealth redistribution, as presented in welfare programs, wouldn't necessarily impoverish the rich; it would elevate the poor. Imagine a society where everyone can afford basic needs, education, and debt relief. This wouldn't significantly impact the wealthy, but it would transform the lives of those struggling. Balancing Capitalism with Welfare Furthermore, we need to take into account that it is possible to contribute to society even outside of the orthodox ways of life. My personal experience as a writer, for example living on disability benefits offers a different perspective. I view my ability to become a deadbeat "klumnik" with great guilt, and thus refuse to be one. Instead, as a token of my gratitude, I relentlessly work on Philosocom and strive to be a master in the art of article writing. I think this is only fair. While the income itself from my welfare is below minimum wage, I manage to live and work through the adaptation of the ascetic lifestyle . This approach, while not universally applicable, demonstrates the power of minimizing expenses to achieve a degree of optimal contribution to society. However, it's crucial to acknowledge that frugality has its limits. Not everyone has a stable income, let alone one sufficient for a life they could make the optimal use of. Despite my self-described egoism ( refusing to hang out with others and remaining asocial ), a strong desire to help those in need persists within me. I am aware that helping others is the highest moral thing to do , and that to combat corruption one must strive for morality. We need to bridge this gap between personal pleasure and societal wellbeing, to better ensure the possibility of more people having a fair shot at a good life. Finding Purpose In Helping Others Volunteering at an office reinforced my belief in the power of collaboration. We all rely on external support to thrive. Mutual support is the way to go for the general increase of output and prosperity. It's why people collaborate in the first place: To do, or to better do, things one struggles or cannot do entirely alone. We form syndicates more than we might think we do. Here's the twist of a poorly-conducted moral egoism : as an egoist, neglecting to be helpful goes against my core values, as prioritizing on helping others is a pretty functional egotist drive. It might sound ironic, but I find personal satisfaction in service to others, and forming closer relationships with them does not only benefit them but me and Philosocom as well. Self-Importance As an Altruistic Tool This drive to be a good, accomplished, and helpful person fuels my desire to contribute. I do not waste energy in aimless interactions with people. A well-crafted plan for mutual benefit is how my time and energy is best spent. Thus, collaboration is preferable to discarding those who can greatly help one's cause. Taking into account their needs is beneficial for one's needs as well, and it is morally better than outright oppressing people for personal interest. Despite not being a social butterfly, I strive to be a moral being for functional reasons. Ethics is philosophy's most practical asset, and is a major reason as to why philosophy should not be discarded as irrelevant. Helping others aligns with my personal code of conduct – it's simply good business in the grand scheme of things. Understand where I'm coming from to improve your productivity as well, not just as an individual but as part of a greater organization. People should be free to forge their own moral paths, but let us not undermine the importance of looking both ways. Mr. Nathan Lasher's Feedback Aren’t all societies about capitalism to some extent? We determine the value of a nation by the flow of money within it. Every news report about war mentions economics to some extent. Aren’t all humans capitalistic by nature, one created by the world, where we associate success with money, as mentioned in Mr. Tomasio's Defining Success article ? Aren’t most people about making more money for themselves? Consider this: Money can be used for both good and evil. Whichever you decide to use money to express, good or evil, the fact still remains that it involves money. Just a matter of why you want it. Capitalism is not bad as at its core you have people who are driven to have a better life than they currently have.  I take the principles of capitalism and apply them to my life. To be better than yourself is a noble cause which I think deserves more credit. It’s when one becomes better at selfish notions that an issue arises. You can be capitalistic about anything. Good things would include bettering yourself mentally and physically. What if we all wanted to make the most out of either of those? Your goal towards both should be to be the best version of yourself possible. When you gain this mentality, work doesn’t mean the same thing anymore. You stop thinking of it as something you have to do and start to see it as something you get to. Have better reasons is one of the pillars of life’s journey. If you extract the principles of capitalism and apply meaning you will have an unstoppable force. Look at any good national charity, they are going good and understand the importance of money to continue to do so. These types of causes are examples of healthy capitalism: Being able to raise money for the right reasons is a vitally important skill set to have There are good and bad sides of both which everyone is capable of. That is all capitalism is. The desire to have more isn’t necessarily an evil notion. Churches are all about capitalism as making money is what allows them to do more good. There are important aspects of capitalism one must consider. Capitalism is a liberty not everyone gets to enjoy. Being in a free market economy means that one is able to go out and make money if they can figure out a way to do so.  Socialism in an economic sense leads to no innovation and requires private capital to finance actions, which is the whole point of life: actions. If everything was "socialized" nobody would have a desire to go out and do anything. If you're structured so all goods had to be sold at the same price there would be no greater desire to be more than you currently are. Less incentive to grow when your potential future already has a predetermined limit placed upon itself. Take this for instance. A normal family doctor makes x amount per patient they see. A more specialized doctor makes y per patient they see. If there were no capitalism due to preset prices then we would have less specialists due to salary per position already being predetermined.  Think about it from a capitalistic approach. A good business meets a need or want. What’s wrong with capitalism when it is a need being met? And there are already precautions against price gouging, so this allows our needs to get met at a competitive rate. There are safeguards in place to offset greed. Capitalism means competition , which means businesses must compete to differentiate themselves from each other. A good entrepreneur understands this. They find a need or want that people have and find a way which meets that particular demand. And what's wrong with turning your product into a luxury one? Nothing wrong with supplying this, fixing a problem, and making money at the same time.

(2025 Note: Using philosophy and neuroplasticity I have recovered from my own autistic symptoms. It's called autism recovery. My mind is forever hidden from you). (Autism Subcategory Directory) (Background music) Introduction To those who have still not understood: if you find my communication to be bizarre, dramatic, or even condescending, it is not because I intend to sound like that, but because I am autistic. If it weren't for communication therapists, I might as well have remained without the ability of speech for the rest of my life. I am tired of being condemned for things I am not at fault for. Imagine having to speak and even think in some way people find odd, without any possibility of speaking and thinking in another fashion. A society without enough inclusivity is one that unnecessarily discriminates and shuns people who could be useful for its development, and hinder it from stagnation in various fields. Refusing to include the useful, which humans are greatly capable of being , would only discard further productivity when you prioritize values such as conformity. However, conformity is not something everyone are capable of achieving as much as others, making me ponder about its importance beyond cultivating a herd mentality and oppressing the populace. However, some people can't just bend so easily to societal norms, when their faults can easily be criticized. And when you have a heightened sense of justice, common among the autistic , following the authority of those who refuse to understand you or contain your distress, can often feel like it cannot go unpunished. For this, I like to coin the term, The Curse of Suikoden IV , or, The Autistic Rune of Punishment. How a Video Game Taught Me to Communicate You see, as a child, I rarely communicated with people,  and have remained aloof by choice . All I craved was to get back from school and play Suikoden IV, the first time in my life I was exposed to actual depth in a world I hardly understood. To many, it was a bad/mediocre game for various reasons . However, that specific game has taught me not only to appreciate depth of lore , but to also communicate. In fact, the game compelled me to learn the English language by myself, prompting me to become a better learner and writer. It was a roleplaying game about political conflict between nations,  but for me, it served as the basic ground for complex communication and interpersonal understanding. In solitude I spent much time analyzing the different characters, as shallow as some of them may be. From the hero and his destructive illness to the solitary and noble anti-villain. The therapist taught me basic words and sentences, this game taught me the rest, even though it was in a language I needed translation for. But I translated each word independently of others so I would be able to know what's going on in the game. When you are determined and disciplined enough you can do much even by yourself. Soon enough, thanks to Suikoden IV, I learned English almost proficiently, with the teachings of school becoming only secondary in their role, as I sometimes found myself teaching words my teachers didn't know. In first grade, I only knew a few words, and by sixth grade, I spoke and understood fluent English. In another game, that was multiplayer, I even set up a guild of over 50 players at its peak. But I digress. A Curse and a Metaphor The game had a feature that I'll use to capture my experience: the Rune of Punishment. This curse is inflicted on the Hero by mere circumstance... or destiny? It is a deadly weapon. To quote Suikosource: ...A True Rune that represents atonement and forgiveness and is always borne on the left hand of its host; this rune is a parasite that feeds off its host with fatal consequences: the rune has tremendous offensive capabilities; however, using them drains the bearer's life force, eventually to the extent that he or she turns to ash and their memories are locked away in the Rune; the Rune then transfers to the nearest available host. Whilst it is still believed that the Rune of Punishment will grant standard True Rune abilities such as agelessness; there is no record of any of its previous bearers surviving long enough for this to be an issue. Trigger its power, regardless of intention, and you will be punished. Even if you use it for good, it will always demand something in return. It's a double-edged sword that makes you contemplate if using it is even worth considering.  It consumes your health until death, and only then can it be transferred to another unfortunate soul – anyone who gets too close to the bearer. It's a permanent affliction, a disease with the power to devastate, but at a terrible cost. For myself, I see the Rune of Punishment as a powerful analogy for two things: my unique way of communicating, and seeing and how my communication, even if used for good, could blow up in my face. Being punished by others is often unjust to me. But you can't realistically expect them to be good critical thinkers, judging right from wrong, "humans" from "Jennets" , accurately choosing to reward instead of punishing. The Burden of Misunderstood Intentions Whenever I spoke to those who did not see my intentions, they would punish me with their words, scarring my mind due to their own misunderstanding. Should I sacrifice my mentality for the sake of pleasing others,  it will deteriorate even further, as they seek to have fun , and not to learn nor improve their understanding of humanity's diverse spectrum of personalities. At least by these terms exclusively, I am "cursed". Cursed by a society who actively seeks to feel intimidated and finding a reason to be insulted and feel attacked over my loyalty to honesty. And as long as they are pleased, many would care less about how I really feel and what I think. I was taught at high school how to speak more commonly, and to keep my thoughts to myself whenever they cause discomfort to others. Whether I felt miserable and depressed, mattered far less in comparison to the wellbeing of my class. That is despite reality's theory of unity, connecting us all based on cause and effect. Causes are to be dealt with, or they'll poison you and others from the shadows. Keeping them to ourselves will not terminate them. In the Name of Redemption Society is ill and part of my solitude is to retain my health regardless of its self-destructive behaviors. To quote Indian philosopher Jiddu Krishnamurti: “It is no measure of health to be well adjusted to a profoundly sick society.” It is no wonder there is so much suffering in this world. But I have no desire to partake in humanity's downward spiral to further illness. For this Punishment Rune also has a forgiveness phase, allowing you to use it for good without having to sacrifice yourself. For as is irrational as it may sound, you should forgive those who have wronged you. For that can liberate you from much unneeded suffering. Stop acting like a parasite to your body and mind. Use your intellect and heart to build a better world using your behavior. Show others light, and they might light you back from the darkness of despair. Human behavior can be contiguous. Don't strive to be just, but strive to be wise. Don't expect others to even want to understand your point of view, while in reality they are busy defending their own point of view. You can't fire your way in your plans to turn a desert into a vast, sparkling ocean. No. The desert is already depraved of water. Fill that desert with much needed water. There is no need to overexert yourself when solutions can be made simple. In order to reduce punishment, you must reduce punishing yourself. Work less on arguing why you're right and they are wrong. Many of them are too sensitive to accept being proven wrong. You can't only logic your way out of conflicts with beings not logical by default. Negative. Each behavior requires an appropriate response. With your words, nurture the behavior you want in this world. Those who refuse working towards World Rectification , would only suffer due to their own shortcomings. Avoid feeding their shortcomings, as that would only strengthen the punishment you will receive by society. In reality, you might be wise enough to understand it should be decreased, and not increased. For their suffering could add to your own. Show compassion, instead. Try to understand and contain others if you wish to be contained yourself. You cannot live in a more peaceful reality if you choose to mindlessly feed on the endless cycle harm and punishment. Do not enable an Eternal Ordeal. Try to avoid being a Double-Edged Sword. And to not harm yourself to the Voice of Death. Open your heart to Everlasting Mercy. Unless you have no choice....

(Philosocom's Subcategory on Aliens and Outer Space) Alex Mos's Synopsis: No matter how much we learn, there will always be more to discover. Our planet Earth still holds mysteries, and the universe inspires exploration of the unknown. Human advancement through technology and innovation is only possible by proving the traditional paradigms wrong and indefinitely breaking out the rigid "frames" of knowledge. The Frame Condition Theory opens the door to countless possibilities, allowing a never-ending quest in the name of the truth. Point of Specific Reference: Frame An enclosing border . A shell . A cage. (Background music) *************************** The smart conceive of unconventional ideas. The bold are adept at daring acts. Combine them and you see the true advancers of the human world -- Mr. John Duran Contemplating Infinity's Edge One of the very few philosophical contemplations I had as a kid was this: If we are to reach the end of the universe, what will we find? Will we find an endless void, another universe -- or a colossal "frame" of sorts, that prevents us from moving forward in our exploration? This childhood curiosity has blossomed into a profound realization: Our knowledge is a mere drop in the vast cosmic ocean of reality. No matter how much we learn, there will always be an indefinite amount of data, left to be discovered, analyzed, recorded and distributed. The very depths of our own planet's oceans hold mysteries yet unseen. Obscure and eerie sea creatures lurk in the darkness , their existence reminds us that the vast diversity of life on our own planet is still left not absolutely known, despite thousands of years of research in biology. While becoming a master /specialist in a field is possible, becoming an absolute master on every single facet of that field, might as well require us to tend to that field for an entire lifetime. With no relent, and with no remorse towards ourselves. Therefore, even people who are considered the intellectual elite in one or more fields, must resume their studies nonetheless. They mustn't be tempted by rewards , when rewards ruin their lust for learning. And beyond our planet, whose mysteries still remain undiscovered, the question of extra-terrestrial life continues to bother us. And for good reason, of course. Could there be other civilizations gazing at the same stars, pondering the same questions about existence, like some of us do? And what of the even vaster concepts – the possibility of an afterlife , or a spiritual dimension , existent, but hidden from the visible aspect of reality? The beauty lies in the unknown. If there's no "frame" to limit our exploration, if the universe truly is boundless, then the possibilities are infinite. It's just that we lack the power to fully harness both our individual and collective potential. For to even explore this universe for ourselves we need to accept our beneficial development as interstellar nomads, independent of Earth's inevitable, limited lifespan. Every unanswered question, every unexplored corner of the cosmos, becomes a doorway to limitless knowledge. The more we learn, the more we realize how much more there is to learn. Embracing The Infinity Using the Frame Condition Theory There were things in existence that our ancestors believed were impossible or too unrealistic to be implemented, from air travel to submarines to the ability to converse with people instantly across vast distances. These once over-the-top notions are now commonplace. They're evidence to the boundless potential of human ingenuity, realized through cooperation. Their innovative existence threatened tradition, and still do, and will resume doing so. The same principle, of technology and innovation proving traditional paradigms wrong, applies today, and deserves to be applied, in the name of the truth. Things we consider impossible might just be waiting for the right spark of innovation to become reality. All it takes, sometimes, is a single, "Eureka" moment , to dispel our conditional thought, that we are more limited, or framed, than we actually are. Our "frames" of knowledge would only remain as such until an innovative discovery is to crush that delusion. The condition of the "frame", the false, delusional mindset, will only remain as such until it is proven wrong. And since nothing is in theory indestructible, then innovation has the potential to break our "frames" of knowledge indefinitely , or infinitely. Let's have some examples: Greek philosopher Anaximander prematurely predicted evolution 2000 years ago , before Charles Darwin, by realizing that early lifeforms were originated from water. It is theorized that 3.5 billion years ago, the first microbes originated from the watery depths of Earth . The seemingly-infinite debates that are ongoing between creationists and atheists online and offline, wouldn't have been possible without these two intellects. It was Sir Isaac Newton who devised the Newton's Universal Law of Gravitation , which mathematically explains gravity through a universal formula. What allows this law to exist is the existence of the centripetal force of celestial bodies, which make them orbit each other, and move along a circular path. This revolutionary idea debunked the flat earth theory , as this physical law wouldn't exist if planets and moons had no core that would allow a centripetal force to make them rotate, thus creating the notion of time . A negative example: By leading a project that designed the atomic bomb, J. Robert Oppenheimer revolutionized warfare by reframing the way it works. Although he managed to prevent many future wars thanks to the Mutually-Assured Destruction doctrine that stemmed from it, any country in the world, at the same time, can be entirely demolished with a press of a button. Who can definitively say there are no intelligent lifeforms out there, mirroring our own cognitive abilities, somewhere in the vast expanse of the universe? Perhaps teleportation, once relegated to science fiction, will one day be a practical mode of travel. And I'm not speaking of Quantum teleportation, which is possible today with atoms and particles. Who knows, maybe artificial intelligence will evolve to the point where its sentience demands a re-evaluation of its rights and place in our world. It's but one of the long-term, future dangers of artificial intelligence , which is technically still in its infancy. The key to the Frame Condition Theory, lies in the absence of concrete, objective limitations. As long as there's no undeniable proof that something is utterly impossible, at any given moment of time, the realm of possibility stretches infinitely into the future . This is why I'm confident enough to assume that no rigid "frames" obstruct our access to knowledge. If anything, the only such "frames" existent are mental or inter-subjective, which is our own delusional product. Since human society is traditionalist by its essence to allow its own harmony , it is largely, if not entirely, anti-intellectual . It is, after all, one of the main points of the intellectual: To challenge pre-supposed notions on reality. Our ignorance is the fuel that ignites the fire of curiosity. That is unless you simply choose to remain ignorant just because absolute knowledge is far from possible. If we were all-knowing by nature, the universe would hold no mysteries, its wonders already laid bare. And philosophy itself would end before it even began. Thus, ignorance, within reason, can be a powerful tool. It propels us forward, pushing us to seek understanding and fill the gaps in our knowledge. This leads to a fascinating question: Will humanity ever truly shed its veil of ignorance towards the universe? Would we ever be able to reach the peak of all knowledge? There is a relatively-certain answer to that question: Should we be relentless in our search for innovation in any given field, we could break any pre-supposed frame of knowledge we merely think exist. There is no other way to know for sure, without relentless innovation. Innovation therefore holds a universal functionality in its potential: To make us aware of the vastness of our ignorance. We've already begun to chip away at the vast unknown. We've discovered planets with glass and acid rain within our own solar system. Others eerily similar to Earth, perhaps even harboring life, given that they contain similar conditions like Earth . We cannot colonize our species properly if we stop being innovative in our collective research. We must keep looking for discoveries so we would be able to act and innovate in accordance to our findings. Unlike a finite video clip, the universe doesn't have a clear ending, as all energy cannot be created nor destroyed, only be transformed to different forms . Who knows what wonders, what unimaginable possibilities, lie beyond the perceived edge of our cosmos? Perhaps the journey itself, the constant exploration and expansion of knowledge, is the true reward. For we cannot act in accordance to the truth, if we give up on understanding what the truth is, either because of despair, or a regard of falsehood as the truth itself.

