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- The Rubinshteinic Philosophy on Acting: The Cult of the Open Secret
(Philosocom's Subcategory on Manipulation) "It is all metaphor, but we pretend some of it is less so." -- Mark Bloom (Background music) Introduction From a strictly philosophical vantage point, the concept of Acting is an anomaly. It is an industry of immense luxury, commanding fame, glory, and capital, yet it remains, arguably, largely unproductive to the advancement of the human condition. It is a glorified, societally sanctioned form of hypocrisy. This sanctioning creates a secondary layer of hypocrisy within the audience itself: we condemn liars in the public square, yet we donate our time, money , and emotional bandwidth to "professional pretenders" in the name of culture. The Anatomy of the "Open Secret" What distinguishes Acting from common malice ? Hypocrisy, by definition, occurs when an entity presents a facade that contradicts their essence. Usually, this is a mechanism of deceit—either deluding oneself (delusion) or deceiving others (manipulation). Acting, however, occupies a unique category: The Open Secret. It is a consensual delusion. Both the deceiver (the actor) and the deceived (the audience) sign a silent contract acknowledging the lie. This mutual agreement to "pretend we do not know what we know" is what allows the simulation to function. It is perhaps the largest collective cognitive dissonance in human history. The Economy of False Emotion We live in an era of fandoms, where billions of people invest deeply in simulacra—copies of things that have no original. We discuss fictional characters as if they breathe; we weep for tragedies that never occurred. Consider the phenomenon of the modern consumer who feels they have "wasted their life" over a video game or a movie franchise. This is the danger of the Open Secret. The intellect knows it is an illusion , but the heart does not possess that filter. The entertainment industry is, objectively, the business of meddling with human biology —triggering dopamine and cortisol responses using calculated falsehoods—in exchange for brand loyalty and fees. The Universal Script: Society as a Stage Why do we adore professional hypocrites? Because they excel at what the average person attempts to do poorly every day: Survival through Performance. We are all drafted into a form of amateur acting. Social norms are the script; society is the stage. We are conditioned to believe that adoration is conditional—that we will only be loved if we perform the correct emotions and suppress our true nature. The Actor: Sells a fantasy to escape to. The Civilian: Wears a mask to survive. People adore actors because actors provide a reflection of what they wish were true. Plato identified this centuries ago: the masses prefer the shadow on the wall to the object casting it. They do not want the truth; they want a script that confirms their biases. The Anti-Philosophical Nature of Performance This brings us to the core conflict: Acting is the antithesis of Philosophy. Philosophy is the logical, relentless pursuit of Truth. It is a way of life that demands we act in accordance with reality, regardless of comfort. You cannot be a philosopher if you prefer a pleasant lie over a harsh truth. You cannot be a philosopher if you demand others perform for you. Therefore, the veneration of Acting is an anti-philosophical stance. When I was deemed "irrelevant" by a former friend for being honest about my feelings, it was a rejection of Truth in favor of the Mask. She failed to appreciate the value of reality. I retributed by building an empire of truths. The Integrity of the Void This is why I reject the creation of fiction. I do not wish to "pretend" when pretending does not serve a survival purpose. Roleplaying (RP/LARP): While a creative exercise for some, it is merely another layer of the Open Secret— a safe space to be someone else because one cannot bear to be oneself. The "Alpha" Pretender: A man who wears a beard or a suit to alter perception is merely engaging in costume design. If you hate a man, showing me a photo of him in a suit versus a T-shirt should not alter your judgment. The truth of the man remains. To be swayed by the costume is to admit you have no use for the essence. Conclusion: The Empire of Truth We must ask ourselves: Why should a man be condemned for honesty , when honesty is the only path to genuine connection? Depth— the cure for existential loneliness —cannot be found in a script. It can only be found in the raw, unpolished reality of the self. We should not be pleased by the deception of appearances . We should not be fooled by the trickery of emotion . We should only utilize the Truth, for only the Truth can liberate us from the shackles of delusion. Philosocom is not a theater. It is a content empire that aims for the truth. We look beyond the symbolism of human interaction , to see the nucleus within.
- The Philosopher's Trap -- The Delusion of the Universal and Perception Directory
The Directory The Subjection of Perception -- How Perception Remains Limited Death Freedom and Intersubjectivity: Shared Perception External Vision and Identity -- How Perception and Identity Has To Do With Truth and Survival The Tragedy of Philosophy -- Impressions and Truth -- How Our Perception is Hindered The Attempt to Redeem Subjectivity The Philosophy of Numbers and Meanings -- How They Are the Keys to Reality and Subjectivity The Philosophy of Subjective Equality -- How "Everything" Could Be Equally Real https://www.philosocom.com/post/neolithic-spirals The Philosophy of Monsters (Or, How to Cope with Reality) The Rubinshteinic Philosophy of Symbolism In Human Interaction (Background music) Alex Mos's Synopsis: Objectivity is hard to grasp. Widely accepted subjectivity is often incorrectly accepted as objectivity. A way to understand objectivity is to search for a truth that exists logically regardless of its post-truth. Since the reality is in constant change, it’s difficult to determine an objective truth. It exists regardless of the present knowledge, technology and cultural norms. The Philosopher’s Trap is the delusion of finding eternal, unchangeable truth. The most philosophical insights are limited in time and to societal circumstances . Only a few philosophers created “immortal” ideas which remained relevant and actual throughout centuries. The Subjective Facade of Objectivity Much of what we see as objective is actually widely accepted subjectivity . From norms to rules to tradition to laws -- a large part of what we consider truth or falsehood is the product of very wide agreement on things. This happens because true objectivity is very hard to grasp, when anything you or others claim can quickly be labelled as their own subjective opinion. Such are "truths" in the absence of logic nor evidence. And even then, they could be disproven at any time. Additionally, the fact that an opinion is transcended into a wider agreement doesn't erase its original subjectivity. With or without research , the universe is too dynamic and uncertain to actually reach any universal, eternal truths about anyone or anything. At the very least, at least frequently. One could take time to think of such a possibility, but actually reaching it, and frequently, is far harder to do. When we believe that we, by default, exist to reproduce , that is also a subjective belief. That's even though many believe it to be the truth. When we believe that food must be eaten with a fork and a knife, that too is a subjective belief made out of tradition, along with its association to being civilized in some countries. In other words, there is no "one" way of doing things ; no "one", higher truth that is true about anyone or anything. There will always be, at least for the most part, an exception to that rule, and that is, if anything, the only way to understand objectivity. A truth that exists logically regardless of its post truth. Reaching that elusive post-truth-independent truth is the basic purpose of philosophical research. Existence is so diverse, so wide, and so uncertain, exceptions can easily disprove any common belief of ours, once seen as an objective truth. AKA, a truth that is wider than your own opinion. And even if something is your own individual opinion, that doesn't make it any less true or false than an opinion that is commonly held as truth. That is because both are subjective either way, and are therefore equal in their lack of objectivity. The validity of an opinion isn't something that is based on the number of people who hold it as truth; that is a logical fallacy called ad-populum. ' The eccentric, the exception, might always be there, somewhere in the world -- in the universe, even - that might as well show your universalized belief to be but a local thing . How objective can we be about reality when our knowledge of the universe remains far from absolute? This is not a rhetorical question. The Elusive Quest for Eternal Truths Since reality is ever-changing, even beyond the realm of humanity, it is difficult to come up with a universal statement that is true regardless of the age and state of being people are currently in. As such, an objective truth, or an independent truth, would exist regardless of these specific scales (other than opinion): Present knowledge. Technology. Culture and norms . The first scale can be surpassed by adapting a mindset of lifelong learning . The second scale could be solved through theorizing about fictional technology. Lastly, the barrier of culture and norms could be solved by becoming a social critic, which is one of the roles of the philosopher -- to take social risks. By questioning these aspects, and understanding that universal truths exist outside specific, local frameworks, we would conclude that logic is the primary tool to find such types of truths. After all, logic is universal as well, and in fact, similar to numbers , is the building stone of the universe itself. Even if something becomes a habit, from belief to activity, that alone does not mean that it is correct, or be based or aligned to the truth. The truth does not care if you're comfortable with it or not, and habits may be based on falsehood as well, not being the truth itself. Truth is but a trait of things and beings, and truths can be prone to change at any time under any circumstance. An election based on falsehood that convinces can change the way things truly are, for example. That could apply to universal truths as well because nothing is indestructible, only change form through re-arrangement. Even if you reach the truth, something that is hard to do as written, after a while it might as well no longer be relevant! It will no longer be relevant because very few things are actually certain. Even in this world of infinite information, many things remain undiscovered; unknown; unseen; unanswered. You might for example make up a complex theory about the recent future of a nation, only to find out that the theory has been entirely collapsed by that exact future. This is the Philosopher's Trap : As a truth seeker, once you believe that you are able to reach truths that are eternal and too powerful to be altered by reality, you WILL delude yourself at a high possibility. Reality is not like a monotonous stream of water; it is an ever-changing landscape, an infinite struggle of chaos, where tiny fractions of order are made, like on Earth, like the Solar System, and like modern life. For a truth as high as a universal truth, something that could reasonably apply to anything and anyone, you would require a careful examination of reality. You'll need to be able to doubt what you regard as the truth, by either thinking of exceptions, or experimenting with situations likely to be exceptions. You must climb atop your biases to overcome their limiting presence , capable of misleading you further away from the truth. The fact that we have embedded ourselves so deeply in our own orderly systems does not indicate that the whole universe works that way, or that any other place on earth is independent of such systems. As such, you might realize that cooperation is objectively far better than competition . And that's regardless of any specific social or personal ways of life. Also, as the cliche says: the only thing you can be sure of, is that existence is uncertain. That is also a universal truth because we could never perfectly tell the future , thus resulting in some degree of uncertainty. One day, the office building you work in might be reduced to stardust that'll build a new planet after billions of years. your beloved cat may desert you, never to be seen again. The search for higher truths often lead to either religious conclusions, which are faith-based, or to nihilism, which is defined by the absence of such truth and their value, thus becoming a "higher truth" itself if there are indeed no gods to determine their existence. The philosophers are therefore often left with bringing insights into the world that are limited in time and are prone to specific contexts. These could be useful until something happens to cancel their usefulness, deeming them irrelevant. To be a philosopher is simply to see from within the mind on a more-universal, large-range scale. The philosopher becomes an "immortal" in terms of relevance once their ideas can be discussed throughout the centuries, and still matter to people and to present situations. Thus, reaching such a truth could leave your mark in history. Why We See the World Differently Our truths, from religion to law, are ultimately subjective beliefs with varying degrees of acceptance. An acceptance that might disregard the truth just like the truth might disregard it, leading to more-unhealthy lifestyles in the name of validation. This inherent human subjectivity makes us susceptible to bias . We see the acceptable as the correct, making it easy to convert others to our views or interpret information according to our existing beliefs. Imagine viewing the world objectively, like from a flying eagle's point of view, free from the distorting filters of our biases. This ideal, however, can only be reached once subjectivity is purged as much as possible, leaving little to no room for unnecessary remarks and expressions of post-truth. Sacrifice of our subjective qualities might be a bad option that could change who we are in accordance. However, just like democracy it's the least bad option we have for navigating a world colored by our individually misleading, confidence-based perspectives.