(Background music) (Philosocom's Subcategory on Suikoden Content) (Philosocom's Directory On Dreams) Delving into the Enigma of Dreams: A Personal Journey Despite our technological and scientific advancements as a species, we have yet to fully unfold the enigma of dreams, unlike the clear-cut functions of tangible objects like a cup or a bed. As such, the metaphysical nature of dreams remains uncertain, as well as their purpose. As long as this certainty remains elusive, dreams will continue to inhabit the realm of mystery and speculation. Some may interpret them as messages from a higher power , while others relate them to the subconscious/ unconscious mind; a few may even dismiss them as meaningless gibberish. While I lack a definitive answer to the riddle of dreams, I possess a treasure vault of dream experiences accumulated over my life. Their purpose perhaps is destined to remain forever concealed. Unless, of course, a clear explanation emerges from the depths of obscurity. Throughout my life, I have been haunted by countless strange dreams, populated by enigmatic beings and objects. Some of these dreams have even manipulated me into believing that I am awake and not asleep. On my first night abroad, I vividly dreamt of waking up in my familiar room at my home, only to awaken in a foreign land, momentarily confused and questioning my whereabouts. Other dreams have manifested as intense " boss battles ," encounters with bizarre creatures as if I were immersed in a video game. Once again, I was cleverly scammed into believing that I was an active participant within the dream's simulated reality. I am puzzled by the reason behind these dreamy gaming delusions. It's as if my dreams are going the extra mile to deceive me. Why would they do so? Either way, because of their deceptive nature, I see little reason to trust them as eligible sources of information and insights. Many would tell you otherwise, however. I would therefore only be relying on them as indicators to what my mentality is capable to produce, and what I'm able to feel in general, with dreams as odd "case examples". The Recurring Dreams: Crabs, Fort El-Eal And Being Loved A "series" of dreams I had revolved around a certain location in a video game - Fort El-Eal, a castle that was destroyed at the end of the game. In these dreams, I explored the castle's ruins, often encountering enemies that stood in my way. These foes ranged from strange bats to actual soldiers who appeared in that game, armed with their swords. In one particularly memorable dream, I battled a giant crab within the castle's crumbling walls. This creature possessed dark skin and small, light blue eyes. Interestingly, a similar crab appeared in a dream I had when I was a child, but it had purple skin and small, yellow eyes. Not sure why I've been haunted by these color-variant, giant crabs throughout my life. Why can dreams exhibit patterns, despite their mysterious nature? Surely, if we weren't capable of dreaming, our lives would've been a lot more mundane than they might currently be. Nevertheless, it's intriguing to witness something we don't fully comprehend, especially when it displays symbolic patterns that could be analysed by professionals, who themselves might not know the true purpose of dreams. Like with numerology , we might not understand some things' full purpose, but it does not mean we cannot extract and learn insights from them. Said insights can be applicable to reality and even hold some degree of practicality. Does it matter if something makes sense despite its logical flaws, when we can still gain some valuable wisdom from it? Star Wars is a very flawed franchise, filled with plot holes, for example, but it does not mean we can't learn from that franchise's stories and characters. One of the most enigmatic dreams I've experienced involved feeling someone I knew kiss me on the forehead. My family suggested that perhaps my cat was the one who did it, but he had never licked me there, especially while I was asleep. While an exception could always exist, without any witnesses, I cannot confirm this theory with certainty. Despite the limitations of my current monastic lifestyle , I find myself receiving a wealth of experiences through dreams, serving as "unasked substitutes" for the adventures I've no desire of embarking upon in reality. Thus far, I've "visited" Argentina, Romania, Nepal, and even Mozambique. My dream journeys have also taken me to the fictional town of Silent Hill , a desolate horror ghost town, manifesting as an abandoned metropolis. I've even experienced " true love " in the form of being loved and loving someone named Minerva , whom I discovered upon waking was "The Goddess of Wisdom." This dream experience has made me question the necessity of empirically knowing true romance, since I've already felt the emotion of mutual love in a way I didn't get to know much in this solitary and skin-deprived life of mine. Dreams, despite their enigmatic nature, offer a unique window into our subconscious minds, providing possible clues to our untapped potential . They might as well show us what we're capable of experiencing, as our feelings in these dreams feel as if they can be real in real life as well. When I dreamed of being killed several times by a certain humanoid creature, I slowly realized I am capable of becoming apathetic to much agony, because in that dream I felt no pain, despite the horror that was done to me. Thus, apathy can be seen as a form of strength. Living a relatively solitary life, my dreams have taken on a personal significance. They enrich my existence by allowing me to explore diverse locations and landscapes, always alone. I sometimes confront adversaries and "bosses" – powerful and distinct enemies – while at other times, I am granted experiences that would likely remain unattainable in this reality. Such as being killed several times, or being loved, which is rare for me. The Use of Dreams Yet, the question remains: even if dreams serve a personal purpose for me, does that necessarily reflect their true reason for existence, their inherent "intent"? The same applies to the dreams of others. Do they have an objective function, in the world beyond the mind? Consider the utilization of lemons for lemonade as example to that question's logic. This doesn't imply that lemons were created solely for that purpose. After all, they possess other potential uses. It's about employing something for our own reasons, rather than adhering to a designated purpose. I suppose not all questions can be answered by science or philosophy. However, perhaps science will one day gain the upper hand in unravelling these mysteries as well. It's crucial to distinguish between meaning and function. Meaning can be explained as something's originator, while function can either be predetermined or creatively served, regardless of origin. Not all meaningful properties can be utilized, and not all utilized components and materials had a pre-determined use. Either way, their existence will always succeed existence itself, which in this case, are dreams. So, if we were given dreams like we were given lemonades, it's best that we do something useful out of them, even if the true reasoning, AKA, meaning of creation is unknown.

(Philosocom's Subcategory Directory on Despair and Surrender) No heartbreak will stop ever me, From desiring life. Even after death I can still, Prove my relevancy. No hater can stop me with their word, For I will drive by, Across the highway road. As long as something is, Legitimate, And as long as it's, Appropriate, Then why would it be stopped, On its way to the top? As long as something is, Legitimate, And as long as it's, Appropriate, Then why would it be stopped, It won't be stopped! No matter how many times, I will be blocked, I will keep coming back, For I am no longer shocked. Your disapproval means very little to me, When I can continue, Doing some honest philosophy. As long as something is, Legitimate, And as long as it's, Appropriate, Then why would it be stopped, On its way to the top? As long as something is, Legitimate, And as long as it's, Appropriate, Then why would it be stopped, It won't be stopped! Nothing's really a verdict, When it can be changed. You'll have little to gain, By telling me how poor I'm again. The reader's interest, Is my own, it is as well. Great advice will not be forgotten, In a dungeon cell. As long as something is, Legitimate, And as long as it's, Appropriate, Then why would it be stopped, On its way to the top? As long as something is, Legitimate, And as long as it's, Appropriate, Then why would it be stopped, It won't be stopped! Bind your life to something, You hold dear. Then you might find That you may have less to fear. Connect your role, With your identity, Then be amazed, How you can endure it all. With purpose you can, Overcome, Anything that is, Bothersome. And you can succeed, For many years to come! Life is filled with, Psychopaths, But why have them, In your path, When you could not be stopped, Could not be stopped!

(Directory on Weakness) (Background music) Realizing emotions does nothing but tell you how you feel about something. Don’t give into the normal tendencies of people by reacting to every little change that happens in the cognitive reality around you. -- Mr. Nathan Lasher To worry about something is to care. Stop caring and all worry ends -- Mr. John Duran Indifference in the Face of Pain: A Different Kind of Strength Strength isn't just about muscling through hardship or carrying on stoically in the face of rejection . It's also about finding a quiet resilience within ourselves, a stillness amidst the storm . It's the apathy that can be described in the face of an aggressive cat's claws, or calmness that may wash over you when someone knocks at your door while driving. This isn't only emotional numbness . It's a conscious choice not to be consumed by the pain, the fear, or the anger. And it's a choice that we can train ourselves to do through discipline . It's acknowledging the situation, recognizing the potential for conflicted feelings, but choosing not to let it dictate your response, thanks to your free will . It's a deep understanding that some things are simply out of our control, and our energy is better spent on moving forward than on futile resistance. Deem it a wiser investment of your mental resources. The choice to care or not is a choice regardless of our willpower to care or not. There exists a multi-layered system of the self. The fact that we feel something does not mean that this feeling is true nor that we should act upon it just because it is present. Apathy, therefore, also holds a cognitive function, which depends on how we relate, if at all, to things and beings, including our very feelings. And with this apathy we can also begin teaching ourselves how to act independently of our own willpower , depending on reasoning mostly if not entirely: We can simply know what there is to be done by understanding logic, without the need for unnecessary attachments which hinder a more realistic perception of reality. This internal strength isn't always flashy or grandiose. It doesn't require feats of physical prowess or public displays of stoicism . Sometimes, it's simply about breathing through the pain, accepting reality , and finding a quiet peace within the chaos. It's about understanding that life is full of unexpected claws and knocks, but we can choose how to react to them. Enduring a lot of pain offers a glimpse into this kind of strength, whether physical or mental. Not escaping from it when it isn't dangerous, and acknowledging its presence, trains our skill to not let it control nor dictate our lives. And slowly, unnecessary suffering becomes accepted as granted , allowing us to be miserable less, and handle our business in life, more. Whether directly or indirectly, apathy's a conscious decision not to be consumed by the negativity, whether it exists in you or not, whether it will exist more or less. This, in itself, is a testament to one's inner resilience, a quiet strength that allows you to navigate the storms of life with a sense of calm and composure. As you can understand, not all strength has to be displayed in vanity. Sometimes it is "expressed" the most when it is hidden; when it does not need to be shown to the world. Those who are inclined to show it far more than others, may be the weaker ones themselves, when they might be compensating for their own lack of certain qualities. So, while physical and emotional strength are undoubtedly valuable, let's not forget the silent roar of serenity, of choosing not to react, of finding peace in the midst of the storm, internal or external. This, too, although underrated in this day and age of prestige bias , is one that deserves recognition and appreciation. The Paradox of Apathy: Strength or Surrender? Do you see now, why apathy is a form of strength? However, it's a paradoxical force, acting like a shield against painful experiences, yet potentially stifling collective growth . In the face of a cat's relentless gnawing, it's apathy that numbed the agony, allowing one to endure the pain without lashing out. On the individual scale it's a temporary immunity to the emotional storm that could have easily swept one away without it. And it's also one that can be extended through training the mind to develop an iron will through the practice of asceticism ( for an example ). But this strength, while effective in individual moments, carries a hidden cost. Apathy can become the root of collective stagnation, which has the power to hinder collective understanding and even reject profound minds as "insane" . When applied to broader societal issues, it morphs from resilience of pain into a lack of desire to learn, a surrender of power that leaves us paralyzed and vulnerable to mistakes whose possibility masterminds can decrease. And when we are too apathetic to learn from our own mistakes, we can doom ourselves to repeat them again. Was Plato right when he said...? "Ignorance, the root and stem of all evil" While ignorance by itself is incapable of malicious intent (for intent stems from desire and values can't "feel" desires), it is capable of many evils. And it is a good way to make people stay ignorant, and thus apathetic, of many horrible events, through the social engineering of hedonism as a granted human feature and not as a specific philosophy. After all, it's easier to completely disregard the deaths of people in lesser known territories worldwide when you're busy gambling your hard earned money on contemporary virtual casinos . And as such, apathy can easily become a tool that can be used against the populace, while bigger entities such as very large corporations go on their way unhindered by public protests. This apathy is also beneficial to those who choose to lie low ; After all it's far easier for justice to be unserved when public interest has little to no realization of one's criminal activities. In the case of murderers who get away, that might also include murder. And it is easy to get killed when you're oblivious to what's going on (or what is about to go on). Knowledge is therefore power because it gives you more clarity of actions to choose from, and why to choose them. (like the choice to not go to a certain slum where a certain death might exist). Remain apathetic to what you should do and you can pay in accordance with your ignorance. Conclusions Apathy, then, is a double-edged sword. It can be a source of strength, a temporary shield against the slings and arrows of life, allowing us to navigate the storm with a certain quietude. However, like with honesty, when wielded indiscriminately, it can become a form of weakness, an unconscious abdication of our responsibility to ourselves and each other, leading us to commit evil acts out of ignorance . Evil acts such as domestic violence, corruption and other criminal activities that surely cause more harm than good. As such apathy is both a strength and a potentially-great source for unintended evil. It is a virtue when endurance is required or desired, and a liability when more knowledge is needed in the name of morality. In contemporary settings there are also several, specific reasons for apathy. The answer to when apathy is a strength or weakness lies therefore in its context. The key, then, is to wield this tool wisely like a swordsman , recognizing its potential for both virtue and harm, and choosing to use it with intention and the awareness of potential implications.