- The Rubinshteinic Philosophy of Symbolism In Human Interaction
"Symbol is how the mind transcends life." -- Mark Bloom (Background music) (Directory on Perception) Introduction In the theatre of human interaction, physical objects are rarely just matter. A uniform, a medical device, a scar, or a tailored suit—these are not merely functional items; t hey are symbols that broadcast a specific standing within the social hierarchy. Whether we intend to or not, we are constantly signalling our position to the world. A medical apparatus, for instance, does not merely perform a biological function ; to the observer, it signals vulnerability, survival , or distinctiveness. It declares: "Here stands a human with a unique set of requirements and experiences." This proves a fundamental sociological truth: A status can exist even if the individual does not verbally claim it. It is stamped upon us by the artifacts we carry and the context in which we exist. The Inescapability of Social Coordinates We often mistake "status" for a title bestowed by institutions or royalty . In reality, status is a continuous product of recognition and interaction, woven by our friction with the world. The labor we perform, the leisure we pursue, and the garments we don—these are the coordinates that locate us in the social map, from the nuclear family to the broader civilization. It is impossible to be "status-neutral." To exist in a society is to be categorized. Even the attempt to opt out of society is, in itself, a status ( the hermit, the rebel, the ascetic) . These standings are tools; they are the levers by which we influence our environment. However, the efficacy of these tools relies on a mechanism we do not fully control: External Perception . The Relativity of Power The paradox of status is that while we generate the signal, the audience determines the meaning. We can influence our standing through choices and actions, but the final verdict hinges on the subjective lens of the observer. Context is the arbiter of value. A king in one territory is a commoner in another. A merchant, once viewed with suspicion in the Confucian hierarchies of ancient China, is the celebrated hero of modern consumerist culture. Status is not an immutable diamond; it is a reflection in a distorted mirror. The image shifts depending on the cultural angle and the observer's bias . Universality lies only in the fact that everyone has a status; the meaning of that status is fluid, shaped by intersubjectivity . Deconstructing the "Alpha" Myth This relativity exposes the flaw in rigid social classifications, such as the "Alpha/Beta" dichotomy. The concept of an "Alpha" aggressively dominating a hierarchy is as unrealistic as it is sociologically reductive. True leadership is not a forced crown seized by aggression; it is a mandate granted by the willingness of others to follow. A person of undeniable charisma or intelligence may project a powerful image, but they cannot dictate how that image is processed. The "Alpha" label crumbles under the weight of context. A celebrated intellectual may be invisible in a contest of physical labor, just as a warrior may be disregarded in a forum of diplomacy. Much of what we consider "dominance" is contingent on the specific environment, not an inherent biological trait. The Visual Shorthand: Fiction vs. Reality Fiction often utilizes visual shortcuts to bypass the complexity of status attribution. The villain is marked by a scar; the hero by a white hat. These are symbols acting as stereotypes to ensure instant recognition. In reality, the semiotics of status are far more ambiguous. A breathing mask might conjure images of critical illness to one observer, or high-tech bio-hacking to another. An eyepatch might signify a villain in a film, but in reality, it may symbolize military sacrifice or a mundane medical recovery. Judging solely by external symbols is a grave epistemological error. A snapshot of a person using medical equipment might lead an online observer to believe the subject is hospitalized, when in reality, they are thriving in the comfort of their home. The Strategic Self: Navigating Perception While the cliché holds that "inner qualities matter," we must acknowledge that society filters these qualities through external symbols. These "masks" we wear—both literal and figurative—are the first point of contact. Understanding the distinction between how we view ourselves and how we are viewed is a critical tool for self-discovery . This is not about vanity; it is about social calibration . If we ignore the external impressions we make, we risk misalignment with those we wish to influence. To navigate the social world effectively, one must look in the mirror through the eyes of the "Other." This is not an endorsement of manipulation, but a call for cooperation. By understanding how you are perceived, you can align your intentions with your reception , ensuring that people work with you rather than against you. Failure to bridge this gap leads to voluntary disconnection—where your potential influence is lost in translation. Conclusion We are all participants in a grand performance of signals. By acknowledging the power and the limitations of status—understanding that it is a collaborative fiction between the individual and society—we can move through life with greater agency. We cannot control the mirror, but we can curate the reflection.
- The Sovereign’s Sanctuary: Insights from Living Alone
(Background music) (Directory on Sovereignty) Introduction My fascination with the "hermetic life" began with a peculiar inspiration: the concept of the self-contained apartment in the video game Silent Hill 4 . While the game itself is one of horror, the core mechanic—a protagonist enshrined in his own concrete fortress, where life and work could coexist without external interference—resonated deeply with me. I have never been an overly social being; I am fundamentally a-social . The fantasy of a concrete hermitage was never about escaping reality, but about controlling it. Eventually, that fantasy became my reality. After years of being confined to single rooms within shared spaces, I finally secured my own territory. The result was immediate: living alone has made me a happier, calmer, and more effective human being. The Friction of Co-Existence Why is the institution of marriage or cohabitation often fraught with difficulty? The answer lies in the mechanics of proximity. For a relationship to succeed, affection alone is insufficient. One must constantly navigate the other person’s psyche, ensuring you do not inadvertently step on their vulnerabilities. It is rational to conclude that as long as you share a living space with others, conflict is not a possibility—it is a statistical probability. Friction is the inevitable byproduct of two lives rubbing against each other in a confined space. Finding a partner with whom you will have zero disputes is an idealistic delusion. The "Host" Protocol This raises a fundamental strategic question: Why endure the constant compromise of cohabitation when you can maintain territorial sovereignty? You do not need to live with someone to maintain a bond with them. By living alone, you "cut the middleman" of domestic friction and gain absolute independence. If you desire the company of a loved one, the solution is simple: The Host Protocol. You invite them into your territory. You offer them hospitality. You enjoy their presence. But the key distinction is that their presence is temporary . Once they depart, you are not left with their baggage, their noise, or their moods. You are left with the silence of your own domain. You avoid the "darker" aspects of human nature that only reveal themselves behind closed doors. You remain your own man or woman, facing only one adversary: Loneliness. The Modern Solution to Isolation Loneliness is indeed the "tax" one pays for solitude. The traditional remedy—marriage and children —is effectively a permanent surrender of privacy to ensure one is never alone. Raising a family is a total occupation of one’s time and space; it is the "easy route" for those who fear the silence . They fill the void with bodies to escape the quiet. However, we now live in an era where physical presence is no longer the sole cure for isolation. Through the rise of Virtual Reality (VR) and digital communities, we have entered a new paradigm. If you feel the onset of loneliness, you need not acquire a roommate. You can simply log into a virtual world. You can gather the courage to speak, interact, and socialize in a digital "third place." The crucial difference is that when your social battery is drained, you can disconnect. You can be with others instantly, and then return to your solitude just as quickly. The Privilege of Solitude We must ask ourselves: Why live with others when you can be alone and with others simultaneously? Technology has rendered the conventional necessity of cohabitation obsolete. We can now separate social fulfillment from physical living arrangements. Whether on religious or secular grounds, the choice is now yours. It is important to remember that living alone is not a right; it is a privilege. It is a luxury that allows you to become a calmer, more self-possessed being. Just as friendship is a privilege and not a guarantee, the ability to close your door and be the master of your own domain is a rare gift in a world that prioritizes noise over silence. In a society that values personal liberty, the ultimate liberty is the freedom from the constant gaze of another.
- Confessions of a Lonely Man, Part 3: Instability and Final Decision
(Confessions of a Lonely Man Part 1) Confessions of a Lonely Man Part 2) (Background music) For much of my life, I was unstable. I had an underlying mental condition that was only diagnosed in 2025. Had I been diagnosed with it earlier on, I would've been able to get the necessary treatment for it to function in society. A year after the diagnosis has been made, I've been living my happiest times of my life. At this point I can return to society if I want to. I can try academic studies once more and see if I can succeed this time without losing functionality. However, I don't want to. Being unstable has given me so much, and taught me a lot about the wickedness and cruelty of this world. I feel utterly disgusted by this world , that beyond my writings I want nothing to do with it. I've made up my mind. The long periods of instability were followed by depression , by a desire to take my own life, and by panic attacks. Even the littlest of remarks could've swayed me away. I sought peace. I fought many years to get where I am now, living a life of blissful solitude. Now nothing stands in my way of peace. After surviving wars, both internal and external , I got everything that I need and ever wanted. I had an unusual life, dropping off university and office work almost at the same years. That was before the pandemic of 2020. The pandemic didn't affect me in the slightest. I was building my own Q-continuum and seeking stability. However, that stability took many years to attain. Now that the stability has finally settled, I don't see a need to write maniacally anymore as I did following the many years Philosocom has been online. I am the closest I have ever been to living a normal life, minus the need to work; minus the human company the average person has. Witnessing the self-harmful tendencies of those I saved, I realized that ultimately, my instability has saved me from a world that is getting more and more dystopian. Had I been stable back then, before the pandemic, I would by now be dependent upon a sick society that doesn't reward individuality, compels you to mask your true self , and that is harsh to get by in for many. As hard as my dark past was, I am grateful for it. It has blessed me with the ability to endure long periods of isolation with ease. And if I picked the conventional path of academics and work, I wouldn't be able to meet my beloved , because in that parallel timeline, Philosocom wouldn't have been built. And, I wouldn't have been able to help all these people that I used to lead and now lead today too. My unstable times allowed me to build a tremendous website, full of many articles for the world to enjoy. As depressed and as maniacal as I was, it gave me absolute creativity, and allowed me near-absolute freedom from society. I am a glitch in the matrix. I am not supposed to exist. Unstable people don't get to survive in this harsh, twisted world. I have made up my mind. I have no intention of getting back to society even though I can. I will instead dedicate my life to the two worlds in my existence: The world of Love and maintaining this site. My instability saved me from a life of compliance to the matrix. Now, it is no longer necessary. It has outstayed its welcome, as well as the people that fueled my instability. My road to paradise awaits me, as I, await it. I will wait for it for years to come, for I have the patience of a monk. And as solitary as my life is, waiting for my beloved should be an achievable challenge.
- Confessions of a Lonely Man Part 2: Moonlit Reflections
(The Prequel) (Part 3) (Background music) At long last, after years of fighting depression , anxiety, fatigue and war, I have found my fabric of happiness in golden solitude. No longer I feel burdened by any of the negative mental states I've been wrestling with for much of my life. Also, my chronic pain has disappeared completely. I'm in a state of pure bliss. I have realized that a true dream job is no job at all, and as such I also became free from the need to be productive. The site has over 1000 articles by now. I feel that is more than enough. From time to time, like now, I will write my thoughts because writing gives me meaning and purpose. So much of my former pain and suffering were a result of the conventional world , which I don't fit in to. I found out that by creating my own path, my own kingdom , and by doing my small part in rectifying the world, I also rectify myself from the damage caused by the conventional world. By the conventional world I refer to school , university and work. These were very stressful for me and after I finished school I struggled in the real world after it. That is one of the reasons I opened up this site -- to create for myself an alternative framework of meaning and purpose, while also getting to help others. The journey with Philosocom only did good to me. It gave me meaning during my darkest times, and gave me an outlet to all the spare energy I had as a technically unemployed man. Eventually, I decided to let in guest writers too in order to diversify my legacy and allow more voices as well. As I successfully reached happiness after a harsh but strength-building life, my need to write has significantly decreased. It was especially during my darkest and unstable times of my mental health that I was the most productive. Now that I am stable, and now that the darkness has been purified by my rectification efforts, I finally get to enjoy the life of not having to work , after I dedicated many years on working on Philosocom. I am finally free from the need to be productive and finally free from all the vices that burdened on me for most of my life. It is truly relieving to be finally happy after years of depression and instability. Do I regret spending much of my life depressed and unstable? Ultimately, my dark past has built me to be strong; being able of living independently despite being neurodivergent . I believe my strength has exceeded that of many people, as that is what my difficult upbringing led me to have. And despite the fact that I am basically a lonely man, I also manage to rectify the loneliness without too much human company. Spending most of my days on my favorite hobby of watching videos, I feel truly blessed to be alone without being lonely, empty, depressed or dark. I have basically won life itself, as well as the many challenges that stood in my path. The years spent on enduring pain has paid off. By my own power I overcame depression, overcame darkness, overcame instability. And now, I vow myself to be always strong for the woman I'm in a relationship with. Over time, being always strong becomes easy as well. I am grateful for all my struggles, all my traumas and all my hardships. They built me to be a strong man who doesn't need much to be happy. Years of writing, years of asceticism paid off. And all I have left now is to live the remaining parts of my lifespan a happy man. My ending has been reached. My post-purpose life awaits me. I no longer struggle living a post-purpose life, because I have written so much, the need itself for purpose has significantly decreased. I am one of the freest, luckiest people on the planet. And I will keep maintaining my legacy for you to enjoy. Thanks for reading.
- Confessions of a Lonely Man
Confessions of a Lonely Man (The Sequel) (Part 3) (Background music) As of January 2026, I am 28. It amazes me how dystopian the world has become. People earn the same wages, but the living expanse goes up; The world is becoming more and more unstable politically and in terms of security; Capitalism reaches its end, making way for Techno-Feudalism. And what I did all this time? I confined myself to solitude because that's where is I feel the safest. I feel that the world is a threat, and I should keep to myself. In other words, all this time I've been building my own world -- Philosocom -- where I get to rule as ( retired ) Sovereign. Following my own passion in life, I don't really earn from what I'm doing, but at least I get to do work that fulfills me and gives me a sense of purpose. In many cases I've considered to give up on all this massive project. However, writing is what ultimately makes me happy and fulfilled. I am glad I have the opportunity to pursue what I like doing the most in a world that's increasingly becoming more and more dystopian. And yet, following one's own passions, in this case, has a drawback -- isolation. When you do something that makes you happy by yourself, you end up alone. And as such I ended up losing friends I had along the path of Philosocom because I was too stubborn on working on it rather than pleasing them. The internet is not what it's used to be. AI is taking over cyberspace, shaping it to create mostly junk content, and many website owners, from the number of dead links the site has been gathering, are giving up on their passion. Social media doesn't help, and many people prefer to stay in social media platforms, doomscrolling away their lives for algorithms that steal their privacy and know exactly what content to cater to them. My partner told me that I might regret giving up on Philosocom, and she's right. Writing is what ultimately makes me happy, even if it is a solitary activity. My " profession " as Ruler of Philosocom, as you can see, is isolating due to many factors and reasons. Human writing becomes scarce , people are giving up on websites, AI takes over, and social media keeps users trapped in algorithmic mazes. And of course, since the world is becoming more dystopian, people have less and less time to read, not to mention that their attention span is decreasing, making blogging all the rarer and more solitary path to lead. However, what can I do? Writing is what makes me happy in the end. I have a need for it. It gives me meaning, and I enjoy contributing to the very world I retired from, even though this world makes me disgusted. Sometimes I wish I had more connections. The main area of life where I had friends was when I was a child . I often yearn for the 2000's, missing an era that will not return. My hermitage is practically a pocket dimension of 2000's nostalgia, where I surf the web as means to eradicate my boredom , exactly like I did back then when I was a child. I know I have it well that I don't have to work in order to live. But it gets lonely when you are mainly live in your home and rarely go out. I don't really like going out. I view the world as a threat. I view this world as a threat just as I did 20 years ago, when I was a child growing up in a modest neighbourhood when I was told to not go late at night outside. At the height of my power as Ruler, I grew paranoid. I was afraid that I might go out and get stabbed. As such, I sabotaged my social media empire, and deleted all social media accounts. Knowing that my voice and images may get misused against me by deep fake AI technology, I ultimately proceeded to delete my YouTube channel. I always struggled with social interactions, and my intelligence marked the world as an enemy to rectify via good deeds. I don't want friends. A man with few connections or no connections at all is a very secure man. I wish to play it safe in life and not destroy what I have with friends that might take me to paths I might regret later on. Friends smoke, friends drink, friends may comply to make you do things you don't want to do, AKA peer pressure. I was always a rebel, always a non-conformist. My teacher in 6th grade told me with sad eyes that I need to partake in society in order to survive. However I managed to prove her wrong. I'm too smart for my own good. And all of this ends up with the fact that those who pursue what they truly like in life, even in a world where such an activity is decaying and becomes obsolete, end up alone in life, just like I did. If you want company, you need to compromise. You might find yourself having to give up on parts of yourself just to fit in. I always saw fitting in as a nihilistic death sentence that "kills" a part of yourself indefinitely. And I didn't want that. I wanted to keep my flame alive. I wanted, and still want to, rebel. Because what makes me happy -- the art of writing articles -- is fading away into irrelevancy. And I, a dedicated craftsman , who created a site with 1000 articles, is fighting an uphill battle to do what truly makes me fulfilled and actualized . And as much as I was tempted to give up, writing these words on the keyboard is the only type of "work" that gives me true pleasure and fulfillment. And that is something AI will never be able to take away from me. A former friend laughed at me for having a website. Pursuing my passion just happens to be something that's becoming obsolete in society, as people's attention spans are getting smaller, and more addicted to short-form content. My passions have led me up a solitary route. And it makes me happy. In the end, isn't it all what matters? That what we do make us happy? Yes, long ago I wrote an article that working on this site's success matters to me more than happiness. However, I succeeded in doing so much good in the world, so many people benefitted from what I did to them, that at this point I just want to be happy in a world whose dystopian growth worries me to the bone. Shouldn't people do what makes them happy? In this Tehcno-Feaudalistic world, what matters is that you work like a pig to maintain your subscriptions and your rent. A truly sad reality for many. They say that you'll own nothing and be happy, but how can one be happy in a world that's becoming increasingly dystopian and cyberpunk -like? How is living like a serf to corporate overlords make one happy? What makes one happy, ultimately, is pursuing one's passions, and for that, you need the resources, the time , and the bravery to do so. To rebel against what is expected of you, and learn not to care what others think of you, while also being able to afford your passions in the first place. I don't like how the way the world turns. Even if I end up even more solitary than what I already am, I will continue marching to my own drum, continue doing what makes me happy, because living a life where you chase money is, for many, not a fulfilling life, and that includes myself. Chasing money, just to live another day? How can one call that a life worth living? One needs a purpose to be happy. And happiness is highly subjective. The dystopian, conventional world is limiting the different, diverse ways one can attain happiness, making such an emotion scarce and hard to find. People need to create their own worlds. People need to OWN their own worlds. That is one big way to be happy for many. If people got the chance to create under their own terms , instead of creating for survival's sake and for their company's sake, many could attain happiness. They would look at what they created and feel proud, just like I'm feeling while writing this article. I grew up in the rebelliousness of the 2000's. These were times of virtual and cultural, radical freedoms. People wouldn't get cancelled online, and the freedom of expression was far more in abundance. Nowadays, using the freedom of expression can cost one his or her job, his or her social position, his or her family. And in such a dystopian world, if one wants to be free, isolation is the tax to pay. Even if you're lonely, at least you are free.