Description: "The fear of being forgotten by your loved ones can be really painful. We all have at least once in our life felt rejected , ignored or unwanted . Imagine the plight of people who go through such feelings all their lives." ( Source ) Definition: "Athazagoraphobia is an intense or irrational fear of being forgotten, or of forgetting someone or something. It may also include a fear of being ignored or replaced. " ( Source ) Athazagoraphobia -- Driven By Fear (Philosocom's Directory on Fear) (Subcategory On Memory, Nostalgia and the Unconscious) (Philosocom's Subcategory on Revenge) (Background music) There isn't much to do, Other than see it through, That the world shall hear, Of my name, not due to you! So hear what I wish to attain, What I so crave to gain: Unlike you, I can be forgotten, So I claim: Rubinshtein! You've ignored me, In these lonely hallways, So I will make the world see, I can commit World Relevancy! So hear what I wish to attain, What I so crave to gain: Unlike you, I can be forgotten, So I claim: Rubinshtein! You thought it would do, Your ignoring? Please. Your own "helping", Birthed a compulsive nemesis! So hear what I wish to attain, What I so crave to gain: Unlike you, I can be forgotten, So I claim: Rubinshtein! They say it is unhealthy, To cling so deep. But each new connection, Gives my joy such a tip! So hear what I wish to attain, What I so crave to gain: Unlike you, I can be forgotten, So I claim: Rubinshtein! I am not a narcissist, I'm not even that important! And because of this, I am driven to persist! So hear what I wish to attain, What I so crave to gain: Unlike you, I can be forgotten, So I claim: Rubinshtein! Being so faceless, Have haunted me for years! Even if logically baseless, It's my greatest of fears! So hear what I have to say, You soon-to-be-a-wife! My success , will be how you'll "pay", Not much else in my life! I thank you so, For bringing this up! Now I have a lifetime, and a song, To prove you wrong! You've done all the required mistakes, And now I thank you so, Dozens of years, they will take, To serve, your own, cake! A lifetime of work, Can be left in the dust! I don't care I live like an ascetic, A greater audience is a "must"! I am aware I am obsessive, But it runs deeply in my mind! Of one's potential, I am possessive, To rectify humankind!

(Directory on Fear: https://www.philosocom.com/post/on-fear-and-the-right-to-resist-it (Directory on Nihilism: https://www.philosocom.com/post/the-irony-of-nihilism ) ************** Fear: A Necessary Evil? Fear is something many of us learn to see as a plausible feature, whether we're aware of it or not. When we're kids, we might be afraid of being scolded by our parents or punished. When we're at school, we might be afraid of being ostracized by other students, condemned by other teachers for not doing our homework, and so forth. In the military or when we begin entering the workplace, we might fear the authorities, lose our status as soldiers or employees, lose our money, lose our respect, lose our residence, and perhaps even lose our lives. All throughout this lifetime of fear, other, elementary sources of fear follow: the fear of starvation, abuse, heat and cold, illness, and ultimately, the fear of dying prematurely or dying in general. Should we decide to form a family, we might fear the authority of our partner, the possibility of them leaving us, our possible lack of appeal to our attracted gender, and so on. Finally, when we bring children into the world, we might ultimately fear losing them, at any point in our lives, until one or both parents die. We are driven by fear because meaning is attributed to the things we fear losing. As such, as long as we take in high regard the things we value, we will never be able to live a fear-free life . And when it comes to value, that includes our own lives, and the things we worked hard for, to get and to maintain, throughout said lives. Fear as the Ultimate Tyrant Do you see now, how many fears might govern our lives—and maybe, your own life? Most fears, if not all fears, are there because we value things and beings and do not want them to disappear from our lives, whether by abandonment, defeat, rejection, or death. Yes, the more we cling to things and desire them in our lives as much as possible, the more we might fear that they will finally be gone. Attachment, therefore, leads to misery. And fear is one of the ways misery is expressed. What kind of existence is this, an existence governed by fear? Some leaders of organizations, in fact, lead from fear. Philosophically, you see, fear is very, very functional, very beneficial . That's especially true when we can do things to escape from what fear represents: the possibility of loss . If a dictator rules your life through fear, then they might make you do things you otherwise wouldn't do, such as obeying specific orders or avoiding things you don't want or things you do want. Fear is a very powerful tool , whether it is actually used by someone or merely a concept in your head. The more insecure you are, the likelier you will act on fear, for you are too insecure independently of the things you are attached to. That includes your own life. You are afraid of losing things, including your own life, because loss is intimidating . Nihilism -- Destroyer of Fear However, there is a possible solution to overcoming fear: to render things and beings, including yourself, unworthy. Why? Because the more things and beings you have, and the more you give them a sense of worth, the more you, technically, have to lose. The more things you feel like you have to lose, the likelier you will fear losing them. One cannot fear from things and beings they render meaningless. Throughout life, we will be losing things and beings that are dear to us, that give us a sense of meaning, of purpose; stuff that, you would kill in their name, or kill yourself, in their ultimate absence. There is no fear without meaning, and if for meaning we strive, fear will follow. This is why the fear of death is a very rational notion. Philosophically, death is a potentially one-way entrance to the unknown . It isn't necessarily the pain of death that we might be afraid of, but also the potential of losing everything, and ultimately—ourselves. Empirically, we do not actually know what lies on the other end, for we have never experienced it for ourselves, have we? Others may tell us of near-death experiences , but the problem with that is that it doesn't provide us with the empirical evidence of the "other side", as in order to do so, we must experience it ourselves, or gain research from it that is more than mere stories, which can be doubted. (Additional note, near-death experiences "sin" in the anecdotal logical fallacy) We can die at any moment ! Our hearts could stop pumping blood at any time a problem might occur; a problem strong enough to make our hearts stop beating. There isn't necessarily any justice to it. I know someone whose relative died suddenly. Their father or grandfather went somewhere while they hosted them, and when they returned, he found his child or grandchild dead. Scary, right? You could welcome someone you hold dear to your home, and with the blink of an eye, they could vanish for good, never to return again. That possibility, no matter how harsh or ignored, is inevitable as just that— a probability that can happen at any time , when one would least expect it. I believe that the solution to overcoming fear is to embrace nihilism , the philosophy that nothing has any inherent meaning or value. Nihilists believe that we should not value anything, not even ourselves or the current state of our lives. I do not wish to embrace fear, for fear has a practical value that would contribute to my survival. Since I care about surviving, so I could work on Philosocom, I reject nihilism . True nihilism is to see your parents, your children, your pet, and yes, even your legacy, even if it was built for a lifetime, crash into the ground while you are not caring at all . A true nihilist will not deem anything as truly meaningful, including themselves. Even if they are to experience a slow, painful death, they will attach little value to it, to their own lives, to themselves, to their life's work, and to their dear ones. Their own emotions would be as meaningless to them as the dirt on the ground . Personal Reflections on Fear Yes, now I finally understand why fear was such a feature in my life, or at least during most of it. Yelling at children, at students, at workers, and so on, is ultimately, a way to make you value things the world teaches you, you should. My education was built on fear. It is not difficult to understand, for fear is such an elementary feature in our lives. It is all directed, and thus blamed, at the "holiness", of value. After all, if you choose to value something, you may be concerned about its loss. It's not necessarily something physical but also other, more elementary concepts, such as love, status, honor, safety, luxury, and so on. The more things you have, the more things you have to lose. Perhaps the ascetic understands it better than most of humanity. I largely isolate myself from this world for a specific reason: the less I have to lose, the less I will live in fear. Why should I be afraid of things I shouldn't or can refuse to be afraid of? Why should I have friends, if they can walk away? Of course, I can choose to not be attached to any of them too much, if at all. However, how can one form deep, meaningful relationships with people, without some kind of emotional attachment? Why should I love, when the love interest can treat me like dirt? Why should I care about what others think of me, when they don't even know me, if they won't care as much if I die? Several Conclusions That is, my readers, the bitter conclusion of this article. Not valuing things, can be good. Not caring, can help us fear less. It can be good, because fear is not a nice emotion to feel, especially. It also can be good when much of what we fear is insignificant or not that important to pose a threat. The true nihilist may not even be afraid of being in a nation during war. Fear serves a purpose, a practicality -- to make you beware of the possible results of your actions, and of things and beings that are outside of your control. It indicates that you hold things and beings in great value, whether you hold something to be dear or the exact opposite. It puts you in line. It makes you say things online you wouldn't say if you had greater courage, and offline, you may protect your privacy with your teeth from the threats of the outside world and from what it might think of you. Thus, if you want to experience true fearlessness, you should consider the philosophy of nihilism, as a true liberator — the value that devalues everything and everyone, including yourself and the things you've done. Once believed, it will set you free from fear, regardless of the consequences of your actions. I am not a nihilist, as I've written before. Why? Because I purposefully cling to things in order to avoid being tempted by death . As you can see, I am well-aware of the possibility of caring about nothing and no one, and how it could make one do stupid things. Things, like ruining their lives in an instant. And other things so bizarre, so rejected, so detested, and so ugly, the vast majority of people would find comfort in simply thinking about them, and nothing else. Fear is a restraint. It isn't that nihilism itself is dangerous. Although, examples can be found in fiction where it is . It's the things that it can make you do, should you give in to the benefit and privilege, of true apathy . Fear can merely be a function to keep us in line and to follow orders, even if and when we deem ourselves free human beings. You see, when you're truly fearless, there is no incentive to be good, other than the existence of goodwill, even if it exists at all, within yourself. Why are villains admired in fiction, and sometimes, in real life? Darth Vader, the Joker , Sauron, Voldemort, and so on; what makes us like them so much, aside from their being detestable criminals, whether they succeed or fail? It's what makes us love fiction: the possibility of pretending that there's a reality where we would be able to do horrible things, with little to no regard, to the results of our actions. So, what if you play a video game, and kill hundreds of insignificant beings? So, what if, in a driving game, you purposefully drive over a character, shoot an RPG rocket at a police car, or merely go to a strip club in said game, when your parents aren't looking, simply because you can? That's right. There's really no meaning in that realm of "reality", because your loss doesn't matter to you or to anyone else, usually! You can always turn on and off your computer, or close the movie you're watching, as if nothing happened! As if the Death Star didn't destroy an entire populated planet, as if Sauron couldn't manage to conquer Middle Earth with the One Ring, as if the Joker couldn't potentially kill Batman and turn Gotham City into pure anarchy. That's right. None of that matters. It is the individual that gives it meaning, and not, necessarily, the other way around. What if we are to attribute the same meaninglessness in fiction... to non-fiction? How fun it is to think that we have souls! How fun it is to think that there are reincarnations, rewards for the zealous, and torture for the wicked ! I don't know, perhaps there is! But perhaps there isn't? Does it matter if one is right or wrong, when there might be a possibility where humanity wouldn't be able to escape from Earth or the Solar System, especially when the Sun might explode? For many nihilists, the eternity fallacy justifies meaninglessness. Remember: The sun isn't eternal, and while it grants us life, it is also a ticking, ancient time bomb , even if it will happen billions of years in the future. Granted, of course, that nothing else would extinguish humanity. Nothing is eternal! Which means, everything will be gone. Vanished! Destroyed! Obliterated! Your fears cannot make you capable enough, to truly immortalize anything! Then, perhaps you shouldn't fear as much, when your fears will result in futility, at one point or another.

(Background music) (Philosocom Hedonism Directory) Article Synopsis by Ms. Gabbi Grace "The Absurdity of Fun" is an article that explores the concept of fun, its subjective nature, and its role in human life. Mr. Tomasio argues that while fun is an essential aspect of life, it can also be seen as "absurd" when pursued solely for its own sake without any productive or meaningful purpose. The article provides a philosophical perspective on why fun might be considered "absurd," challenging readers to think critically about how much value they place on fun and how it fits into their broader understanding of a meaningful life. Mr. Tomasio shares personal experiences, such as dealing with post-traumatic fatigue and (formerly) choosing not to pursue romantic relationships , which add authenticity and emotional weight to the discussion. The article balances the pros and cons of fun, discussing both the positive aspects (motivation, joy) and negative aspects (dependency, lack of productivity). It acknowledges the complexity of the subject and acknowledges that different people may have different interpretations of what constitutes "healthy" or "unhealthy" fun. Overall, "The Absurdity of Fun" offers a thought-provoking examination of the concept of fun, raising important questions about its place in our lives and its potential downsides. "Fun" is probably one of the most subjective notions known to man , and that's because anything can be fun to anyone. Nonetheless, despite its sheer relativity, fun is easy to both define and identify: It's when something makes you feel good for one or more periods of time. However, it's important to note that fun and happiness are not the same , even though happiness is subjective as well. Even a mere toddler can know whenever they're having fun, and even my cat knows when he enjoys my touch of him, without knowing how to communicate or think with words like we humans do. Fun is simple and it is relative, and because of these traits, it's something that's easy to gather around for, as much as it's easy to learn more about yourself as a result. No contemporary philosophy or ideology is without this basic element of having fun, having pleasure or simply enjoying, as pleasure is a main component in many of our lives. Likewise, many would not regard a life without fun, as a life worth living, as we associate the absence of fun in our lives, with misery, depression, despair and so on. Our pursuit of fun is usually the same as pursuing romantic love: It's for its own sake, and usually it's also about nothing more and nothing less. Therefore, without an external component in mind, it should be easy to determine why fun is, at times, logically absurd. Just like true love is, although desired by many, myself included. By itself, there is nothing particularly productive about having fun, and even though we may regard fun as good, we should entertain the possibility that, a life that is only about fun and nothing else, is a life that is quite devoid, quite shallow. For many, if they could, they would trade my life for their own. They would do so simply because I don't have to work much in order to survive. Philosocom began as a compromise for my former inability to work, due to post-traumatic fatigue ... If I was even too fatigued to write extensively and beyond repair, then I would want to trade my life with theirs. That is because, as you see, I accepted the notion that fun alone is terribly insufficient for a well lived life, as fun alone bears little to no fruit beyond itself. It is also the reason as to why I largely abstained from romance, even though it theoretically can make me feel better. I don't want children of my own, so having romantic relations is not that important for me because I see no other purpose for them. Other than feeling loved... of course. There are also more functions to romantic love, but wouldn't you argue that every relationship of that kind is just too dependent? Even within marriage, there is no certainty of the partner staying, so why even grow a dependency of fun towards a person that might leave at any point in the future? Over-dependence is a liability. And that, you see, is also a negative aspect in fun, despite the benefit it brings: It can make you dependent on things you could've otherwise avoided. Mainly addictions, yes, but also "strings" towards other people, other than yourself. I needed help for a long time, due to fatigue, but that connection is a necessary one, one of which I could not function with. I used to be weaker than I appear, and that wasn't my own choosing. It is, however, my own choosing to play a video game, mainly to pass the time . It is also your own choosing to have certain friends, partners, and other dependencies throughout life. The fact that they all bring you fun, does not mean that they are, by default, good or healthy for you. Recreational drugs and candies, are examples. What is, then, a healthy source of fun? That's quite difficult to answer, because any answer could be met with controversy. Some people believe, for example, that people should never have sex before marriage, while others claim that it's fine as long as the age is right and there's consent. Some people believe that it's good to eat food that is tasty because " you only live once " while others call for a healthier life than that. This is what I have to say on fun, practically: Strive to always have fun, but do not disregard productivity and health on the way, as an adult life without productivity is that of a leech : Someone who gives nothing to either society or the world, and basically just lives to slack off. I know I could've been a leech in that regard, but I refuse it as long as I can write and operate a computer and this article empire. Even if I, for example, lose my ability to write, then I have "no choice" but to spend the remainder of my life re-sharing articles. And hence why fun isn't completely absurd: It gives you enough motivation to do things you actually like doing, and as we adults know, there are some things we just have to do. The fact that there's fun activities to be doing, gives us more hope and spirit to live on and lighten up. None of this, however, explains why fun exists, nor why there are things that make us, specifically, to have fun. We can explain the methodology of this, AKA, of how the emotion of pleasure is created, but not, necessarily, the WHY. Extra Notes I: A List of Healthy and Unhealthy Fun Activities (For Further Demonstration) Healthy Fun Activities Physical Activities Playing sports like basketball, soccer, volleyball, etc. Going for a hike or a bike ride. Dancing Social Activities Game night with friends or family. Going to a concert or a play. Volunteering in your community. Creative Activities Painting or drawing - a great way to relax and de-stress. Playing a musical instrument. Writing. Unhealthy Fun Activities Activities that involve excessive screen time Binge-watching TV shows or movies for hours on end. Spending all day playing video games. Scrolling mindlessly through social media. Activities that involve unhealthy substances Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol. Smoking cigarettes or using other tobacco products. Using illegal drugs. Activities that are high-risk Extreme sports without proper training or safety gear. Reckless driving. Extra Notes II: Mr. Nathan Lasher's Feedback I'd suggest finding productive things which make you happy and make a career out of it. Passion is a key element to base fun off of in a healthy manner. This is the good kind of fun . Think about people starting companies without it being a little fun for them.