- The Danger of Immortality: A Guide to Living Forever
(The Immortality Directory: https://www.philosocom.com/post/love-recognition-immortality https://www.philosocom.com/post/nietzsche-s-eternal-return-and-the-temptation-of-immortality https://www.philosocom.com/post/drawing-the-line-in-rubinshteinic-individualism https://www.philosocom.com/post/the-never-ending-solitude-a-story-by-mr-brad-michaels https://www.philosocom.com/post/sisyphus-and-jason-voorhees https://www.philosocom.com/post/life-after-death-1 https://www.philosocom.com/post/neolithic-spirals ) (Background music) ************************** The Allure of Immortality Since the dawn of mankind, people have been haunted by the idea of death . This unknown, the ultimate end of our existence, stands as an undefeated foe, forever threatening the continuation of life as an inevitable possibility . Death arrives in many ways, through the horrors of war , the presence of illnesses both physical and mental , and the control of hunger, appetite and thirst. In a desperate attempt to cheat this inevitable fate, humans have longed for a mythical elixir of life, an artifact that would ensure immortality. An endless existence unhindered by the fear of death and whatever may lie beyond the mortal realm. But why are we so terrified of our own mortality? Despite its inevitability, the very thought of death can easily shake our skeletons. It represents the unknown, a void beyond our common understanding. We fear the pain and suffering that may precede it, the loss of being with loved ones, and whatever may succeed both. Ironically, this fear of death, a daily reality for plenty, might shrink in comparison to the potential dangers of achieving immortality. That is, of course, should immortality ever become a feature in our lives, despite the fact that aging is most likely an evolutionary feature, rather than a design flaw. The pursuit of endless living, while seemingly alluring, carries within it the potential for unexpected drawbacks that would make us beware of what we wish for.... It raises questions of overpopulation and resource depletion . It threatens to create a society where the lives of the immortal few hold more value than the lives of the many mortals. Furthermore, it stands in the path of the natural cycle of life and death (AKA the status quo, for either good or bad), and may require an indefinite amount of housing in a limited amount of land (whose maximum capacity might eventually be reached with the permanent presence of the immortal beings). The Grim Promise of Immortality While the prospect of endless life may seem alluring, the reality of immortality is filled with danger , posing a significant threat to the very existence of humanity. Our planet's resources, including living space, food production, and readily available jobs, are inherently limited, regardless of our technological advancements. Achieving immortality would create a scenario where the demands of an ever-growing population far outweigh the capacity of our resources and job opportunities, leading to a catastrophic imbalance of food shortages, potential diseases homelessness, poverty and unemployment. Even colonizing other celestial bodies like Mars and the Moon would only provide a temporary advancement at the feet of any immortal being that can outlive each and every planet and moon. These new frontiers too would eventually reach their own capacity of immortal habitation, leaving these new beings facing the same dire consequences as they did before... only at a far quicker rate. For the immortal being always consumes in order to live, and death is the end of their use of the external world. An immortal being is therefore one who will always use, and sometimes abuse and reduce, their local environment, outliving anyone and anything that will not last forever. And nothing lasts forever in this immortal-free reality. Do you see my point? The sad truth is that death serves a crucial purpose in maintaining the delicate balance of existence. By dying, we contribute to the sustainability of our planet and its resources, ensuring that future generations would inherit a habitable world. When we die, someone else can take some of our positions. From our houses to our job positions. Being immortal can mean that we have an indefinite hold on these limited holdings, until the immortal outlives them and seeks another holding to consume. The immortal is, therefore, a chronologically-endless leech of the universe. While overpopulation is not yet at a critical level today (as the whole human population can in theory fit the state of Texas) , the fact remains that our current economic system relies heavily on the production and consumption of unnecessary goods and services, under the philosophy of financial materialism . This "luxury" spending, common in prosperous nations, indicates an excess of consumption of resources in a world where plenty of sources of energy are not renewable. However, a clear indicator of overpopulation would be when the economy can no longer support the purchase of these non-essential items, as even the wealthiest individuals face financial limitations. Either way, a population of around 8 billion, mortal beings , is not something we should necessarily be worried about, while the world's largest country, Russia is bigger than Pluto , and only contains around 1 to 2 percent of the human population . Despite the potential economic solutions, the necessity of death cannot be disputed. Dying, in a sense, becomes an unintended "act of altruism", that ensures the long-term well-being of our species by preventing depletion of all resources that cannot be used indefinitely. So, as long as we humans die, we can still grow into more billions of members as long as we expand to new territories, and live less in overcrowded cities, where the population densities are the biggest (as in the case of Hong Kong) . It is important to clarify that this argument does not endorse murder , or any form of premature death. Rather, it aims to emphasize the vital role death plays in the natural cycle of life and its importance for the long-term future of humanity. Meaning in the Face of Mortality While the idea of endless life may seem alluring, the reality of immortality is filled with danger , posing a significant threat to the very existence of humanity. Who knows if our technological advancements could ever compete with the increasing demand required for immortal beings? Achieving immortality would create a scenario where the demands of an ever-growing population far outweigh the capacity of everything, leading to a potential catastrophic imbalance, thus forcing us further to consider colonizing other worlds after we destroyed Earth with our endless consumption. Regarding the question of what lies beyond death, I remain unconvinced by the concept of an afterlife. This notion, in my opinion, arose from the human need to explain the disappearance of loved ones and the existence of their lifeless bodies after their discovery. It holds the same theoretical weight as Plato's "World of Forms," a hypothetical realm of perfect forms that we supposedly reference when imagining the ideal versions of things. And by "theoretical weight" I refer to "understandable using our intellect, but hard to support its logical framework". In my view, evidence reigns supreme for its complementary potential to convince the audience that we are right beyond the realm of mere speculation and wonder. Without concrete proof to support an argument, it remains merely a possibility, confined to the realm of theory. While logic plays a crucial role in our pursuit of truth, it is ultimately incomplete without the collaboration of evidence. Conclusions While the desire for immortality is understandable, it is essential to recognize the immense danger it poses to humanity. Even with the potential of colonizing other worlds, the finite nature of resources and space dictates that death remains a vital stabilizing force , ensuring the continuation of our species for generations to come by limiting our collective demand for resources to sustain and entertain our collective might, as Earth's conquerors. Perhaps, focusing on the impossible dream of immortality, we should focus on making the most of the limited time we have, according to our individual plans and aspirations. We should strive to live meaningful lives, whatever we may define "meaningful" or "successful" as. Our existence is fleeting either way, and it is precisely this finite quality that grants it with such underrated value, for it can end at any time. Peace and acceptance can thus be attained in the face of death, knowing that our lives, though finite, have mattered with our goals either achieved or attempted.
- The Day Off Philosophy: Living the Life We Truly Want
(Background music) The Art of Living Free Introduction: The Illusion of Adulthood For many, the conclusion of formal education is heralded as the true beginning of life. We are told that graduation is the gateway to freedom , the moment we finally take the reins of our own destiny. Yet, the reality often presents a starkly different picture. Instead of stepping into a vast, open horizon, most adults immediately step onto a conveyor belt of structured demands: the 9-to-5 career, the accumulation of debt, the rigid social obligations, and the pressure to conform to a standardized definition of success. This transition from the structured environment of school to the structured environment of the workforce can be jarring. The "freedom" promised in adulthood often reveals itself to be a new form of confinement, one where the walls are made of bills, deadlines, and the expectations of others. This discrepancy between the promise of liberty and the reality of drudgery is a primary source of modern existential stress. It leads to a profound sense of unfulfillment, as the life we are living does not match the life we imagined. However, what if we could break this script? What if we approached our entire existence not as a series of obligations to be endured, but with the same sense of sovereignty and possibility that we feel during a school break? This is the core of the "Day Off Philosophy." It is not a call to laziness or hedonism , but a radical restructuring of priorities. It is the decision to view one's life as one's own property , to be designed and inhabited on one's own terms, free from the tyranny of external validation. The Decay of Novelty and the Trap of Routine One of the most insidious thieves of happiness in adulthood is the gradual erosion of novelty. When we are young, the world is saturated with the new. Every experience is a discovery; every choice feels significant. However, as the years accumulate, the brain becomes efficient at predicting patterns . The thrill of choosing a path fade when every path looks the same—wake up, commute, work, return, sleep , repeat. As we age, we become accustomed to the world around us. We have seen and experienced so much that nothing seems new anymore. This acclimatization makes life feel mundane, draining it of color and excitement. We stop living and start merely functioning. We execute tasks like biological machines , suffering in accordance with our perceived helplessness, or worse, embracing the monotony as a form of safety. The "Day Off Philosophy" challenges this stagnation. It posits that the lack of excitement is not an inevitable consequence of aging , but a consequence of surrendering our autonomy . To recapture that youthful sense of limitless possibility, we must inject our lives with the spirit of the "Day Off" —that specific mental state where time belongs to us, not to an employer or a societal role. It requires actively seeking new perspectives, breaking routines, and understanding that the script of "adulthood" is a suggestion, not a law. Freedom vs. Comfort : The Essential Trade-Off Implementing this philosophy often requires a confrontation with one of the most difficult choices in modern life: the trade-off between freedom and comfort. Society is structured to reward compliance with comfort. If you follow the standard path, you are promised stability, status, and material goods. However, the cost of this comfort is often your time and your autonomy. You buy the bigger house, but you must work longer hours in a job you dislike paying for it. You buy the luxury car, but you spend your life stuck in traffic driving to a destination you dread. The "Day Off Philosophy" suggests that a simpler life . A smaller apartment, fewer luxuries, a modest income is a worthy price to pay for the ultimate luxury: ownership of one's time. Few things bring greater joy than the sense of autonomy, the knowledge that when you wake up in the morning, the day is yours to command. This is not just about seeking "joy" in a fleeting sense; it is about seeking success in its truest form. Success is not a number in a bank account; it is the ability to live according to your own nature. The Deathbed Exercise: A Strategic Tool for Clarity How do we determine what truly matters? How do we separate our authentic desires from the noise of societal pressure? The most powerful tool for this calibration is the "Deathbed Exercise." This is the article’s key idea: When presented with the freedom to live life as a series of "days off" from things you dislike, consider it more than just a financially less profitable option. Consider it the only rational choice when viewed from the finish line. Imagine yourself at the very end of your life. You are lying on your deathbed, looking back at the decades that have passed. From this vantage point, the anxieties of the present moment—the fear of judgment, the pressure to conform, the worry about status—evaporate. What remains is the raw truth of how you spent your time. Will you regret not working more overtime? Unlikely. Will you regret not buying a slightly more expensive car? Certainly not. Will you regret spending forty years in a career that drained your soul because you were afraid to try something else? Almost certainly. The Deathbed Exercise forces us to confront the scarcity of time . Time is the only resource that cannot be renewed. To kill time is to take your own life slowly. To utilize it for things that do not align with our true selves is a tragedy. This exercise encourages us to act on our passions now , not later. There is no guarantee of reaching retirement. There is no promise of "someday." If you are financially secure and content with a modest lifestyle, why continue to trade your life for surplus money you do not need? Why wait for permission to live? The Sovereign Career: Work as Self-Expression This philosophy is not a naive call for the entire human population to drop out of the workforce. Society functions because people participate in employment, including the difficult and low-status jobs that keep civilization running. However, it is a call for the individual to ensure they are not sleepwalking into a career that destroys them. In a better world, more people would be able to live and work in jobs they actually want to work in. They would be "passionate salarymen ," earning not just income, but a sense of purpose. But since we do not yet live in that utopia, and since our ideal selves often clash with the harsh realities of the market, the responsibility falls on the individual to carve out their own space. We do not owe anyone a specific path. If you are feeling stuck, you have the right to shift your perspective. You have the right to pursue education on your own terms —learning for the sake of knowledge rather than for grades or credentials . You have the right to prioritize your mental health over "hustle culture." You have the right to reject the pressure to constantly scale up, opting instead to scale deep into the things that bring you fulfillment. Conclusion: The Eternal Return Ultimately, the goal is to live a life that leaves no room for the ghosts of "what if." We must strive to live in such a way that if we were forced to live the same life over and over again for eternity (a concept known as the Eternal Return) we would welcome it with open arms, rather than tremble in horror at the repetition of monotony. Don't settle for less when you can be brave enough to achieve more. Identify your priorities by knowing yourself deeply. Live a life that reflects your interests, your skillset, and your true nature. The reasoning is simple: the conventional path is only safe if your goal is to be conventional. If your goal is to be fulfilled, the conventional path is often the most dangerous route you can take. Sometimes, you will never love life unless you are able to take action and live the life you truly want. Treat your existence with the reverence it deserves. Make your life your own property. Make every day a "Day Off" from the things that are not you, so that you can finally work on the masterpiece that is your true self.
- On Absurdity -- Life In the Q Continuum
The Q Continuum was an extra-dimensional plane of existence inhabited by a race of beings known as the Q . The term could also refer to the Q society itself. As a race, the Q were immortal, but not absolutely omniscient or omnipotent (according to Quinn ). They possessed the ability to alter, create, or destroy virtually any form of matter or energy , and to affect time in essentially any way they chose. -- Memory Alpha (Directory on Nihilism: https://www.philosocom.com/post/the-irony-of-nihilism ) (Background music) Introduction The creation of Philosocom Article Empire was an attempt by me to create meaning in a meaningless universe. Hours upon hours, days upon days I created article after article as a means to chase meaning that was always fleeting no matter how many articles I wrote. Deep inside of me I have a sense of meaninglessness and emptiness that never seems to go away; only repressed through the act of creation. And thus, I labored and labored and did far more than just writing; I also meddled with the destiny of others by leading them and saving some of them from taking their own lives -- Still, all from a Sisyphean attempt to carve the sweet, sweet feeling of meaning in a meaningless universe. And by writing this article, I aim to do the exact same thing I did all these years. On Human "Godhood" I am no God. Only a man with a deep sense of emptiness that has interfered with so many lives for his own meaningful gratification. I am detached from the society I am in, never managed to fit in, and never wanted to, either. All I want to do is to rectify the world as a coping mechanism to the fact that the universe is objectively meaningless. I prevented the destined deaths of several people but that does not make me a savior nor a god. I simply didn't have the heartlessness to let them die, and I am no heartless being. In fact, my heart leads me to serve my articles for free because I believe the truth deserves to be served heartfully. Philosocom is, ultimately, a work of passion , and the passion is to carve as much meaning as I can, so the feelings of meaninglessness will be gone for as long as possible. However, being an absolute outsider allows me to meddle with the destinies of many with ease. Saving lives was easy for me, even if it triggered PTSD. Leading many was easy, even if it caused me paranoia eventually. Since society has no leverage on me, I can do whatever I want, and that, technically, makes me more powerful than the average person. Still, with great power comes great responsibility, and I hold accountability for the lives I saved and the people I led and still lead. It feels satisfying, leading the unique life I had, in a Q Continuum of my own, a metaphysical layer of reality I have created by creating and ruling over Philosocom. Between Meaning and Boredom When I reach a full gratification of meaning, I eventually get bored, and when the boredom reaches its climax, I seek meaning once more. I am like a Sisyphus of meaning, who works not for money but for the sweet release of meaningfulness. Meaning is what I want ultimately, a resource that is always fleeting. However, when it is reached, it leads to boredom eventually. It is like Schopenhauer's Pendulum... Life isn’t a journey. It isn’t progress. It isn’t destiny unfolding like some golden road. According to Arthur Schopenhauer, life is a pendulum. One side is pain. The other is boredom. Back and forth, forever. -- David Johnson And that has been my life ever since I discovered Nihilism as a child, and that has changed me permanently. A pendulum between the pain of meaninglessness and the idleness of boredom. That is the nature of the Q Continuum I am in. It is a form of prison I willingly put myself in, but one where I am the freest, I can be, ironically. What's the Point? The point is to ultimately contribute to anyone reading this. For me, contribution is the ultimate form of meaningfulness, because it touches people, which is meaningful. I am, ultimately, a man-machine looking to extract meaning through work and serve it to you. It is a passive feedback loop I created so I could give meaning even when I'm not doing anything. Because as long as I am read, I possess the power to give meaning to you. And through that, I rectify the world passively, while I sleep, while I pursue my favorite hobby of watching videos and so on and on. In the end, while contributing to you, I do it for my gratification. A combination between selfishness and altruism . Many don't get to chase what makes them satisfied; only that which allows them to survive. Since my survival is ensured, I am the exception to the many, because I chase satisfaction. And since satisfaction is always fleeting, I will always seek to write eventually, and be a "Salaryman" of Philosocom, dedicated to this site for the rest of my life. Stuck in a Lifelong Loop This leads to the conclusion that I am always stuck chasing after something that is fleeting (meaning), with no way out but death. And as Albert Camus said, one must imagine Sisyphus happy. Fortunately, I don't need to imagine him happy; I already am happy from the fact that I get to do what makes me happy the most -- creating and preserving a legacy for all to see. Still, none of this changes the fact that this life, this universe, is absurd. No matter how many articles I will write, the universe will stay absurd. Even if I will meddle with the destinies of more people, and alter the time in which they were to die, the universe will stay meaningless. That is the one thing I cannot rectify. I can only create and rule over a self-contained kingdom of meaning. However, the reaction to a meaningless universe can be changed from depressing to liberating. The fact that the universe is meaningless is what allows this Q continuum of mine to run in the first place, and that is what allows people to disregard what is conventionally seen as meaningful, and design their own pocket dimensions instead. Also, it allows them to question what is deemed necessary in the first place. As long as people will deem what is shared as meaningful, from the pursuit of money to the pursuit of luxury , they will continue to give power to the exact thing that keeps them stuck in the rat race of life. And I prefer to be stuck in a continuum that gives me meaning and happiness than a shared continuum that trades one's happiness for a piece of paper, or a digital number on a screen. Pick your poison. Eventually you may come to realize that you're stuck in a prison planet, with the only ultimate liberator being death. And as to how I saved these lives, I told them why they should live and not die yet. Even if we stuck here, we ultimately have a choice in how to lead our lives and what to do with them. Realize this, and you'll be able to pick a path that truly gives you, personally, that sweet, sweet feeling of happiness and meaningfulness. In the end, saving these lives had made me realize that this world makes people want to die. I made my decision to withdraw from the world. Do with this fact as you see fit.