(Disclaimer: The guest posts do not necessarily align with Philosocom's manager, Mr. Tomasio Rubinshtein's beliefs, thoughts, or feelings. The point of guest posts is to allow a wide range of narratives from a wide range of people. To apply for a guest post of your own, please send your request to mrtomasio@philosocom.com) (Background music) (Philosocom's O. C. Isaac Articles) (Philosocom's Directory on Politics) (Philosocom's Subcategory on African Philosophy) Introduction -- The Value of Conduct Is there a need for code of conduct? Humans are not born with a conscience, but we develop one through our experiences and interactions with others. Love, moral values, religion, codes of conduct, and ethics are all ways that we try to live in harmony with ourselves and others. Debateably, there have been more atrocities in history than in today's modern world. But today, many of us are afraid to go wrong, because of one reason or the other, fear of hell fire, fear of the law, fear of what you will have to lose, fear of abandonment, fear of prison. Etcetera. Those who are not afraid to go wrong, may do so because they believe that the consequences are not as severe as they are often made out to be. When they are wrong in that regard, they pay the price they have underestimated. Although there is no one answer that is universally accepted, I believe no one is born moral: Society instills morals in us. Just so you know, in spite of all our success to instill morals, some people out there are each and every day displaying this dark side of humans, hurting their fellow humans day in and day out. A code of conduct is essential for setting behavioral expectations, promoting a positive environment, preventing misconduct, ensuring legal and ethical compliance, safeguarding reputation, providing guidance, and encouraging accountability. It serves as a valuable tool for organizations and communities to establish and maintain a culture of integrity and respect. Without this code of conduct, laws, and order , we would have been wild like other animals. Does Love Exist? Now let's talk about love... You think love exists, and I believe you might be right. Do you know why? I try to grasp its effect and feel the same way, though it's based on individual conception that can not be measured by others expect the person in question of experiencing it. Assuming that love really exists, there is a problem with how it is applied. Let's say I have love, I wish to love another being, and I desire the love to be reflected back to me. It is no wonder that not everyone is attracted to each other, but only a few do. The question is, who do you love, and how does he or she return your love, if love really exists? We know that to love is to be loved, and to be loved is to be sure that love really exists. The problem is not loving, because love is embedded in us naturally . We have the capability to give it to whoever we want. But the problem is, if love really exists, do we feel the love being reflected back to us from the people we give it to? If the love is not reflected back to us, that shows that it does not really exist. It might seem to exist in our imagination, but it is an illusion. Why do people fail to maintain this simple act of love? Why do we get disappointed? This proves that love does not exist. If there is disappointment in the end, it follows that we were only imagining its existence. Then if so, that justify that it doesn't exist... Because if there's a disappointment at the end... It follows that we were only having the imagination of its existence. Love is an illusion. What really exists is interest. It is the combination of interest and emotion that people think is love. When the emotion comes, people start looking for someone to place their immediate interest on, in the name of love. Love does not exist! If it does exist, then justify its existence with reason. How to justify love, then? The main condition for the achievement of love is the overcoming of one's narcissism. The narcissistic orientation is one in which one experiences as real only that which exists within oneself, while the phenomena in the outside world have no reality in themselves, but are experienced only from the viewpoint of their being useful or dangerous to one. The opposite pole to narcissism is objectivity. It is the faculty to see other people and things as they are, objectively, and to be able to separate this objective picture from a picture which is formed by one's desires and fears. (By "objectivity", I refer to beyond self-interests). In human life and society, Man in his rationality developed the idea of supreme Being (God) in whom all things must have came to be, as dictated by divine reason. The basic question here is: what are the means by which such a being can be related? And thus, the question gave birth to what we know as religion today . What is religion again if not a means of relating to God by an individual or as a collective? Many humans consider religion so special, holy and supernatural and thus influences human thinking, action and will, within society and communiy. Religion also constitutes other components like rituals, symbols & signs, worship, rites and many more. It is also good to know that religion is quite different from culture though some contradicts that but sometimes it overlaps. It does not overlap, for example, in cultures where religion is not a significant feature. Religion and Human Values Religion(s) is highly practiced by humans and truth be told, God intervenes; that has made people to be influenced by their choices of religion. But I think man should be authentic (free) in his choices (AKA, free will). However, Man has been into existence before religion. But in today's world (especially in Africa), religion remains one of the caustic problems in most of the African Societies. Countless cases of religion crises, dogmatic presumptuousness, segregations e.t.c and these have affected the development of today's African society. But why? People failed to understand that life is the most sacred there is. Any religion that disregard this value, deserves to be doubted. People failed to question most of their faith and thereby believing everything! Forgetting that man is the foundation of all beliefs (AKA, Religious Humanism ) People failed to understand that religion acts as a means to an end, and stopped considering a particular religion as the best among all. Instead, many at least, stick to a particular religion, without much exploration. * People failed to apply reason before faith. It's good if we can acknowledge the fact that no one is sure of anything and stop fighting over religion! Bloodshed is not justified by ideas, religious or otherwise! Let peace and love flow. Niccolò Machiavelli's theory in the present day: Political Dispensation in Africa. In human society, many discover the variety of views as regard to human belief, thought, rationality, culture tradition and conception. These factors affects human social life in relations to others. Then, when it comes to the political life of humans, the above factors influences the political view of humans, but the basic question remains: What is the State? who should rule the State? Why should he or she do it? and what are the means of becoming a leader? These were the base of all the poltical theories that are seen today, though new theories keep coming up as everything is in the state of change. In Niccolò Machiavelli's (1469-1527) Theory, the summary of his main idea is that ' The end justifies the means '. Niccolò Machiavelli was born in Florence and worked as a diplomat in the court of Caesar Bongis. He is best known for his famous work The Prince , which expounded a new political vision that was a departure from idealism. Machiavellianism is a shrewd, cynical political realist philosophy which emphasizes that people should be considered as they are instead of what we might wish them to be. He advises that if one wants to succeed in office, they should not be preoccupied by normal moral rules and must do whatever is necessary to stay in power. To maintain power, one must have a strong military force that is loyal to him and always ready to defend him and his sovereignty when threatened. Machiavelli's 'The Prince' represents a complete break with conventional political theory. While Machiavelli outlined what political science is and how it works, while Plato and Aristotle promoted and felt what political society deserves to be. He (Machiavelli) believed that no leader can succeed by upholding moral principles. His Prince archetype had to use both human and animal techniques to respond to his acts. According to Machiavelli, depending on the circumstances, he had to kill , maim, oppress , deceive and cheat his friends and subjects. Clearly, the political philosophy of Machiavelli has a wide range of effects. (positive and negative). Positively, Machiavelli is regarded as the forerunner of a larger current resurgence of the values of classical humanism and was considered as the first among the modern socio-political philosopher. Consequently, Machiavelli's idea that power depends on the free will of the masses has been criticized for supporting universal egoism . And if the end justifies the means, are the means noble? Macavelli was interested in the implications of his idea which is very bad of him because the means supposed to be as good as the end no wonder Sir Peter Obi in his speech over the 2023 Nigerian presidential election: "It is my belief that for you to answer “your excellency”, the process through which you arrive to office must be “excellent”. (2 March 2023) (Rubinshtein's Note: In order to be deemed "excellent" as a leader, one must avoid becoming a kakistocrat ) Now, to philosophically relate the theory of Niccolò Machiavelli in the present day political dispensation (freedoms, rights) in Africa. We discover that the African world today, those who seeks political powers, anchors it in that of Machiavelli's theory. While they seek whichever possible to get their interest, not minding the implications of it. These have made the system to loose the political value by negating the interest of the masses to selfish interest . And not the interest of the collective, nor the greater good. These have contributed to failed government, political cries, ethnocentrism and loss of interest among the masses (AKA, political apathy ) and thus affects the development in Africa. In most of the African countries (especially Nigeria) have lost the test of good governance as regard to these and thus remains one the challenges of today's politics this continent. The effects of Machiavelli's political theory as regard to political dispensation in Africa have really affected African politics. This work of Machiavelli leads to absolutism and narrow nationalism . If power will be the end, and not the means, it will lead to autocracy and war just as it's been recorded today in most of the African countries. In conclusion, I think Sir Peter Obi actually captured the implication and the penancy in his assertions, as I will repeat his quote: "It is my belief that for you to answer “your excellency”, the process through which you arrive to office must be “excellent”. A Case Example: Facts About Nigerian Development NIgeria is a country that is blessed with great people of different tribes and enthinics. The name Nigeria was coined by Lord Lugard during the british colonization , N igeria is known for peace, unity and development ; Nigeria have contributed to development of other country by providing most of the things the world would need to be be a better place for humankind. Naturally, humans are the product of nature, thus point the fact that Men are not made to conquer the world , but rather to make it a better place for humanity to flourish and Nigeria has been known for this. Nigeria have contributed the growth of the world by providing most countries with electricity, petrolum, experts, and other natural and humane resources for other needy nations. It is certain that no individual state or society can survive or thrive alone. It shouldn't totaly isolate itself from relating with others, e.g (North Korea) despite President Kim Jong Un's policies which were intented to isolate North Korea from the affairs of the world , this isolation policies did not has a100% success rate, because no State can totally isolate itself from the world, and still thrive. There must be a combination of some neccesary factors that leads to change (development) which might not be found within themselves but in others. Counting some countries that have contributed to the development of others, Nigeria will not be left behind. This points to the fact Nigeria must be a great nation, in order to both survive and thrive. However, the basic questions of development is: Who is developing and for who? Is it trying to raise plusible answer to the above question in the context of Nigeria, we discover that the Nigerian People are always perfoming well in the development of others but going to the Caritas , regardless. We equally note that they have not be good in times of their (the Nigerians') own development. But what could be the causes? In a critical observation, we find out that the fault could be that Nigerian leaders have not understood the language of their problems or that they failed to discover the solutions to what might seems so problematic to them. These challenges might have been articulated in their historical activities, cultural and metaphysical conceptions which calls for strict observation. Therefore, for Nigeria, to do well in development it calls for critical investigation over their cultural and historical conceptions so to discover most of the things that are not pragmatic and strive to restructure them in other to make some changes in their Sociopolitical and economical development. These can not be achieved without a good leader. So Nigeria need rational thinkers , and moral beings, as leaders for them to achieve the goal that is the survival and prosperity of the nation. (Rubinshtein's note: And this article's conclusion and be applied to any nation whatsoever, not only Nigeria).

(Philosocom's Directory On Emotions) (Disclaimer: The guest posts do not necessarily align with Philosocom's manager, Mr. Tomasio Rubinshtein's beliefs, thoughts, or feelings. The point of guest posts is to allow a wide range of narratives from a wide range of people. To apply for a guest post of your own, please send your request to mrtomasio@philosocom.com ) (Background music) How to Use Emotions as Pawns Mr. Tomasio introduced me to a new concept: Viewing your emotions as pawns . He said that emotions can either be good for you or bad for you. It has only been a few days, but I think his teachings it has been working well. I want to talk a little bit about how to employ this strategy for yourself and why it’s working for me. It is worth noting that I have been meditating daily for the past nine months as I write this article. Also, both Tomasio and I are autistic; therefore, while we may have our own issues with emotions and empathy, we may also have massive strengths in managing our own emotions. I tend to see autistic people having both intense reactions to things in their environment (i.e., triggers, as some might say), yet also adaptability and resilience in adjusting to these triggers. Maybe it is obvious in hindsight — we simply must adapt or die. This adaptation, in my opinion and experience, is a survival mechanism. We autists, or at least a large number of us (because not all autistic people are the same), appear to share a general hypersensitivity , though these sensitivities can span all senses, including sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell, as well as possibly other non-traditional senses, such as the spiritual? Not all of us adapt well. In terms of leading a normal, functional life, the most successful autistics tend to mask better than others, sometimes so well that it becomes instinctive, subconscious. This leads to a general sense of " forgetting who we really are ." I know I am not the only one who experiences life this way from reading other anecdotal accounts as well as generalized stereotypes, both professional and unprofessional. I refer to all this as a lead-in to " Emotions as Pawns " because it may be easier for an autistic person to do this. I cannot know for sure until I spread this analogy to others and ask them how it goes for them. Right now, I can just make assumptions based on what I know. While I personally feel like I am very sensitive and tend to take things more personally than the average person, I also have an above-average ability to divorce myself from emotions when I consciously try . It does seem like a weird dynamic, but it is what it is. Visualization I think the actual "visualization" of one’s emotions as actual pawns on a chessboard is very helpful . Even in real-time, as your emotions are occurring, assigning "sadness," or "rage" to a particular piece on the chessboard is key for this analogy to work. If you feel like this emotion is not helping you towards your life goals ( anger generally is never useful ), then you can simply "sacrifice" this pawn in your visualization and knock it off of your chessboard. Sure, this is much easier said than done, but I think it is a powerful tactic to manage one’s emotions. Why? I recently encountered visualization in another form: qigong. Qigong is an ancient form of energy and breathing practice passed down over centuries through China, used in modern traditional Chinese medicine and martial arts, with a plethora of health and other applications. I can attest that it is a real thing through my own practice, yet science is far behind in playing catch-up in understanding how it works. I must note that one rarely needs to understand how something works to be able to use it effectively. As a simple example, you know how to drive a car, but you do not necessarily need to know how all the inner workings function . I turn the steering wheel, press the gas pedal, and the car goes. I press the brake, and the car stops. It’s not required to understand the mechanical and electrical systems, combustion, to become a race car driver. You could know, but you could also not know and be the best race car driver in the world. I mention this because it applies to meditation too. I don’t particularly need to know exactly how meditation works to practice it and reap the benefits, a few of which include reducing anxiety, depression, helping to mitigate and cure addiction symptoms, among many other researched and purported benefits. Back to visualization . Since managing one’s own body functions can be very complex, sometimes it is far easier to use a visualization than to actively try to control each and every body part. For example, when a professional baseball player is up to bat, the batter probably is not thinking about every single joint in his body, or every single muscle twitch. No, we wouldn’t be able to live that way. Instead, perhaps the batter is visualizing what he wants to happen—"knocking the ball out of the park"—and then, when the ball comes barrelling down at him at 90+ miles per hour, the body just magically moves. In qigong, one of the visualizations is that you have this ball of energy in your " lower dan tian ," which is the area a few inches behind and below your belly button. Without going into more detail about qigong, utilizing this single visualization is better than reminding oneself of all the many different muscles we need to be contracting in order to breathe, sit up straight, etc. I took a long time to simply say, I recently found the power of visualization. I’m probably late to the game, but better late than never! So, in applying visualization to emotional management, thanks to Mr. Tomasio, we have the concept of "Emotions as Pawns." These things are mine! They do not control me! They are mine, and they do as I wish and as I please. If my pawn rebels or puts me in danger, I can simply sacrifice him off the board! To our friends reading this, I hope this will help you on your life journey. ************ You can view more of Omar’s writings by following him on Quora.

(Note: This article can be regarded as the prequel to this article ) (Background music) The Path to Resilience It's possible that only a masochist would love being insulted, as insults may be the bane of many of us. However! The mistake I've made throughout my life is to avoid insult by pursuing pleasure . Many of you might think that's the practical thing to do, but what about resilience? How can we expand our field of potential and ambition if we are not resilient enough to endure the possible predicaments that would stand in our way? How can we become more known publicly without it? How can we love when love hurts? How can we be assertive if we cannot have the will to withstand confrontations from those who resist? What about accepting insults as an inevitable possibility ? What if, even then, you will be insulted, no matter how much you attempt to retreat from them? You might even fail to learn properly from critics if you refuse to know how to take their words professionally. "Glass Cannons" and Overcoming Insult-Induced Anxiety in my personal interactions, I've detected something interesting in the pattern of some of those who've insulted me. Some of them may be glass cannons . Do you know what that means? It's a term to describe something or someone that is powerful in offense but weak in defense. Within each of my experiments with such insulters, a weakness may be found, and that is, usually, their ego. Is my assumption correct? Many insulters may feel free to insult others and treat them like dirt. However, some, if not many, of them may run away like cowards if something important to their egos is put into reasonable doubt. Therefore, it could be possible that people insult others to feel good about themselves. To quote an answer online whom many found useful: When they point out the flaws in others they take the attention off of their own. They want to bring people down to make themselves higher. It's also about a sense of control. Once they realize that they can make people feel as low as they do, they sort of feed off of it. It's a coping mechanism, no, not a healthy one. But it makes them not feel as insignificant. For some, it is their own lack of love for themselves. For others, it is their reputation. For even more others, these are values that may hold dear to their hearts: Credibility, tolerance towards the disabled, and emotions that they do not like. I am not sure if there is a human that is proof of a counterattack that can hit their weakness, when all humans have weaknesses. In the case of the need to insult, it also stems from whatever weakness they may be trying to cope with. Nevertheless, learning more about people can help one use a weakness against them, which might make them stay away from you and never return. Therefore, speaking with strangers, and expanding your circle of interactions, can give you the experience and memory required for you to potentially endure anxiety and insults even more than before. You can learn people to know how to protect yourself against their abuse. Technically, although not as severe as other forms of abuse, insults are also considered a form of verbal abuse. I have studied CBT, or cognitive behavioural therapy . One of its teachings is this: Experiment with your source of anxiety, bit by bit. With each dose of experimentation, you can get accustomed to the source of your anxiety, and thus, you can have an easier time, handling at least some of your problems. I'm saying this because I too suffer from anxiety as many people on the spectrum do. I became tougher by myself but the only effective way to become tougher is through either training or experience. With asceticism and by interacting with strangers I applied both. It all begins with understanding that you shouldn't accept yourself if your current version of yourself stands in the way of the life you want to manifest through your actions. If you'll accept yourself despite the dominant grip of your anxiety over you, you will only make it difficult for yourself to become tougher. Self-love therefore can be a predicament if the flaws you choose to embrace can and/or deserve to be changed in the name of your attainable hopes and dreams. We better keep in mind, in the name of our mental health, that we can be changed at least to a degree. And our ability to adapt is what allows us to endure this existence. According to the social-cognitive theory: Individual behavior can be influenced by a complex web of factors, including our environment, social interactions, and cognitive processes. Such factors can often lead to significant changes in personality over time, particularly if individuals are exposed to new and diverse experiences. Building Character through Imaginary Roleplay: Imagine yourself as a character, any character or even a real life person that you look up to, like a role model, and consider how they would handle the situation. If your imagined character is mentally tough, try to put yourself in his or her shoes. After all, we admire people because they inspire us with their standards. My character in mind, which you can study as well, is Dr. Ivo Robotnik  from the classic cartoon "The Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog." I picked him specifically because he has pride like no other, and as such is too insensitive to be insulted. A ruthless, satirical warlord, Robotnik is used not only to insult but also to injury and humiliation. Despite his constant defeats at the hands of Sonic, he resumes doing what he does best: Seeing himself as great in every way: Maintaining a positive self-image, even in the face of failure. Accepting defeat without giving up: Recognizing setbacks as challenges to overcome, rather than reasons to surrender. Giving himself promotions : Finding self-worth and validation through the tasks he devises and carries out successfully. Additional Strategies: Humming a jolly and cartoonish tune: Utilizing humor and positivity to combat and overcome negativity. Accepting the harsh reality of the world: Understanding that suffering is a part of life and avoiding the expectation of constant validation and empathy from others in a world whose respect is to be earned, not be granted right away. Embracing challenges instead of succumbing to vulnerability: Choosing to fight for your mental well-being and resist the urge to withdraw when faced with difficulties. Do so as a habit and you can reduce your vulnerabilities regularly. By combining these strategies with ongoing learning and self-reflection, you can build the resilience you need to overcome insult-induced anxiety and navigate the complexities of life without resorting to complete isolation or "full hermit mode".

Article Synopsis by Mr. O. C. Isaac and Co. The article "Philosophy Versus Ideology - Why They Are Not the Same (And How To Identify)" is an insightful exploration of the distinctions between philosophy and ideology. I t effectively defines the differences between the two concepts, highlighting their fundamental differences in approach and mindset. The article's strengths include clear definitions and distinctions, such as the analogy of a researcher vs. advocate, emphasis on critical thinking, universal applicability, use of quotations and references, and engaging structure. Ideologies are collections of beliefs that guide individuals or groups, while philosophy is a broader, more rigorous pursuit of understanding. Mr. Tomasio uses the analogy of a philosopher to a researcher and the ideologist to an advocate, providing a relatable way to differentiate the approaches each takes toward ideas and beliefs. The article also emphasizes the importance of being aware of our own beliefs and how they shape our perceptions. The use of quotations from various sources, such as ir. Titus K. Suter and Team BeverlyBoy, adds credibility and depth to the discussion. The article's structure, divided into parts with clear subheadings, makes it easy to follow and digest the information. In conclusion, the article "Philosophy Versus Ideology - Why They Are Not the Same (And How To Identify)" is a well-researched and engaging piece that effectively distinguishes between philosophy and ideology. (Background music) Part I: Introduction: Philosophy vs. Ideology The terms "philosophy" and "ideology" are often used interchangeably, but beneath the surface, a deeper distinction lies . While ideology can be a subset of philosophy, the latter encompasses a broader and more rigorous pursuit of understanding. An ideology is essentially a collection of beliefs, a framework through which we navigate the world. It can be personal, guiding an individual's choices, or it can be shared by a group, shaping their collective perspective. In this sense, we all possess ideologies, which may or may not be explicitly defined, titled, or categorized. Philosophy delves far deeper than mere belief. It's a systematic method for investigating the nature of reality, existence, knowledge, and countless other fundamental questions. The philosopher is a relentless truth-seeker, wielding reason as their tool. He/she may do it with or without sources to support their logic-based thinking. They are open to questioning their own assumptions and revising their views based on new evidence or arguments. This openness to being wrong is crucial in the pursuit of truth. An ideology, belief and philosophy may be referred to synonymously. However, the difference between a follower/practitioner of belief and a philosopher, is a matter of how ideas are treated and used. The Difference of Approach The key distinction lies in the approach to ideas. Here's where the analogy of researcher and advocate comes in handy. The Ideologist:  An ideologist follows a particular set of beliefs, often with a strong emotional attachment. They may be resistant to opposing viewpoints, fearing, without resistance necessarily, that it will undermine their established worldview. The Philosopher:  The philosopher, on the other hand, is a dedicated researcher. They rigorously analyze evidence and arguments, willing to adapt their thinking in light of new information. Their focus lies on understanding the truth, not defending a pre-existing position. They are detached from their approaches and what they currently believe in, treating it instead like stepping stones. Part II: We're All Ideologists, But Not Philosophers While everyone possesses a personal "philosophy of life," this doesn't automatically make us all philosophers. There's a crucial distinction between simply holding beliefs and actively pursuing truth through critical thought. A "philosophy of life" serves the same practicality an ideology would do, with or without examination of reality: Nothing gives a person a sense of purpose like a distinct understanding of where they're going. We all need personal philosophy in life or we risk wandering, and responding to random stimuli and information with little or no impact on our long-term goals. ...A philosophy of life is an overall vision or attitude toward life and the purpose of it. Most people spend their days living hour to hour without direction or purpose, leading to a rat race which has become tiresome instead of finding fulfillment. Thus, without a personal philosophy, we end up living without direction. -- ir. Titus K. S uter It's safe to say we're all ideologues. We all hold a set of beliefs, a framework that shapes our perception of the world. These ideologies might be implicit, guiding our daily choices instinctively, or explicit, consciously shaping our worldview. Regardless of their form, ideologies are universal – an inherent part of being human. And In cinema: Implicit ideologies in film represent implied and subtle instruction or connections to societal norms. Through implicit ideology, the filmmaker will use subtle nuances and hints for the viewer with the expectation that they will ultimately understand the message. Largely because it’s the “norm” or the world view anyway. Films express ideology through implied messages rather than through outright delivery [AKA explicitly] -- Tavares, Team BaverlyBoy There is nothing more accessible than philosophy that is explicit, unlike ideology, whose understanding can be more obvious. That's how philosophical research and texts are -- complex. Philosophy: The Quest Beyond Belief Philosophy transcends mere belief. It's a strict investigation into the fundamental questions of existence - reality, knowledge, and our place within both. That is amongst other aspects that are often on the macro level . Due to philosophy's emphasis on the macro level and the universality of ideas, (AKA, ideas as applicable to many areas of life), some may consider philosophers pretentious. Ironically, the ideologist seems more reliable than the philosopher, despite his/her reduced open mindedness; And the lack of the ability of looking both ways. Yet, it is the philosopher who is the one who dedicates themselves with honesty to truth-seeking; The one stereotypically discarded as being the unrealistic, impractical one. The Researcher vs. The Advocate The key difference lies in our approach to ideas. Here, an analogy between a researcher and an advocate proves useful: The Ideologist as Advocate:  Ideologues champion a specific set of beliefs, often with strong emotional attachment. They would promote their beliefs vocally and in demonstration. The Philosopher as Researcher:  The philosopher, on the other hand, is a dedicated researcher. Their focus is on understanding the truth, not defending a pre-existing position. The goal of philosophy isn't merely to build an ideology, but to see beyond potentially delusional beliefs, understand the biases and fallacies that govern them; Sometimes, also synthesize the components that aren't delusional, with other ideas. This means that even a belief which can be proven as a delusion, can still have some degree of touch to reality. The ideologist won't necessarily synthesize, and won't necessarily compromise his/her biases to examine and understand opposing viewpoints. They would be more inclined to argue than to discuss, talk at the person, instead of with the person, and may regard like-minded people as part of a greater "tribe". Philosophers might use ideologies as a starting point for exploration – a theory about reality. But upon discovering its flaws, a genuine philosopher discards it in favor of a more accurate understanding. This unwavering commitment to truth separates them from ideologues, whose very ideologies may be used as tools to shape whole societies. When under corrupt hands, it will be used to oppress intellectuals who might oppose oppression with their criticism, as found in Pol Pot's special treatment of Cambodian intellectuals. Part III: "The Delusional Philosopher": An Oxymoron The very essence of a philosopher is on their relentless pursuit of truth, and especially if they gave up on giving up . Whereas the "fanaticism" of the ideologist is in advocacy, the philosopher's fanaticism is in knowledge-seeking. Thus, the idea of a philosopher clinging to a demonstrably false ideology is a contradiction in terms. Truth-seekers cannot, or least shouldn't, remain comfortable with delusion, as delusion would only stagnate their progress. They would sacrifice their time, energy and other resources just to make sure they're not wrong. If their ideology clashes with reality, serious philosophers will readily abandon it in favor of a more accurate understanding. In other words, they are like "nomads of ideas", besides also being formulators of ideas . Ideology, for them, is a stepping stone – not a sacred belief to be rigidly defended, especially when it hinders their pursuit of truth. It would not make sense to attribute holiness or luxury to something that is flawed. Flaws in philosophy are not to be denied but to examine and study. A philosopher would try to learn from all opposition, and try to see where they're coming from. He or she would lower their ego and pride if necessary, given that ego can blind. They would not insult or threaten those who oppose their current viewpoints. The idea of knowing that they don't know, is what keeps them being on the move. While the ideologist may be fatigued practicing their beliefs and preaching them, the philosopher may be tired from their intellectual exploration and from rumination. What truly sets philosophers apart is their dedication to understanding as this lengthy process, which could take years if not a lifetime. They go the extra mile to examine and even lambast all angles. It is often a difficult work that requires much discipline and even voluntary quarantine from society. For that matter I formulated the mindset of a butcher  which you can learn, in order to be a better philosopher. I have no use being attached to any idea or method which hinders me from understanding and acting according to the truth. While a philosopher might hold certain ideologies – perhaps even strong political ones – their ultimate priority remains reality, AKA, the layer of existence that exists beyond all theories . The ideologist would use ideas to understand reality, but the philosopher would study reality first, and then attempt to better understand it using ideas. Truth Seekers Without Blinders Clinging to beliefs, regardless of their accuracy, is akin to wearing blinders.  Philosophers, in their pursuit of truth, actively seek to remove these blinders, while their counterparts would seek to reinforce their "blinders", or matrix, instead. They understand that their own personal beliefs might be flawed, and they are open to having them challenged. This openness is what allows them to navigate the complexities of the world with a more objective perspective. And by "objective" I refer to more independence from both subjectivity and intersubjectivity. Ideologists risk becoming prisoners of their own belief systems, as is the nature of the human mind to imprison the being in the absence of critical thinking. Plato's allegory of the Cave perfectly presents this idea. They might be so invested in their worldview, so intertwined with their sense of self-worth, that they reject any counterargument, no matter how well-reasoned. This is a recipe for denying reality and hindering intellectual growth, especially under the rule of oppression. While some philosophers aim to create ideologies (like myself) , some may pick a more dynamic approach instead, collecting different ideas from different philosophers without integrating it into a "brand". As such, some would appreciate both Diogenes and the Stoics, but be open minded enough to not create an Ancient-Greek Skeptic-Stoic hybrid point of view. Some may apply Stoicism in times of war, for instance, but may discard it elsewhere. Part IV: The Closed Mind By critically analyzing flawed ideologies such as Nazism and North Korea's Juche,  we can learn from their mistakes and strengthen our own defenses against manipulation .  This is precisely why I delved into the dark heart of Nazism and other such darker content -- to learn and develop, not necessarily to follow nor stagnate myself and others. Truth: An Open Road The truth, as philosophers see it, transcends the boundaries of any single religion or ideology.  It has no gatekeepers claiming exclusive ownership, for it is one anyone can find using their intellect .  Skepticism and critical analysis are the philosopher's tools for navigating this vast landscape.  The truth has many ways of reaching it. The Philosopher's Embrace of Doubt Philosophy doesn't imply that ideologies or religions are inherently wrong, just because philosophers actively seek flaws.  Even the most cherished beliefs can be subject to philosophical scrutiny.  Imagine learning your partner cheated.  A philosopher wouldn't cling to the comforting belief of their loyalty despite evidence to the contrary. They would face the truth, however painful, to gain a clearer picture of reality. He/she would use inquiry for problem-solving, instead of clinging to the limited view of their current beliefs. In fact, they'd welcome any disagreement, any criticism, as an opportunity to get closer to the truth.  They won't let their emotions stand in their way if they are strong enough to endure them.  Perhaps they fear confronting potential delusions. Here, the philosopher offers a different path – one where intellectual growth thrives on the embrace of discomfort. Conclusion: To Relent or Not To Relent Unlike a defeated villain succumbing to despair, the philosopher rises from the ashes of every disproven belief like a true Eggman.  Their pursuit of truth is a relentless quest, and a haunting presence, seeking the truth as long as they are tenacious and not conflicted in will. And when they doubt their own quest, two paths lie before them: one of resignation, abandoning the search as too difficult, and the other, a lifelong commitment to philosophizing, a dedication fueled by reason, and never attachment. The Ideologist might've given up a long time ago.