- The Irony of Nihilism: Meaning's Double-Edged Sword
Articles on Nihilism: ( https://www.philosocom.com/post/true-nihilism-how-it-s-possible-to-become-fearless https://www.philosocom.com/post/the-cult-of-kefka-nihilism-as-a-spectrum https://www.philosocom.com/post/the-each-new-day-problem https://www.philosocom.com/post/how-to-understand-the-joker-the-anti-philosopher https://www.philosocom.com/post/how-to-live-despite-the-struggle https://www.philosocom.com/post/tomasio-rubinshtein-a-25-year-old-philosopher-s-autobiography https://www.philosocom.com/post/why-i-m-not-a-nihilist The Power of the Void -- How To Embrace Reality's Emptiness https://www.philosocom.com/post/q-continuum ) (Background music) **************************************** Part I: How Nihilism Can Lead to Unexpected Happiness The irony of nihilism is that it can be a surprisingly easy path to happiness, depending on the point of view you choose to believe in. Unlike those who seek a grand purpose or an exalted meaning in life, nihilists are free from the pressure of such quests. Think about the stress of having a salaryman's mindset. Think about those who choose to live so others wouldn't die. Its stressful, isn't it? Of course there is an element of stress in living a meaningful life, whether under a meritocracy, where you have to prove your worth, or in a class-based society like a monarchy, where you have a noble reputation to maintain in order to maintain your relevancy. However, a lack of dependence on external validation creates a shorter route to contentment, in an Occam's Razor kind of mindset . Nihilists, who reject meaning, don't need to carry the weight of feeling deeply significant to find satisfaction. By the same token, they don't need to do deeply-significant things in order to feel satisfied. The idea that one has to, is something I call "The Conqueror's Flaw". Becoming a mighty conqueror, for instance, can still make you feel unsatisfied. How Misconception Leads to Agony and The Role Of Subjectivity In Reality The true positivity of nihilism lies in its ability to approach life without taking it too seriously or imbuing it with the sacredness many people consider "objective". However, the value we regard things is more subjective and intersubjective than it is objective. And thus, because of this higher regard, we put ourselves in great misery, often unnecessarily. Without a flexible mind, we won't necessarily realize how much of our suffering unnecessarily comes from this idea of "objective meaning". However, can we verify objectivity, when we're never pure from subjectivity and from the biases that come along with it? How can we verify objectivity when we all have different values and priorities and ambitions? How can I expect anyone to hold respect in the same regard I do? I can't, because much of morality, which stems from meaning, is subject to our priorities and beliefs. As noble as the Bushido code is, it is no wonder that the age of the Samurai is long over. How come? We have moved on to other priorities, at the price of moral depravity. We cannot expect people to even agree they're morally depraved. Then, beyond helping those who want to be helped, what's the point of suffering when we can instead learn the priorities of others, and act accordingly? Do we even have to help anyone? We only "have" to in the name of whatever vision we have in mind for our lives and/or for this world. That vision, too, is subject to perception. And, should we choose to have no vision, of course many of us would live/desire to live like good-for-nothing klumniks. See how our subjective perceptions say much about the inability of countless people to just live, with or without meaning. This inner emptiness within us compels us to build empires, thinking that the success of our values will give us the peace of mind we seek. It won't necessarily, however. Understanding this, I stopped looking for peace of mind, for I know I might as well always be unsatisfied. It is a painful reality I accept. How Meaning Imprisons You In a Basement of Loneliness We're often told that a predetermined meaning is the key to a fulfilling life, and that meaningfulness is synonymous with happiness . However, this rigid framework can be restrictive, and ironically, may compel us to sacrifice our happiness and health. No matter how meaningful a life you live thanks to your success, you can still find yourself misreable and lonely at the top... As if you were an eccentric social reject at highschool. Think about geniuses like Alan Turing, who was bullied at school, and even later on were rejected and harrassed. He was as strange and lonely with or without his mathematical brilliance. To quote Prof. Max Newman: He was a strange man, who never felt at ease in any place. His efforts, mostly occasional indeed, to look like he felt a part of the middle upper class circles which he naturally belonged to, were clumsy. He randomly adopted some conventions of his class, but rejected with no regret and hesitation most of their habits and ideas. And unfortunately the academic world's customs, which could have sheltered him, disconcerted and deeply bored him. This loneliness and suffering won't necessarily change even if you revolutionize humanity. I call this the Drug Lord's Fallacy. Lonely and rejected nonetheless, you might wonder what worth was it all for? What worth are empires and wealth if you're still as lonely as you were before? Either go on the straight and narrow, or break bad -- with all your contributions you can still die alone as Nikola Tesla. Perhaps we shouldn't attach our mental health to meaning and recognition, after all? Nihilists could have a certain flexibility when it comes to happiness (or unhappiness, for that matter). Their emotional state doesn't hinge on the presence or absence of meaning. While they might be less productive or contribute less to society in a traditional sense , they can find contentment more readily than those burdened by the belief that happiness requires a philosophical justification. They are, in a way, free to simply be happy. However, for that, we need to let go of the anger and disappointment of our under-valued importance. I let "Ms. Chen" go accordingly. As one who seeks purpose , I'll suffer either way. I am prepared. Part II: How Nihilism Parallels Asceticism Well, people got attatched. Once you cut the umbilical cord they [get] attatched to the other things. Sight, sound, sex, money, mirages... -- Charles Bukowski Nihilists approach purposefulness in a similar way that ascetics approach financial materialism : they transcend the need for external factors to find a satisfying life. For nihilists, the joy of a simple cup of coffee can be as profound as an artist's pursuit of a masterpiece. The only difference is, they put none of these in high regard. The key difference is not that coffee becomes their purpose, but rather that their sense of fulfillment can be as simple as a dog receiving treats. The act itself, in this case savoring a cup of coffee , holds the potential for the same level of joy as the artist's creative expression. It is equally nice, as it is equally irrelevant to the nihilist. It's important to acknowledge the spectrum of nihilistic experiences. The spectrum depends on the outcome. Be as careless as Charles Bukowski, or seek to destroy the world like an insane clown. If a nihilist grapples with the concept of inherent meaninglessness and feels a personal need for meaning for satisfaction, then depression can certainly arise. On the other hand, accepting the lack of inherent meaning and simply not caring about it can lead to a state of unburdened happiness. The core principle of nihilism is the belief that existence lacks inherent meaning. It doesn't dictate our emotional response to this notion or prescribe a specific way of life. Thinking it does, is a delusion. As such, some commonly held associations with nihilism are often generalizations or interpretations, not inherent parts of the philosophy/ideology itself. Part III: How Nihilism Parallels Atheism Just as atheism is often misunderstood as anti-religion , nihilism is frequently misinterpreted as a philosophy of despair, or as one that is anti-meaning. In reality, nihilism is simply the belief that life lacks inherent meaning or purpose. This core principle, however, doesn't dictate a specific way of living or feeling. It's a blank canvas upon which individuals paint their own interpretations, creating the nihilist spectrum. Atheism, at its core, is the lack of belief in gods. However, atheists can have vastly different reasons and outlooks on life. Some might be indifferent to religion, while others might be critical of its social or political influence. Similarly, nihilists approach the absence of inherent meaning in a variety of ways. It is like saying that atheism necessarily leads to communism because communism is atheist by nature, as determined by Karl Marx. However, what if the atheist just doesn't care about such things? Apathy destroys meaning simply by discarding it. It's that powerful. Apathy sneaks in at night and parades on in when everyone is watching. It’s a silent killer and it announces its presence from the sagging rooftops. Apathy gives no shits. That’s actually kind of its thing. It doesn’t try to hide and it feels no need to be subtle. No community is immune to its effects and it takes hold in rich and poor towns alike. Apathy is a lack of shame and it is devastating. It erodes everything people took generations to build and there is no corner of society it doesn't affect. -- Jeff Siegler However, freed from the pressure to find a grand purpose, nihilists can focus on doing the heck they want to do. They can also choose not to focus at all without the burden of meaning. Unattached, the nihilist can relish in chaos. Then... one could tell the link with psychopathy: There is a tangible link with nihilism, and the egocentricity of psychopathy. First of all, psychopaths may be regarded as moral nihilists . Secondly, psychopaths like an apathetic, disengaged and anomic society, where citizens lack conviction, and there’s an absence or erosion of moral values. -- Kitty S. Jones This is how destructive nihilism can truly be. Conclusion: Of Void And Perception The core tenet of nihilism – the absence of inherent meaning in life – can be a daunting starting point. It might conjure images of a bleak, purposeless existence. However, a deeper understanding reveals a more nuanced philosophy that allows for a surprising range of interpretations and experiences. The key takeaway lies in differentiating the basic premise from the subjective conclusions individuals draw from it. Nihilism doesn't dictate a specific way of life; it simply removes the assumption of preordained meaning. This newfound freedom can be liberating for some. Unburdened by societal expectations or the pressure to fulfill a cosmic purpose, they can forge their own path, defining their own values and creating their own meaning. However, the absence of inherent meaning can also be unsettling. It can lead to feelings of existential dread or a struggle to find purpose in a seemingly indifferent universe. This is where individual interpretations come into play. Some may embrace the absurdity of existence and find humor in the inherent meaninglessness, subverting our expectations . Others may channel this realization into a deep appreciation for the fleeting beauty of life, motivating them to live each moment to the fullest. Then, what kind of nihilist should one be if they seek nihilism? To be or not to be; who do YOU want to be? - - Tommy Wiseau
- On the Gratification of Help -- The Joy of Helping Others and Directory
Directory on Help and Rectification: https://www.philosocom.com/post/philosophizing-on-capitalism https://www.philosocom.com/post/where-philosophy-helps-most-using-philosophy-as-a-way-to-extend-our-lifespan-by-mr-c-kingsley-an https://www.philosocom.com/post/habit-and-help https://www.philosocom.com/post/toledo-sword https://www.philosocom.com/post/tikkunolam https://www.philosocom.com/post/all-i-want https://www.philosocom.com/post/blaise-pascal https://www.philosocom.com/post/unbreakable-will https://www.philosocom.com/post/global-cooperation https://www.philosocom.com/post/rectification https://www.philosocom.com/post/being-young https://www.philosocom.com/post/just-one-man https://www.philosocom.com/post/love-and-virtue https://www.philosocom.com/post/violence Compassionate Capitalism: The Key to a Better World https://www.philosocom.com/post/fortress https://www.philosocom.com/post/philosophical-reflection https://www.philosocom.com/post/uphill-battle https://www.philosocom.com/post/ordinary-people The Article (Background music) If we would help each other as a habit , the world would be a better place to live in. If we extended our hearts to help those in need, we could make this world a better place to live in -- one person at a time. I recall the joy of giving a snack to a homeless man on a New Year's Eve. He was grateful and wished me a happy year. I could've ignored him like anyone else in that street, but the difference between me and others is that I enjoy helping others. When I help someone, I think of how they've benefitted thanks to me, and I feel grateful. Grateful for the opportunity to help. All and all, I have a free philosophy blog just for you because of the same reason -- I enjoy helping people. As an ascetic I don't live on much. My diet is very strict, and I went out of my way to help a lot of people. I gave them hope to live another day and if it weren't for me, they could've done horrible things to themselves. It goes beyond people's heads but, all I want to do is to help make this world a better place to live in. I know that in my contributions to the world, I create a ripple effect of rectification . By helping one person I make their day which then allows them to function better, which then helps them do their jobs, which then helps their company, which then contributes better and so on. We all share the same world. The boundaries between countries are artificial. We are all interconnected by rules of cause and effect and I found that by helping people, I rid myself of my darkness and feel better. I feel I will always want to help people because that's what makes me happy. I already helped a lot of people in my contributions, and I live in a solitary manner because I don't want my good nature to be exploited. The problem with help is that there are people who aren't worthy of help. Ungrateful people who would leave you the moment you do something they don't like. It's vital to be able to distinguish between people who are worthy of help and people who aren't. Use your intuition to figure out who is trustworthy and who is not. I know that trusting people is a matter of luck and as such I don't overly risk myself. I am an ascetic who has forsaken this world a second time because I believe this world has failed. A world that makes people want to take their own lives is not a world I find desirable to live in. Instead, I find it a world that deserves to be rectified. I believe that one of the reasons this world has failed is because people are not taught to help others. Instead, they are taught to help themselves above all. Instead of cooperation, the world is overly competitive . Instead of harmony and peace we have struggles to preserve our current positions and to survive as individuals, instead of as a species. I think there is a good reason why helping others is enjoyable -- it's what we are supposed to do, to survive not as individuals but as a species. If the human species helped each other more, rather than let politicians divide us by hate , this world would be a better place to live in. Ever since I was a child, I helped my grandmother be happier. In her final years she was far happier thanks to me, compared to the rest of her lifetime. I believe that we should be there for the very elders that have brought us and our parents into this world and learn from them. That's why, as a child, I visited my late grandmother often. Throughout my life I felt depressed because I wasn't given the opportunity to contribute in the education system. I was told that I should keep things to myself and not overly express myself. I think my grandmother had managed to educate me better than the schools I went to back when I was a student. It is only through helping others that I managed to get out of that depression and feel better. Helping others makes me feel relevant. Helps me feel like I am not wasting my time , that I'm not a "klumnik". After I help, I think of the good that I've done and it helps gratify me. Sometimes I think I am too good for this world because my ethics are incompatible with this divisive, twisted world that's built on competition and injustice. The reason why I don't have many connections is because a man with very few connections is a very secure man. I only help when I decide to, and don't want to be exploited. Also, writing, my prime directive, is a very solitary craft. I was mesmerized by the ideal world my late grandmother described to me in her Pax Ethica philosophy -- a world where, in her words, "dogs don't chase after cats and vice versa"; a world with no wars or battles. A peaceful, stable world. And in my behaviour and actions, I try to bring forth that world. A world of good. A world where we care for each other. A world of harmony. I know I am just one man, but I want to keep building this free empire of articles because helping is what I enjoy doing the most. I care less for profit because I have just about enough to live. With all my heart I want to build a wonderland of philosophy where visitors would flock and enjoy. I want to rectify the world passively, through my and other people's articles, as I rest and respite and live my life. I want a better world than this one, and instead of merely wishing for it, I actively sit down and write. I actively become the change I want to see in this world. I think that only if we would be willing to cooperate with each other, instead of fighting one another for our survival, would this world be a better place to live in. Ideally, wars and battles should be a final resort, not immediate, impulsive choices. Only when we will be willing to help each other to survive together, instead of "to each their own", this world would be a better place to live in. The gratification of helping others is therefore very rational because we all share the same home -- Planet Earth. That's why I went my way and saved people. The fact that we are all interconnected was always elementary to me. As long as we allow ourselves to be divided by cultures that foster hate instead of harmony, we would continue to deteriorate this world instead of repairing it. Even if this world is beyond repair, I refuse to be heartless. Helping others is just way too fun for me. With all my heart I shall keep walking the path of the truly good person , even if it means being alone with very few people to talk to, out of security reasons. I shall see it through that I shall continue to live as a shadow in the real world, not seek fame for the sake of fame, and not seek to cater to a failing world , because all I want to do is to build a better world within the greater world. A world of stability, a world of harmony and peace, because helping others is what makes me happy.