Alex Mos's Synopsis Competition is a race between rivals for rewards or resources, not necessarily existential survival. Writers like the author of Philosocom compete for the attention of their readers. Nazism and Social Darwinism are malicious in their beliefs that racial inequality justifies genocide. On the other hand, communists attempt to eliminate competition [even though their attempts] impoverished countries. The seemingly amusing world of dating is a vicious competition for romantic partners. The contestants must be prepared for many frustrating defeats. If they give up, they will die with a lack of biological successors. If you desire victory, you must prove your worth. Accept support from others and keep trying to get what you want. (Background music) In the Arena of Virtual Ink -- The Fight for Author Supremacy The idea, or essence, behind competition lies in the fact that victory is not guaranteed. At its most basic, a competition is a race between multiple rivals for rewards or resources. Thus, job interviews are competitions, and the workplace is a competition, just like survival in the jungle is. It can be brutal; it can be merciless, but if one wants to win and reap the rewards, He or she must prepare to lose as long as it takes, as long as they are serious enough about winning. Competition isn't always about existential survival. As a writer, I compete with countless other authors, most of whom I am not even aware of. We are all competing for your attention. Your attention, as the reader or consumer, is one that should be most valuable to anyone who takes their writing seriously. Since, in my eyes, I am as good as dead without writing , I must follow the reasoning of the previous paragraph so I have a reason to endure. Hunger, Triumph and Proof of Merit In a Diverse World Nazism... is perhaps the most brutal philosophy regarding competition, even though World War II disproved the supposed superiority of the Nazis. Naturally, I am opposed to Nazism and Social Darwinism ... What I do not oppose is the concept of meritocracy . The Nazis believed they deserved to commit genocide and enslave the weak simply because of their "race." Such brutality was underserved, given the fact that they could still survive without starting another world war... Without invading Poland, France and so on. Due to their vicious stupidity, I despise them with every fiber of my being. What I do not despise, however, is the basic need to survive, which leads to competition that has nothing to do with race . The fact that one is dark-skinned, Arab, or Jewish, for example, does not have to prevent one from earning a living and providing for one's family! Communism attempted to alleviate the need for competition in society and the environment in general by attempting to provide for each citizen in accordance with his or her needs. In practice, this can make a country poorer, and the poorer a country is, the less food it will be able to supply, and its citizens might have a harder time affording anything else. This is why a greater financial wealth that surpasses the communist ascetic tendencies is vital in order to achieve just that: a greater chance for survival. The North Korean communist philosophy of "Juche" fails to understand it, hence why it is a rogue nation with little international trade, which leads many to starve. Complete self-reliance is a mistake. Help's great, right? Can prevent death. What some of us might call "the market," AKA, the world of dating, is one such field for competition. I think it should be obvious that some of us might not be relevant to someone else, no matter how much we love them. That's why the dating world isn't just all "fun and games": It's also a vicious competition for other partners, and of course, for their love of us, too. We don't deserve someone specific just because we love them, correct? After all, they are also free to choose , and they are in this competition just like we are. As a result, I believe that the hungrier you are for victory, the better prepared you will be for a continuous, and sometimes frustrating, streak of defeats. If you give up completely, then your thirst for victory might not be as strong. It's just like in nature, or in the "jungle": If you lack the hunger to hunt and for survival in general, then you will either die without food or die without successors. Thus, should you ever live in the wilderness, you must do anything it takes to survive against your many competitors. Since nature is so unforgiving and cruel, I see little beauty in it. From Rejected Empathy to Relentless Pursuit Towards Victory Thus, in order to be victorious, please do not delude yourself in the belief that you deserve victory in any field whatsoever. Generally, you must earn it. You must prove , in the minds of the world's members, that you're relevant. Accept empathy from others ! Friends, followers, and allies! It is proof of your plans, being promising. Unfortunately, I made the mistake of rejecting some. To get the roadrunner, prepare to fail and to suffer, whether deservedly or unjustly. It has no reason to serve itself to you, coyote. You might fail, but at the very least? You've tried! And should you get help, such as welfare, be forever grateful for it, but remember that it's the choice and responsibility of the country to help, not yours. Alex Mos's Feedback The primal competition in the animal kingdom for the right to live, food, mate, and social ranking is based on species inequality and unfairness, resulting in the survival of the fittest, fastest, strongest, and most ruthless. It fits the ideas of Social Darwinists if we don’t consider that the human species evolved to the next evolutionary step, becoming the dominant, the most intellectual beings on the planet. What sets us apart from the animals and our pre human ancestors? High intelligence, consciousness, and genetic predisposition for empathy and morality. All humans should have equal rights to live and thrive, regardless of their ethnicity,   gender, sexual orientation , religion, and ideology , because we are all homo sapiens. Therefore, it’s a fallacy to consider a generalized group of people superior or inferior to the human race as the Nazis did. The tribal mentality is discriminative and can become an irrational base for hatred, elitism, and wars. We should embrace social individualism instead, based on logical thinking, and condemn the demonization of others. Although all humans should have the same chances and access to basic needs, people’s abilities differ significantly due to their innate physical and mental predispositions, upbringing, education, and ambition. This talent diversity justifies the need for competition, helping gifted individuals to be recognized, societies to prosper, and humanity to evolve. Without competition, stagnation and mediocrity slow innovation , and lack of motivation results in frustration and degeneration of the ambitious human mind. We must compete for self-worth and power to improve our mental health by making our lives worth living. When we compete, we should do it morally , as humans and not as our animalistic ancestors, whom we surpassed on the evolutionary path long ago. We must be ethical to win the game of power, wealth, and love fairly. The core human values are universally moral. For example, we wish for a competent, trustworthy , and ethical person to win elections, not a narcissistic , deceiving politician or a tyrannical dictator. Therefore, we should compete fearlessly to improve our lives, yet always play by the rules of honesty, authenticity, fairness, competence, strength, and resilience.

(Philosocom's Directory on Power) (Philosocom's Mastery Series) Alex Mos's Synopsis We seek power in an attempt to achieve, influence , and feel like we have some control over our lives and the world around us. Power can manifest in countless ways, driven by the desire to learn, grow, and leave our mark on the world. Mastering a skill, healing people, advocating for a cause, or creating impactful content as an artist are a few examples of the achievements of power. At its core, power is the ability to influence and create change. It can mean material possessions , practical expertise, or intellectual knowledge. For those who want to be more powerful, mastery is the key to craftsmanship, the artist's masterpiece, and influential leadership. Everybody has the potential to become powerful and make a difference. However, it often takes time and practice. Mastery makes you irreplaceable in any organization . Self-confidence is necessary to seek mastery, but we must overcome our ego and the need for validation . Masters can leave their legacy by teaching their abilities to the next generation and enriching the world. Pursuing mastery can serve as a long-term, meaningful goal, channeling our energy and justifying our existence. (Background music) Why We Crave the Power to Make Things Happen There's a reason why video games contain difficulty , buildings are designed from scratch , and romantic relationships bring a certain sense of accomplishment. What if power is more accessible than we think? The reason all of these examples exist, is because we need power to attain or conquer them for ourselves, whether out of need or desire. This drive for power, in its most basic sense, is the desire to achieve, to influence, and ultimately, to feel like we have some control over our own lives and the world around us. Additional Examples of the Power of Achievement The Learner:  Mastering a new language, a musical instrument , or a complex skill like coding is a powerful achievement, motivating you to focus, persevere through frustration, and expand your knowledge base to apply your potential. This newfound power can open doors to new opportunities, careers, and ways of understanding the world. The Healer:   Doctors, nurses, therapists, and anyone who helps others overcome physical or emotional challenges wield a powerful form of achievement, capable of transforming entire lives, including those of the people around them. They take someone struggling and use their knowledge and skills to bring them back to health or well-being. It's a testament to the power of human compassion and the ability to make a positive impact on people's lives. The Advocate:  Social workers, activists, and anyone who fights for a cause they believe in, tap into a powerful force, capable of reformation, innovation and revolution. They challenge the status quo, raise awareness, and work to create a change they deem positive. The power of their achievement lies in their ability to make a difference in the world, even in the face of opposition, and despite of it. The Artist:  Whether it's painting a masterpiece, composing a symphony, or writing a novel, artists translate their vision and emotions into a form that can touch others, enlighten minds and excite hearts. Their achievement lies in the power of creativity to evoke emotions, spark discussions, a lasting impression for any who consume their content. These are just a few examples, and the drive for power can manifest in countless ways. It's about having faith that can make a difference, big or small, and leave our mark on the world. The drive for power is fundamental human desire that motivates us to learn, grow, and achieve the vision we want to see around and inside of us. The Many Facets of Power At its core, power is the ability to influence or affect a situation. As such, everything can hold a degree of power. It's not just, or necessarily, about having "more" of something, whether it's friends , money , or value. It's about wielding those resources to create change. Material Power:  Money and possessions are undeniable forms of power. They provide access to opportunities and influence. However, this is just one facet of power. A skilled negotiator, even on his own, can often out-maneuver an entire intended business arrangement, as presented in Walter White buying off Declan's crew in "Breaking Bad". The Allure of Skill:  Expertise in any field grants power, one that can distort our perception, as presented in the degree fallacy and the authority fallacy. A master chef has power over the ingredients and the ability to create culinary masterpieces. A skilled surgeon possesses a significant deal of power over life and death. A plastic surgeon can dictate how others may see you. While resources can enhance skill, it's the skill itself that allow a more-effective application of them. The Power of Knowledge:   The intellectual's power comes not just from raw intelligence, but from the ability to use knowledge to solve problems, create new ideas, and inspire others. In the age of information , the possession of information, and the ability to earn it, is vital to your success. Mastery: The Key to Unlocking Your Power Power is the ability to influence and create change. With it, you can shape your world, and by extension, other people's world. The quest for mastery, as such, is the quest of power, as mastering a skill can increase your power significantly. Therefore, for those wanting to be more powerful due to whatever motive, mastery is imperative to make the change you want to see happening. The Craftsman's Power:   A skilled carpenter isn't just building cabinets and other furniture, they're transforming raw materials into functional works of art, thus shaping the spaces we inhabit, and contributing to various spaces. This is the power of expertise, which can be defined as the ability to translate skill and material into tangible impact. The Artist's Voice:  The artist's power doesn't come from a fat paycheck, and sometimes it isn't even done for money (as presented in "The Starving Artist" trope) . It comes from the ability to move hearts and minds with their creations, and convert their vision into perceptive form . A talented musician can inspire emotions and ignite social movements, wielding a power far greater than any financial reward: The ability to craft cultural assets. The Leader's Influence:  Community leaders don't need a high office to be powerful. Their dedication and passion empower others, fostering change and progress within their communities. This is the power of influence , of inspiring action and collective impact. This is an asset that doesn't even have to come from standing or privilege, like one that stems from monarchies. Power in Every Path Traditionally, power conjures images of wealthy elites or political leaders.  However, the possession of knowledge and expertise, like in technology or any other modern field , can surpass this, paving a justification to the concept of technocracies. While the human desire for power can sometimes conjure images of political leaders or CEOs, the truth is, it manifests in far more ways than just social or political control, or control over other people in general. By honing your merits through skill and discipline, you can increase your own power, as the path to mastery can give you a greater chance of accomplishing your goals. Living and dying by power is how this is done as a habit, with or without other people. The myth that power belongs solely to the wealthy or well-connected is just that - a myth. Failing to see this as a myth, can greatly diminish the potential lies in your own power. Power has many forms, and its build-up often takes much time, practice, trial and error. It is said, for a reason, that empires are (occasionally) built slowly. Furthermore, an overnight's success is rare, to the point that some may consider it a myth . This understanding can empower anyone to find their own path to influence and make a difference -- with much, much patience. And for that, you need to develop your mastery in your given field, so people will have faith in you, your vision, and in the justification to assist you in your endeavours. The more skilful you are, the more irreplaceable you become in any organization, including your own. Even monarchs can and were replaced throughout history due to lack of faith, as seen in King Charles the 1st's demise during the English Civil Wars in the 17th century. The Spark Within: Why the Pursuit of Mastery is the Key to a Meaningful Life The pursuit of mastery is an ongoing journey, filled with challenges and triumphs, and can only be resumed if you refuse to give up in face of adversity. It depends on your devotion to push your boundaries, constantly learn, and strive to be the best version of yourself in your chosen field. To quote Robin Sharma ( Credit: Kreyon Media ): The extent of your impact on the world depends on the size of your devotion to excellence. Within this journey lies the potential to use yourself like a carpenter uses raw material to make cabinets. To designate yourself, like a machine, to a certain function you deem worthy of your time. As such, mindlessly killing time, can be regarded as the waste of your raw potential. The mastery-seeker trains to use that power for his goals. The klumnik, on the other hand , doesn't care enough, or isn't determined enough, to do so. The pursuit of mastery, in any field, opens the door for everyone to claim their own kind of power, and utilize it. This raw power can only be utilized best by mastering the skill in which one can utilize it. And as such, mastery becomes a means to an end. If you want to be understood, strive to become a ruthless communicator , and you can reduce miscommunication to a minimum. If you want to become stronger, master the art of physical training. You can do it for your ego, which is the narcissistic thing to do, but it doesn't have to be like that if you overcome the need for validation. Have you ever watched someone so skilled at something that it seems almost magical? They all possess a kind of power, attainable not only from natural aptitude , but from its training. It is done with or without the need to have subordinates, whether they follow with loyalty or from oppression. As such, mastery isn't just about being good, but about reaching a level of expertise where you can push boundaries, solve problems, and create something truly impactful. You cannot reach it if you refuse to believe in yourself, and you'll surely struggle in having others believe in you if you lack faith in your own power. Therefore, faith plays a great role in your path to harness yourself. This is known as self-efficiency. Otherwise, why bother? The desire to achieve this mastery, the pursuit of ever-increasing skill, is what ignites the spark within us, and programs us to utilize our means for our desired outcomes. It's the reason we push ourselves to learn, to practice, and to constantly improve. One would struggle in doing so if they refuse to criticize, if not lambast, the flaws in them and in their current methods. You can save those who help you from becoming your victims if you work on yourself enough, to render your ego minor in comparison to your ambitions. Thus, by conquering your ego, you can make yourself even more irreplaceable, as then you can prioritize the bigger picture more than your need for self-admiration. Mastery: A Legacy for Generations The usefulness of mastery lies not just in personal fulfillment, but in the legacy it creates. When we master a skill, we possess the ability to become teachers, inspiring and empowering the next generation of masters. By teaching others, our mastery allows us to share our "abstract energy" with the world, transforming it from a personal asset to a wider collective tool for greater functionality. Finding Your Spark Many people fall into the trap of simply existing, going through the motions of work and daily life without a sense of purpose, or with the idea that they have no reason to assign themselves further purpose . As evident by the Paradise Paradox, it is hard for many people to let go of the need to improve and develop. Therefore, the pursuit of mastery offers an antidote to this purposelessness, as it gives us a long-term goal to aspire to, and one we can apply in several fields of life. We always have some degree of energy, and energy is there to be released, not repressed. Repression is there to keep people in line and preserve social order. One's power is a threat to another, so limitation of powers are enforced not by right necessarily, but by norms. This power the spark that ignites passion, fuels purpose, and ultimately, justifies our existence in this world, as more than a product of our environment. But with power you can feel more alive. That's why you should make sure to not let it go over your head, or you might lose touch with reality, or at least severely overestimate yourself. One can attain power, remain moral, and refuse to fall into megalomania. That, may require a mastery itself! Extra Notes Ultimately, mastery can become less about external validation (like collective praise or a trophy) and more about the intrinsic satisfaction of actualizing your full potential as a human being. Even if you never reach the absolute pinnacle of mastery, the journey itself is deeply meaningful. The constant striving to improve imbues your life with purpose and the "life-force" you need to keep going. To quote Norman Vincent Peale : “Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you'll land among the stars.” In a way, the ownership of your skills, the knowledge that you are constantly growing and improving, becomes a form of power in itself, applicable for your survival in a highly-competitive world . It's the power to define your own existence, to find meaning and fulfilment beyond societal expectations. Mr. Nathan Lasher's Feedback Power is a great subject. In a sense it is something everyone has. They are given free will which means they have the power to change anything in their lives that they want to. Why do people feel as if power has such a high cost? It does but not in a flat sense. If you don’t like something you have all the power in the world to change your mind about it. Problems only exist as constructs in people’s minds. Your mind is something you have complete power over controlling.  Power in the form of mastery doesn’t always have to come from a desire to master it. A true master will never feel they are that good because they are aware of just how little they know . Learning stuff is what affords people to gain "life credits"; Credit that can be used towards new things. A master is on a lifelong journey to always be improving. A person will never see themselves as a master even if they are because they have chosen a journey of constantly improving themselves. Why do you think professionals in sports spend so much time practicing? They might very well be considered masters but it is only because of how much work they put in to themselves. Mastery is also nothing more than the successful application of knowledge. Mastery is nothing more than a drive to learn as much as you can. You should always strive to be a master at everything you do. You never know when learning a new skill might come in handy in another area of your life. Polymathy isn’t something that is reserved for the highly intelligent. I always try to learn new things because as I do them I never know what it’ll make me think about. Using golf as an example: I possess some pretty great abstract cognition. Golfing lets me clear my mind of almost everything so it affords me the chance to let my brain have power for other things. People should work on mastery of life. Isn’t that the point of philosophy?

(The following article can be regarded as the sequel to this article . While the first one focuses on endurance, this one focuses on logic and truth as values. It also attempts to explain why intuition isn't always right). (More relevant articles: https://www.philosocom.com/post/the-philosophy-of-irrationality-anxiety https://www.philosocom.com/post/emotions-as-pawns-omar-ting https://www.philosocom.com/post/how-assertiveness-can-protect-empaths-by-mr-mandoela-svartgold ) How To Decrease Being Insulted Using Reason (Background music) The feeling of being insulted is common in this world, and perhaps it always was. I'm specifically talking about the feeling of "being hurt". Not physically, necessarily, but mentally or emotionally. I would like to make the controversial argument that we are not really hurt, just because we may feel like we are hurt. That is because there is a difference between what our personal experience tells us, and what was actually done. Compare it to other emotions where the data they tell us is false. We may feel like we have something to worry about, for example, while in reality, that something does not even exist. This way we can know that the information-part of the emotion was, ultimately, false, and thus, irrelevant . It isn't that the emotion itself has no legitimacy or whatever. It was just that the emotion deceived us, when it told us that we have something to worry about. Apply the same reasoning to being insulted, and you might find out that you have no reason to feel insulted in reality. Emotions as of themselves have legitimacy to exist. I'd like to argue that they do not have said legitimacy, when they stand in your way to become a better, stronger and more capable self. Thus, overcoming this feeling, or at least decreasing it, can help us a lot in our daily lives. Both in our professional and personal lives. Using the power of reason, we can reduce its influence on our mentality, thus making it less of an obstacle in our path. Doing so can open us up to more job opportunities, improve our confidence by talking to certain types of people; and so on. We should not be governed by the fear of being insulted , for that matter. Nor do we deserve to be governed by the disproportionate degree of our emotions in general. For that matter, emotions lack proportions when they overcome the actual importance of a situation. That includes being insulted, of course. Because getting into a panic attack because of an insult, does not make quite sense, does it? It does not help us, or anyone else, for us to be panicked because of an offensive remark. That's how we can know that our tendency to be insulted is too deep for our own good. Insult (AKA, the remark itself) can be described as offensive, despicable, or humiliating content that someone creates. A middle finger is considered offensive as are other hand gestures. Would it be reasonable to be deeply insulted by the lift of a middle finger? I'm asking because it's just a middle finger being lifted up. It really is. We need to make the difference between what our emotions tell us, and what actually happened. Correlation between the two is key to a more resilient mentality. People may feel offended because of poor service, for example. It's like the service offended them for being poor, even though that wasn't necessarily the intention. Maybe they were trying the best they could but ended up poor regardless? Maybe the establishment lacked the necessary resources to have better employees? Maybe the employees themselves were very stressed due to overwork? Dare to question the credibility of the information told by your heart. You might find out that the heart is not always a reliable information source. I think that being insulted is evidence that intuition is not always right. Miscommunication might occur when we rely on intuition to properly determine what the other side meant. In reality, however, they could've meant another thing completely. Therefore, relying on being insulted as evidence can lead to misunderstandings. The problem of intuition comes when it increases our bias to confirm a false premise. It's known as confirmation bias. Confirmation bias can lead to regard false information as truth. It could serve as one of the reasons people may prefer to regard fake news as the truth. Appeal to the hearts of your audience, and you can unfortunately manipulate their beliefs regarding reality. As such, we can be manipulated by our own feelings. Judge them, and they can have less power over you. Please take note that insults and criticism are not the same thing. That's even though criticism can be delivered in an insulting way. While criticism can certainly help us improve, I'm not sure if insults can or were intended for that purpose. I also wrote on how to take criticism, if interested. Every public figure is prone to both of those, anyhow. If you seek greater relevance, it's imperative that you overcome being insulted, especially if you're popular. It also matters if you work in customer service, for example. Your voice deserves to be heard. Your presence deserves to be here. Do not run and hide from civilization, or even become a celibate, because your heart suffered so much. I did all three. It was a waste of potential. It was a waste of potential because my contributions deserve to be here regardless of the false information delivered by my emotions. Because the world does not have to be so grim and negative as your heart may tell you it is. It still has positive aspects. It still has people who can appreciate you for who you are and for what you're doing. Succumb to the incorrect data of your emotions, succumb to negative bias, and you might ignore the optimistic, colorful sides of humanity. I'm telling you this by experience. As I thought before, I don't think there's a practical purpose to being insulted. It can be explained, for sure, but what are we supposed to do with it? If you're an artist or poet, you can use it as inspiration, yes, but what other function can it serve? I'm not asking rhetorically. Feel free to propose an idea in the comments. An idea that goes beyond creation of content. As a philosopher, I care less about being insulted and more about the content I receive to read (comments, email messages and so on). Some of you may think that sentences such as "what happened this time", or "pay attention" are offensive or arrogant. In reality, however, why does the usage of words matter more than the meaning behind them? I'd like to propose the idea that it is the content of communication, that matters more than what that content makes us feel. At least in public and professional settings, that deserves to matter much more. In such settings our personal sentiments should be compromised in the name of getting work done. It's not easy, especially to people who are more sensitive than others, but we need to survive nonetheless. Still, our emotions deserve to be expressed more broadly, but elsewhere. That is one of the functions of true friendship and even of true love . So, if someone asks "what happened this time", then they might just want to know what happened specifically. Why would it be offensive, beyond the fact that it's seen that way? If someone asks us to "pay attention", maybe they just want us to be more focused on a certain topic. Why be insulted by their request? Therefore, I wouldn't say that intuition, or the ability to understand without the rationale, is always correct. Perhaps it's the exact reason as to why we need to think more deeply than that. Not every emotion is true, just because it is present in our hearts (or minds, or whatever). Looking beyond the emotion is therefore necessary to better understand reality. Are we actually being attacked when presented with words that make us uncomfortable? Obviously, feeling as if we are attacked, is not the same as actually being attacked, by fist or by weapon. Deep inside, you know this is true. Do not deny the facts. Do not deny reality just because your emotions compel you to deny it. Why are our hearts broken? We might assume that the other side loves us as much as we do. Why are we scared sometimes? Because things might seem more horrific than they actually are. Why are we anxious or stressed? We may be worried, even if certain events deserve little concern. The same goes for great pride and for excitement, by the way. Correlation with reality is key to a stable mentality. Submit to the exaggeration of your emotions, and you might overestimate or underestimate reality itself. As such, deep inside, I know that the mental pain I endured for most of my life was just that. Pain. Coming to terms with reality has set me free again. And even if an insult is done on purpose and we are thus offended, so what? Of course we do not like being insulted, for we do not like pain (unless you're a masochist). And even so, what are the consequences of being insulted? Must our self-esteem be destroyed? Demolished? Vanished entirely, even for some time? Must we cower and hide from the world? Must we even agree with the offender's words? After all, the information he or she delivered might be false regardless. That is why many curse words aren't even worthy of our attention. Our mothers are not female dogs just because someone who hates us told us so. Deep inside we know that. The truth, beyond the clutter of emotion, is the key to set us free in this insensitive reality. Some emotions do have a functional reason, like exhaustion. It serves as an indication that we might need to rest. The data we receive when we are afraid may be justified, when we really have something to be afraid of. Like when there is a tiger or any other predator nearby. Then, our fear can save us. It cannot save us when there is no actual threat, all because there is nothing to save us from. We might not have direct control over the intensity of the heart. However, we can alter their effects on us using reason. To become more successful in our ambitions. We cannot move our heads without our necks. We can "move" our emotionality using the "neck" that is our mindset. Do you understand? Our control over our emotions is indirect like our control over our heads stems from our necks. Beliefs may give things more importance than they deserve . The opposite of that, as well. Like when falling in love, like when being extremely irritated by minor things, and so on. Become aware of your beliefs and confront them, and you can partially alter and change your mentality, just like I did. Question their credibility, and strive to have beliefs that align more with the facts. To be more objective is to not give in too much to our subjective experiences. It is to look beyond their vision. It's called meta-cognition, or the ability to think beyond our thinking. If we're really interested in the truth, then what should matter, is reality, or what really happens or is happening. Focusing on that, can calm or intensify our emotions in accordance to the reality that exists beyond our hearts and minds. It is the practical thing to do. With this priority in mind, we might be insulted far, far less, ultimately. And remember: There are no human connections without some degree of suffering. In potential, at the very least. Be afraid of suffering, and you ironically may suffer even more, in isolation and in social anxiety.

(More articles I wrote on spirituality: https://www.philosocom.com/post/issues-with-spirituality https://www.philosocom.com/post/the-arcane-and-causal-fallacy Enjoy!) BG 5.27-28: Shutting out all thoughts of external enjoyment, with the gaze fixed on the space between the eye-brows, equalizing the flow of the incoming and outgoing breath in the nostrils, and thus controlling the senses, mind, and intellect, the sage who becomes free from desire, fear, and anger, always lives in freedom. "The fact that we can access our inner world through dreams or similar means is like having 1/60th of prophecy. While this may not seem like much, paying attention to our feelings can grant us access to a part of our whole being,  enabling us to grow as human beings and more. Surrounded by all that exists, we can draw inspiration from our behavior and come to a future that aligns more with the overall picture ." -- Mr. Roland Leblanc (Directory On Dreams) (Background music) Everywhere I look... shadows. Not the kind that dance on walls at night, but the ones that cling to the edges of reality itself and surround it psychopathically. A reality beyond the smaller one we live in.  I used to think the world was a solid, physical place of facts and figures. However, connecting to my intuition , it feels like a poorly-made stage set, a backdrop for some grand, unknowable play. A giant void encompassing the pretentious theatre we call real life. It started with a strange sensation. Disconnected. Like I was peering through a dusty window at a life that wasn't quite mine, merely learned by others that it is. Now I realize how true human connection is by large a delusion. A delusion created by mental constructs, AKA illusions. Only rarely a true connection lies, one that's on intuition, not on mere pleasantries or transactionality. How can we trust our minds when they do not tell us a concrete reality, as much of what we think about the impressions we receive? My eyes felt miles away, not part of me.  Nowadays, I don't feel anything as part of me, of an inner core, maybe of my soul.  Like they were trapped in a cage of my own making - the cage of logic and reason. It was terrifying, a profound loneliness that settled deep in my bones. I used to feel that emotion. An uncanny, profound emotion beyond society and solitude. Such an emotion, felt beyond the veil of my momentary daily life, allowed me to study the power of the void. The world, the one I thought I knew, felt like a dream.  One filled with a hollowness that merely pretended to be of concrete value.   I even slapped on my knee once to test my true care of sensation. Although the pain was sharp, my ascetic lifestyle turned me into a largely oblivious sage, who sees most emotion as but a distraction from his work. I may be happy and over-energetic at times. However, I am well aware these are meddlesome veils that distract me from seeing reality more clearly, using both reason and intuition. Society, who engineers and manipulates itself on the empowerment and repression of specific emotions in its members... of course they would be a distraction as well. Only those who care enough to help my health , the infrastructure imperative for my philosophic work, they are truly the ones worthy of my time and attention. The rest of this false matrix is either a distraction or a necessary evil. A pressure often thumped on my forehead, causing me headaches I discarded as with much of my pain , like a trapped bird trying to break free. Could it be...? The legends of a Third Eye, a gateway to realms burdened by emotions that are there to lose?   To touch it mentally, offered no physical sensation, beyond further pain and further pain, necessary for liberation . As my mind buzzed with the possibility of something more... Something greater than all of this! They say the Third Eye awakens with intuition , a surrender to the whispers of the unseen. And this... this gateway... it promises a new reality, that is merely left unseen. It is a layer of existence stacked upon all the conventional ones in reality's intricacy.   Even this screen, the comforting click of the keys...  a mere interactive, metaphysical fabrication , as it tires my eyes, yet my brain sees beyond these eyes, a world beyond. I, the one who scoffed at such notions with physicalism, now find myself seeing the waking world as a painted hologram.    There were moments, starting from a younger age, where I felt the observer within, the essence of me, shift from my internal world , observing the bigger, empty reality that surrounds me.  No longer behind my eyes, but my whole being, expanding itself in its energy , becoming part of a greater cosmic force.   My entire life was spent dreaming within and without dreams. The world as a vast, unknowable, empty dreamscape we merely fool ourselves to be greater in essence than it really is. My depression began when I understood this as a child . All people see are impressions they mistake for reality. That is why many of them would blow things out of proportion. I did so too, until connecting to such moments, helped me let go from such an absurd grandiose mental reception. The aftershocks linger as a weight of a mind as fatigued as that of an old man.  Random flashes where the world seems to glow in energies I was taught to repress, were a reminder of the veil that separates this realm from the next.  Even my damn video games feel different, as they were the ones that helped me realize this reality is often as empty, truly as a video game world or a movie.  Less a matter of thumbs on a controller, more a connection forged with the expanding, lonely-at-the-top mind. Perhaps this newfound intuition is what I need to truly fulfill my purpose , my calling as a philosopher.   To unravel the mysteries that have always lurked in the shadows of the lights casted by societal productions.  The world is not what it seems.  There's something... something beyond, pressing against the edges of perception . It can become clearer the more we turn to hermits. I enjoy and embrace the shadows, as I too attempt to delve into the mysteries that lie beyond the veil.  The intuition of them, grow stronger with each article I write and renovate. I... I can't help but feel compelled to listen. Can't help, but overcome my own willpower , and become more attuned with it.