- Rectification Of this World Starts with Ordinary People (By Mr. Yvan Pion)
(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) (Translated from French by Mr. Roland Leblanc) (Note from the translator: I felt the need to translate into English to share this glimmer of hope that depends only on oneself in relation to others. This post was found on Facebook) (Directory on Rectification and Help) (Directory on Sovereignty) (Background music) Who is Yvan Pion? « An artist since the early 1990s, Yvan Pion has performed in various shows presented in casinos, including the musical revue The Crooners. It was in 2000 , following the death of his brother, that he began to explore his talents more fully as a singer-songwriter. » Translation of "Rectification Of this World Starts with Ordinary People" To those who fear that all-out war will break out in 2026... It is natural for anxiety to cross people's minds. The world is buzzing with tensions, stories of fracture, and images of conflict projected relentlessly. When the outside world is in turmoil, the inside world wavers. However, it is essential to remember this: The real apocalypse is not a sudden collapse from the sky. It's not a spectacular end of the world. It has been, for a long time now, an inner revelation. Apocalypse means revelation. And what is being revealed today onto the humans of Earth are the unaddressed fears, the inherited angers , the parts of ourselves that have sought security in domination, flight or submission. Visible wars are never the first encounter. These are an extension of more intimate wars: Those that oppose the being to himself or herself, The heart to the reason, The fear to the trust . In this context, certain figures of power attract attention, crystallize passions , and polarize gazes. Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin, Xi Jinping — and others — are not anomalies of history. They are amplified mirrors of this story. They embody archetypes: brute force, control, verticality, rupture, unnuanced assertion. They do not appear by chance. They emerge when humanity is called upon to see clearly what it has long projected outside of itself. In this sense, they are not saviors, but they are accelerators of gain of awareness. By their excess , by their rigidity at times, they raise questions that no one can avoid anymore: To whom have I entrusted my power? What do I accept out of fear, comfort , or habit? Where and when have I forgotten my own inner responsibility? Thus, paradoxically, what seems threatening acts as a catalyst. It compels millions of people to understand a simple yet demanding truth: No leader, no system, no ideology can replace the sovereignty of a conscious human being. This is where a silent transformation begins. A change that isn't making headlines. but which works in depth. Humanity is learning — sometimes painfully — that the true savior is not external. He is neither a providential man, nor a technology, nor an imposed victory. The true savior, it's each and every one of us (as a potential to become). Each of us, when we consciously choose to align: our thoughts, our words, and our actions. Each of us, when we understand that this alignment is not just individual, but relational. May our choices resonate, add up, and combine with those of others. This is how a positive catalytic process is established. Discreet, but powerful. Where fear breeds fear, presence calls for presence. Where violence seeks an echo, consciousness creates a new space. A new form of sovereignty is emerging . Not the dominant one, but the one that takes root. Not the one who screams, but the one that holds. A sovereignty of discernment, of the responsibility assumed, of inner freedom connected to others. If a war were to break out , it would not be the end. It would be the last spasm of a world that resists its own metamorphosis. But the metamorphosis is already here — intimate, collective, irreversible. So, when anxiety rises, don't reject it. Go down beneath this anxiety. You will find a clear invitation there: Returning to the body. Return to the link. Back to basics. Return to your active peace. The future is not decided solely in the palaces of power or arsenals. It is woven, moment by moment, into the quality of consciousness of millions of ordinary beings who choose to no longer feed the war within themselves. Breathe. Anchor yourself. Act with integrity. This is how the inner apocalypse becomes a shared rebirth.
- The Quiet Insurrection: Why Being Good Is The Ultimate Rebellion
(Background music) (Directory on Sovereignty) Introduction When we hear the word "rebellion," our minds immediately conjure specific images. We think of Molotov cocktails thrown at police lines , masked figures overturning cars, or armed partisans hiding in the mountains. We think of noise, violence, and destruction aimed at toppling a regime. However what happens when the regime isn't a physical dictator , but an omnipresent, decentralized economic and social system? What happens when the "oppressor" is the very air we breathe—a culture of Techno-Feudalism that demands constant hustle, ruthless competition , and the monetization of every human interaction? In such a world, throwing a rock through a window changes nothing. The system simply sells you a new window and bills you for the labor to install it. In the 21st century, the landscape of resistance has shifted inward . When the ruling structure is designed to turn human beings into extracting machines, the most radical act you can commit is to remain human. In a world demanding compliance through cruelty, kindness becomes a revolutionary act. Goodness becomes rebellion. The Operating System of the Machine To understand why goodness is rebellious, we must first understand what it is rebelling against. We live in an era defined by the "Game of Life" —a gladiatorial arena where we are taught from birth that resources are scarce, empathy is a weakness, and other people are obstacles to our own survival. The default operating system of modern society is Exploitation . The corporation maximizes profit by squeezing the worker and shrinking the product. The social media algorithm maximizes engagement by enraged users and exploiting their insecurities. The individual is told to maximize their "personal brand" by treating friendships as networking opportunities. The system rewards the sociopath. The CEO who fires 10,000 people just before Christmas to bump the stock price by 2% is hailed as a "decisive leader" on financial news channels. The person who cheats their way to the top is put on the cover of magazines. We are taught that to be "good"—to be fair, patient, and generous—is to be a sucker. If you comply with this system, you become a cog that grinds down others. You become "efficient." You become " successful ." And in the process, you lose your soul. The "Inefficiency" of Virtue This is where the rebellion begins. Goodness is a wrench thrown into the gears of this machine because goodness is inherently inefficient . The system hates inefficiency. Paying an employee a living wage when you could pay them minimum wage is inefficient. Taking an hour to listen to a friend in crisis when you could be "grinding" on a side hustle is inefficient. Refusing to sell a shoddy product even though it would make you rich is inefficient. When you choose to be good, you are making a conscious decision to prioritize humanity over capital. You are telling the market, " Your logic does not apply here." Every time you perform an act of genuine kindness that has no transactional value, you are creating a "glitch" in the matrix. You are proving that humans are driven by more than just base greed and fear . You are carving out a sanctuary where the rules of the jungle do not apply. The Anatomy of the Quiet Insurrection What does this rebellion look like in practice? It rarely looks like heroism . It looks like mundane, difficult choices made on a Tuesday afternoon. It is the landlord who refuses to raise the rent on a struggling family, even though the market says they could get 20% more. They are choosing "good" over "profit," effectively paying a voluntary tax to subsidize someone else's survival. That is economic rebellion. It is the manager who shields their team from the toxic demands of upper management, absorbing the pressure so their people can work with dignity . That is bureaucratic rebellion. It is the individual who, despite being burned and betrayed by a cynical world, refuses to let their heart turn to stone. They continue to offer trust, even when it is risky . They continue to offer generosity, even when it isn't reciprocated. That is spiritual rebellion. These acts go unnoticed by the history books. There are no statues for the honest mechanic or the patient teacher. But these are the people holding the line against total moral entropy and depravity. They are the resistance. Preserving the Diamond in the Mud The hardest part of this rebellion is not the external cost—the lost money or the missed opportunities—but the internal battle. The world is relentless in trying to convince the good person that they are a fool. It mocks sincerity . It mistakes kindness for weakness. It tries to grind down your idealism until you become just as cynical and sharp-edged as everyone else. The system wants you to give up. It wants you to join the dark side, because if you do, it validates the lie that everyone has a price. Retaining your goodness in such an environment is an act of supreme defiance. It is the refusal to let the world remake you in its image. It is the stubborn insistence that although you are surrounded by mud, you will remain a diamond. Ontological Resistance Ultimately, the rebellion of goodness is not just about what you do; it is about what you are . It is an ontological stance. It is a declaration that you answer to a higher authority than the market, the state, or the algorithm. Whether you call that authority God , conscience, or philosophy, it is an internal compass that cannot be jammed by external magnetic fields. To be a good person today is to be a voluntary exile from the prevailing culture. It is lonely, expensive, and often unrewarding. But it is also the only path to true sovereignty. If the world is a sick game rigged by a parasitic few, the only winning move is not just to refuse to play, but to create a counter-game based on different rules. Every act of kindness is a small flag planted in enemy territory, a declaration that here, in this moment, in this interaction, the machine does not rule. Humanity does.