Preparing to Suffer -- My Philosophy On A Broken Heart Summary I start by explaining the concept of a broken heart. It's a metaphor for the emotional pain we feel when someone we love rejects us. This feeling is so common that there's even a medical condition called Broken Heart Syndrome. I also discuss about his fear of getting hurt in love and my decision to avoid romantic relationships altogether. However, I realize that fearing rejection can prevent me from experiencing love and all that comes with it. I therefore decide to embrace the possibility of getting hurt because I believes a life filled with love is ultimately more fulfilling, even with the risk of heartbreak. I conclude by encouraging readers to accept the inevitability of pain in life, including emotional pain from love. I argue that the pain is a product of sacrifice. (Philosocom's Directory on Heart) (Background music) A broken heart is an abstract expression that defines disappointment and failure whenever someone you love rejects you. While your heart doesn't necessarily crack when it happens, a medical condition, called Broken Heart Syndrome , exists. I'm not going to talk about medicine here, and I'm not a medical professional, only a philosopher. As long as you have people you love in life, the possibility of your heart to "break" always exists. That's because you cannot stop anyone from rejecting you. In Japan there is a very deadly type of lover, called the yandere . A Yandere is a lover who is so obsessed about you, they can be extremely dangerous to anyone, yourself included. A quick search on Youtube can reveal disturbing fantasies of these lovers, kidnapping the viewer, so they will never escape. Escape, after all, is a sign of rejection... Especially if you are imprisoned. Hm, yes. Hurrem , the wife of Sultan Suleiman I, was a yandere. After realizing that my heart will be broken indefinitely by anyone I'll ever love, I am renouncing my oath to live like a monk and abstain from women. I don't know if I'm interested in sex, but I am open to the idea, so I will at least see for myself. Fortunately, being asexual does not mean you are not a romantic person . People who are aromantic exist , so the need to love and be loved emotionally is not universal to all. People may fear love because they fear being hurt , and not only rejected. They fear suffering and the emotional pain that may be included when interacting with someone they are attracted to. They may have problems with trust, because the other person can, suddenly, betray them by being emotionally close to someone else. And so on and on. My decision to become a "monk" was to reduce pain and suffering caused by others. And who can cause the greatest emotional pain, if not those whom you truly love? And yet, a broken heart is "perfect". It is "perfect" when you realize that reality is flawed. That other people are flawed. That you are flawed. Why, then, let flaws that hinder you, flaws that you can't necessarily fix, stand in your way, for greater ambition? I no longer care if my heart will be shattered. It has been shattered enough times, so I am already aware of the pain. Instead, I will gather the broken pieces and build a greater heart, until my heart becomes as strong as iron . I am speaking metaphorically here, but you can follow the same philosophy. The same is true for my loyal readers . They may reject my articles and even decide to disconnect indefinitely. That possibility does not threaten me, for it is a possibility that I recognize. The point of philosophy is not only to find truths, but also to recognize them. To look them straight in the eye, without fear, and with great courage. It is, after all, better for the philosopher to do so, rather than to live in delusion. Correct? Yes. After speaking with some people, I have realized that "flaw" is the new "perfect". It is admired when a person is honest about their flaws, and to be dishonest in the matter is a petty flaw . The person who pretends for others , just to please them, may find it difficult to earn their trust. This seems to be true in romance as well. A vulnerable man is also liked, because it means that the man is open enough for you. I am myself vulnerable, but no longer fear being hurt once more, or the time after it. Love requires sacrifice. Sacrifice that is noble. Sacrifice that is moral and appreciated. A good lover is also a man or woman who are also loyal beings . And loyalty takes courage, as well as integrity. To fear your heart being broken can mean that you are not open enough for either your loyalty, or that of your partner's. People like to feel safe. Not only financially but psychologically, as well. And not just your friends or loyal readers. Lovers, as well. Those who fear a broken heart, may not feel safe enough, to sacrifice themselves for another. For the other, they cannot control. For the other, can always leave, and betray. Let us conclude with this: In order to prepare for your heart to break, you must first realize the inevitability of pain. Physical or otherwise. There is no life that is always pure of pain. Accept pain as a possibility , and if there is no actual danger, you might be open enough to suffer once more, in the name of love. In the name of him, or her. For pain is a product of sacrifice in such cases. Vengeance does not always have to be about proving someone wrong . It can also be defined by a life that is well lived. By a life where there is love.

(Philosocom's Masculinity Directory) (Philosocom's Subcategory On Fatigue and Exhaustion) For general understanding: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Existential_isolation The Existential Isolator --- Theme of Solitude and Ambition (Inspired theme) Only I am the one, Who knows who I really am. The darkness of my mind's back, reveals, The vastness of what I truly can. This empire's not enough, To extinguish the flames burning inside, of me. They're eating me alive, So at least, this empire, I will strive. No matter how much I will remain misunderstood, For it happens frequently, I will survive as I deserve, and should. I am not certain if love has the power I think it could, To rid me of this. But if I have no love then I'll at least gain respect . Because I deserve to live, Deserve to contribute, My fatigued muscles, see, this do not contradict. Whether survive or not, my legacy shall remain, consist! See, I've seen my real name , During my meditations. I cannot show my true self, to none, From the subconscious, I refuse to run. I'm, too wise, To reveal, my most hidden thoughts, Existential, solitude, I'll reinforce with a gentleman's, attitude. Hence why I cannot be properly understood, It will happen frequently. But I will survive as I deserve, and should. Admired or not, this loneliness can last, don't be fooled. Apply this to yourself. But that is far better to remain beneath the glass ceiling. So I will live to work, Work to contribute, My fatigued muscles, see, this do not contradict. Whether survive or not, my legacy shall remain, consist! Being masculine means I better restrain , The true Rubinshtein. "You exposed, it's a mistake", That's what my former love said. Despite my loneliness I will try being a man , And let none be in my way. Remember that I am more shadowy regardless of what I say. Only within true love, I will be myself, every day. If continue with her I only may. As I get to lay her head on my chest. Because I deserve to live, Deserve to love, My fatigued muscles, see, this do not contradict. Whether survive or not, my legacy shall remain, consist! ...I was never asked to live, I live by consent, I live to truth-seek.

(Disclaimer: The guest posts do not necessarily align with Philosocom's manager, Mr. Tomasio Rubinshtein's beliefs, thoughts, or feelings. The point of guest posts is to allow a wide range of narratives from a wide range of people. To apply for a guest post of your own, please send your request to mrtomasio@philosocom.com) ( Some material on Illusions: https://www.philosocom.com/post/the-two-types-of-illusions https://www.philosocom.com/post/distinguishing-truth-from-illusion https://www.philosocom.com/post/existence-as-multi-layered https://www.philosocom.com/post/the-mind-and-the-mental-dimension ) (Philosocom Igal Sh.'s Articles) A slave who thinks he is free keeps himself in chains. -- Mark Bloom (Background music) Life is an illusion. More specifically, it is a system of illusion. The value of it on Earth is only measured by our heads and our unified perception of reality . One that does not necessarily deviate from our own unique perspectives, but one that can allow us to follow our common goals. To proudly have our families filled not only with love, but also to enter our own purposes in existence. Perception is, in other words, but a means to an end. A tool that can have different degrees of functionality, in relation to our ambitions. And by being alive, we develop these illusions using the system that is our very lives. Thoughts, emotions, concepts. They are merely the constructs of the system we're in— the system of consciousness . They help us survive, but most importantly, they allow us to cooperate with other "system-users," so to speak—with other human beings. And using these collaborations, we are able to achieve things we wouldn't be able to accomplish by ourselves. To some, the reach of this reality today is not working as efficiently as for others. This can be attributed to whatever individual traits and issues being a feature. For example, the socially inept may have a tougher time to cooperate with others, while people who are more social by nature (AKA, intuitively), may have little-to-no such problems at all. In fact, the latter may be able to partake and organize even bigger collaborations. People deserve a convenient "game," a trustworthy game of their own soul. To clear the distance between society's politics and religion, they need to be balanced and profitable to nature, as well as people and animals. This is immensely important to the fabric of reality that we have been able to build and sustain. After all, we do not live in a vacuum. We live in shared areas, in organized collectives, and most importantly—in a single world which we all inhabit. Our resources are limited, and he or she who disregards others, may disregard their own potential, and the very world that allows them to live within it. Every organization should behave as a family, like a beehive. Where order can sustain intellects from all the fields of industry, sales, and prices eventually. We can prosper together better as a unified structure, that is bound to law and documented by deals of sorts. Deals like transactions, agreements, and so on. It may work for all relevant future advancements in any field. The tower we all climb, AKA, our shared reality and our ambitions within it, is relevant to control the inner machinations of our being. And for that intention in mind, we need to develop openness to other beings, and accept a unified idea to sustain both ends. Without these mutual collaborations, we would either become incompetent in our functioning, or simply force ourselves on others to do our bidding. In some cases, the latter leads to slavery. The peace deals between countries that may have market share and confrontation on their scale, may serve as examples to what I've explained thus far. But if we want to eliminate the "they" part of an ideal structure of a union, both parties need to share a market. The need for competition is in our DNA , but we reach for the stars, our stars, our reality, our fears, if we collaborate further with one another. Then, we will be open to accept both the blessings and hardships of this reality. This illusion-system is expressed through the media, for example, to make the people involved in viewing ratings. The viewer must not see it as a win for this system, or the illusion of fantasy will be greatly compromised. In a way, it's like losing one's innocence. Like when you realize Santa Claus isn't real. Doing so can be compared to the satisfaction of watching a movie, while seeing how it ends, at the same time. Y our perception of reality plays a significant role in the way you experience it . It's why some people are easily surprised and amazed, while others are not. Our philosophies, conscious or otherwise, can dictate how we operate in this reality. This system that I'm talking about is essentially an operating system. A platform of applications, so to speak. To realize your goals, you must have the same order of gravity between you and the network of others. Trimming out the context we don't want to show , does not resolve the main problem of unification. It can, however, calm down moments of conflict and power struggles . More difficult topics can be postponed for later, but they must be dealt with eventually to allow for better cooperation between all parties. Otherwise, the main issue, and the need for sharing them in common, will not be resolved. Topics change over time to fit the needs that life has to offer in the future, but there are some steady issues that must be preserved to keep humanity in check. Some of them, after all, may be ready to be updated at any time by our changing reality. When power is used for the collective good, it gives peace and order. However, when it is used aggressively, it can rewrite our shared system. The balance between power that is used for the collective good and power that can only eat an organization from within through the competitive struggle to the top is our main topic now. Those who are chosen to handle this topic in person must be responsible for controlling it and keeping it in line on a regular basis. We are a complex web of difference-holders, and the strains that are currently in progress show that balancing deserves to be worked on. Therefore, it must not be disturbed by additional strains, as they could only tip the balance of power within partnerships of any kind. Remember, the harmony and order that power creates is only a means to an end— and that end is our hopes and dreams, both individual and collective. Willing or not, the preservation of order is key to getting things done. To make the topic of guarding the balance profitable, we give a mindset to communize common ideas. Giving a mindset and a system is what gives the narrators the responsibility for the topic, both economically and organizationally, with all members involved. The stray must not be stopped, as order can be corrupted into oppression and abuse of power. However, if it cannot sustain itself, and the group leaders abandon the post, the old idea must first have a compatible replacement that meets the needs of all recorded members who are the investors. The "parliament" of illusion is a changing source of ideas that fit themselves to the needs of itself. However, it must have censors to be able to sense a regrettable change before it erupts , knowing how to lead it through to gradual change and the shifting of the boat. We are all in the same boat.

Subcategory Directory on Health: The "Health Bar" Theory -- How To Better Understand And Work Towards Greater Health Health, Body and Delusion -- How Your Body Image Depends On You Healthy Masculinity -- A Critique The Philosophy of Medication -- When Escapism Should Be Prioritized Disability Shaming and the Mentally-Ill -- Understanding Mental Illness The Horror of Heat And Its Effect On the Human Mentality (And Why We Need to Decrease It) https://www.philosocom.com/post/passionate-work The Mentally Disabled and Independence -- A Severe Critique (By Mr. M. Svartgold) Importance and Luxury -- Bias of Prestige in Work Where Philosophy Helps Most: Using Philosophy as a Way to Extend Our Lifespan (By Mr. C. Kingsley and Mr. J. Bright) How Philosophy Complements Sanity and Can Heal You https://www.philosocom.com/post/health-and-wisdom https://www.philosocom.com/post/stop-overthinking Introduction (Disclaimer: The guest posts do not necessarily align with Philosocom's manager, Mr. Tomasio Rubinshtein's beliefs, thoughts, or feelings. The point of guest posts is to allow a wide range of narratives from a wide range of people. To apply for a guest post of your own, please send your request to mrtomasio@philosocom.com)   The following is a contribution, made by the former secretary to the government of India, Dr. S. K. Pachauri, regarding his wisdom as to how to live in a fit and healthy manner. Please note that it isn't an alternative to getting counsel from your medical doctor, but simply a set of advice one can apply to his or her life, written in the form of a story. The Best Way to Keep Fit and Healthy Mr. Raman, a senior citizen who retired from government service recently, and Dr. Joshi, a senior surgeon, were traveling in the same compartment. After introducing themselves, Raman asked Dr. Joshi, "Doctor, as a retired person, I have a health question.... Apart from diabetes, high blood pressure, cholesterol, and obesity, can you name a single most important point that senior citizens should take care of? I do know the health hazards of tobacco consumption and alcohol." This way, he hinted to the doctor that he had done some homework. Dr. Joshi replied, "Good Mr. Raman, you already know the most prevalent risk factors that affect health the most. What I always tell people is not what procedures I do in the emergency room, but how one can avert a situation to come see me in the emergency room and lead a quality life.... "At the outset, I suggest one make a habit of practicing silence for a few minutes as the first thing before getting up from bed. It is a calm reconciliation with one's own self. "The second is to have an attitude of gratitude for life as a whole. It may be toward Mother Earth or the sun that is supporting life. It may be your society, parents, teachers, wife, or husband. Anyone and everything can become a part of your life." This attitude aligns you and orients you with cosmic force. It brings positivity, and it will have an energizing and healing effect on you. "In terms of pure medical advice, falling is the most important risk factor for the elderly. In my experience, it is the most debilitating and difficult situation for the elderly patient to cope with or recover from, as well as the most demanding situation for family members or attendants. "The golden rule for the elderly is to never fall down. Falling down marks the beginning of the end for some unfortunates." Raman grew curious and asked, "If you don't mind, what is your second most important advice?" Dr. Joshi replied: "Keep walking. Walking is living. Walking helps maintain many health conditions, including heart health. I know people in their late 90s who go for long walks. Of course, you should guard against many factors when walking at that age, but not walking is a risk factor at any age. Please note that it is not like people are walking because they are fit; people are fit because they are walking. "Those who can't walk due to medical reasons should try pranayama, or breathing exercises that can be suggested by the family doctor." Dr. Joshi continued on his own after seeing Raman's enthusiasm.... "The third most important point is to keep yourself hydrated. Elderly people are prone to reduced water levels and electrolytes in the body. Drinking water by sipping frequently (buttermilk, coconut water, ORS, etc.) helps. "The next important thing is good bowel and gut health. Eating easily digestible and fiber-rich foods will help. One should have cooked food and avoid fried foods, bakery foods, and fast foods. Eat moderately and have dinner at least three hours before going to bed. Daily consumption of a few dry fruits and seasonal fruits will be great for overall health as well. And walking and remaining hydrated also help in maintaining bowel health. Another important aspect of health is being active mentally and remaining calm emotionally. Having an attitude of gratitude and contributing to someone's happiness work like medicine. Some call it "cosmic wisdom" or "cosmic orientation." It is important to prevent Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases and depression. "There are some positive activities you can engage yourself in, and you can pick up what interests you most to create an activity for the brain. The creative as well as the analytical functions of the brain should be put to use.... "The reading, writing, and arithmetic that we studied in school may be basic, but they are valuable habits as you age for mental and motor skills." Traditionally, ayurvedic preparations of Brahmi and Aswagandha are used as supplements. "Maybe I can add here that as you age more, you should have an RMP who visits you periodically and sees you closely from a medical point of view. In an emergency, time is of the essence. Early detection and quick response make a world of difference. Lastly, to age gracefully and to leave the world peacefully, one needs God's grace. So, meditate as well. Medical care and meditation are complementary to each other. And my bonus advice is that you should have your daily dose of entertainment. And please take into consideration... the elderly are not barred from having entertainment and laughter. A relaxed mind and happy heart provide the best health and immunity." Mr. Raman thanked the doctor from the bottom of his heart. And replied: "Regards. Try to go through."