- Hatred as Temptation: Lessons from the Power of Hate
(Philosocom's Directory On Emotions) (Note: This is a special piece that will not be renovated to be kept in the present day, and will not be updated in information, in order to preserve some of the past. Past I can reflect on. I am not keen on forgetting the past. The past can help us forge a better future . More on my philosophy on the past has been written). "Love can move mountains, while hate can only destroy them." -- Mr. John Duran Hate , arguably, has been a natural emotion in humans since the dawn of time for various reasons, whether they are considered justified or not. Perhaps one of the biggest factors for hate comes from the societal need in us humans to be able to properly distinguish in our minds what is a part of our allies' and our own identity, and what isn't. Who is a friend and who is adversary . We may consider something too foreign, too hostile, or too despicable to ever consider it a part of our own sense of self and alignment. Distinguishing between friend or foe is was and is imperative for our survival. In warfare, identifying friend or foe is imperative to know how to follow orders and how to command and control the troops. It is through our hatred of our enemy, where we will be more compelled to defeat them instead of being defeated by them. Just like in a dark room, such distinction can help us gather a mental image of which we would better be able to navigate said darkness -- the darkness of reality. Therefore, emotions are like flashlights within the darkness. They can help us navigate it and identify people better than otherwise. By such polarizing identification, we, theoretically, better stabilize and locate ourselves within and in relation to the universe. However, even with its functionality, hatred is very much harmful for both others and ourselves, especially when it creates conflicts and rivalries that could have been otherwise avoided. That's especially true, if the hating agent/s would have the mental strength to overcome its Hatred as Temptation, and/or when there is not much practicality in hating the other side. Some conflicts are not worth it, and could take a toll on your health. Therefore, there is something very tempting about hate, which could be a core reason as to why hatred is so common nowadays in the various media outlets, be it social media, the news, and blogs. Social media particularly can be a breeding ground for online hate. And it is very hard to live in peace when you either give in to the hate like a Sith Lord or be the victim of psychological harm, made by those who hate you. Hate could be one of the reasons as to why trauma is a "natural" feature in human society. Trauma can also be made by wanting to take revenge , and vengeance can stem from hatred. Hatred tempts because our emotions can lead to irrational decisions , and to connect to our genuine selves, means becoming more irrational, as logic is taught, not inherited. As such, true love is also irrational, as in the matter of Romeo and Juliet. It is irrational to think that you do not deserve to move on with your life just because someone you love left you or even died. It is irrational to think that you should die as well. It is irrational to think that you should die because, as in another instance, the lover rejected your emotions. However, there is something very deep, honest and human in being aligned with your emotions. It has nothing to do with logic. It has a lot to do with being human, and in feeling like you are far from being dead inside. That you emote. That you care. It is one of the things that make us alive on the deeper levels. It is why I am largely detached from the rest of humanity. Apply the same rationality regarding love, to hatred. There is something very genuine and human in hatred. At times both emotions may somehow exist together, showing us how even more irrational emotions can be. And if you like that mixture, if it makes you feel alive, to hate, then you might have philomisia . The love of hatred. By the way, there are ways to feel alive. They have failed reviving my dead spirit. I am only emotionally motivated by these basic emotions: Love and hatred. Love to work, eat and rest. Hatred, for Chen. She will pay. It can be even more arguable that hatred is more tempting than its opposing counterparts, such as compassion , empathy, forgiveness , and atonement. Perhaps this is why there have been, are, and will be unnecessary conflicts between humankind and itself, even after the massive influence of figures such as Jesus, Buddha, Gandhi , and so forth, even from their very own loyal followers. Examples of that are militant Buddhists in Myanmar. It is ironic because peace and non-violence are imperative in Buddhism. It is easier to look down at the heart and obey the ignited flame that calls to react passionately, rather than look up at the brain and consider the consequences of our actions. It's easier because emotions serve as shortcuts in our decision making, and our brains are programmed to make shortcuts than to plan for the long term using critical thinking . This is why I am no longer surprised when I observe the aggressions that flow and clash across the External World. Fires attempting to either silence or condemn one another, believing they are water to the other. In this age of simplicity and laziness , where easiness and comfort are usually more praised than hard work and discipline, the easier, cost-effective answer would be hate for many, when they encounter someone they don't really like. Alternatively they may view their subject of despise as too different to be considered a part of "their own" identity. The answer, therefore, to the problem of contemporary hatred, would be to show restraint and to be skeptical about the burning flame within. The same flame that often leads to crimes such as incitement, racism , gang-stalking and cyberbullying. All of those, even if gratifying for the short term, seem to leave a terrible scar on today's civilization. A scar of intolerance, herd mentality , and mockery of whoever and whatever we do not consider a part of ourselves, even if said things and beings are also the same members and components of our families, communities, and countries. Hatred can divide societies . In certain situations, like in post-apocalyptic, theoretical scenarios , it is vital for societies to not be divided as in such contexts, survival depends on the ability of all members to collaborate in the name of survival. Giving in to emotion is good when it actually helps. The fact that it may feel like it may help, just because it resonates with you, does not mean it will help resolve a situation or an issue in an effective or successful way. It may be good when sexual transmutation can benefit you . It may be bad for you whenever your emotions can sabotage your plans, thus making them counter productive. After thinking on these insights, I personally realized the more and more urgent need in our world to be able to clearly recognize short and long term benefits, and be strong enough to choose the latter when it is bigger than the former, even if the former gives us a greater, personal sense of gratification. For gratification can be used against you . The world should not be hostile to whoever it considers too foreign, too outlandish. After all, we are all on the same boat and pay the same tolls of life. We share the same physical space and planet and do not live in a vacuum. Our actions have consequences whether we care about it or not. The call for acts such as execution, murder , and shame-for-life, in a more self-respecting world, should be considered too ridiculous to be supported and carried out so easily. We shouldn't reject others for simply being who they are, and we should not punish people for that just because they do not look good in our eyes. Hatred as Temptation is a natural emotion that is part of our id , or primitive, instinctual self. However, it is not always rational to obey our id's urges, when these urges can, for instance, hinder our democracies by compromising our moral position as democratic citizens. We should all strive to overcome our hatred when it does not help us, and embrace the philosophy of pluralistic existence. If someone has expressed their existence in a harmless way, why should we hate them for expressing their freedoms? Expressing one's eccentricity is, as well, no exception. People are allowed to at least try and become the best versions of themselves. You may be hated because people may feel too insecure in your presence. Or even straight-out fear you. Do not blame yourself for their emotional problems, as they are not necessarily your fault or responsibility. I hate Chen for making me feel insecure about my worth. It was awful. As such, the best revenge is a massive success. And she will pay. Hail Philosocom.
- Why I Find The World Disgusting -- Disgust as Moral Repulsion
(Background Music) I find the world to be morally disgusting, and as such I am glad I don't have to partake in its sick game. Basically, the world is built like a game where your life is at stake. You spend most of your days grinding for money, and the game of this world is rigged against you and in favor of its corrupt rich who own most of it. Most people work in order to make the rich richer while living expanse gets higher and hurts the very workforce which sustains the privileged few. In order to survive , people have to be ruthless, and compete against one another for money. As such, the game of life which spans much of this world favors not the just and the fair but those who manipulate , those who get advantage over another, those who chose selfishness over altruism and those who exploit others for one's own gain. The game of life rots the planet , spirals people into depression and those who are not strong enough are at risk of taking their own lives. The very fact that this world makes people want to take their own lives disgust me. I isolate myself from this world out of ethical grounds , and I serve my work for free because I refuse playing the sick game of life, and mainly wish to contribute to people. I am disgusted by this world because the game of life makes it morally depraved , corrupt and unfair. The fact that most people need to spend most of their lives grinding for money and only get to retire at a late age implies contemporary slavery. The fact that this world makes some people take their own lives means that the system doesn't serve the people but rather exploits them and is set against them. Finally, the fact that for most there is no alternative, but to play the game of life, means that the system does not only exploits but enslaves them. Slavery hasn't faded away with modern times; it merely changed its face, like a wolf hiding in sheep's clothing. In a better, rectified world , the system would work for the very people that partake in it. In a rectified world, people would get a choice whether to play in the game of life and or to pursue their own passions instead. However, since the need to survive is constant, the system built itself around preying on humanity's constant need for survive in the name of increasing capital to the rich few. Slowly but surely, the freedom of capitalism makes way for Techno-Feudalism , where the masses become serfs, and where social mobility is highly restricted. The only reason I keep writing for you is because I have a need to contribute and to leave an impact. Should I manage to do so then my work is sufficient enough for me. I have all I need in this life, and I find my disgust from this greedy , corrupt world to be a form of moral repulsion, like an immune system rejecting the moral ills of this world as a means to remain morally healthy. The game of life has no interest offering alternatives to its forced participants. Those unable to create their own alternatives to the game of life will be forced to remain in the grasp of its matrix and live payment to payment for the majority of their lifespans. Partaking in this game is there to feed the parasitic few of this world -- the technocrats, the techno lords, the CEOs and the politicians of this world, so they would benefit from the labour of the masses while the masses themselves fight over the scraps of money that is left for them, as the former own the majority of the money for themselves, without helping those in need. I understand completely those who must partake in the sick game of life; they must survive, and they have no choice. As children , we are asked what we want to be when we grow up, yet each of the common choices, AKA, the jobs, enslave people for the system instead of making them free . Very few people will say that when they grow up they want to be free from said system. Throughout our lives, we are taught to fit in, to overcome our rebelliousness, and comply. Those who rebel and don't comply, either get pacified by law and order , or get to become unique glitches in the matrix. I am one of the people who became glitches in the matrix of life, because I don't have to work to make a living, and because my material satisfaction implies the consumerist aspect of the system has no leverage on me. The role of the philosopher requires them to be an outsider and live solitary lives . Only then they will be able to see the game of life as a whole without having their perception limited by said game. It is unrewarding, it is a sacrifice , and most people prefer that you cater to them than to see the truth. However, my solace lies in the fact that I get to live under my own terms and be free from the exploitative system that ruins the world's natural resources in the name of profit. Should more and more people be able to find alternatives to survival, such as living off grid or from unconventional forms of income, the sick game of life will lose leverage over them, and will thus weaken. In its core, the game of life, if it were a person, would be a narcissistic psychopath that lives off the work of the many like a parasite. It would seek to control as many people as possible, and would actively work to prevent any alternatives to the conventional paths it lies for the majority of humanity. The moral thing will be to be disgusted from such a system, and if you are disgusted by it as well, it means that you too have a high sense of morality. I predict the system will eventually fall, as less and less people are willing to have children, meaning less and less people will be going to serve the system. And as the death ratio will overcome the birth ratio, the system will lose the essential workers it exploits to maintain itself. Furthermore, should unemployment rates rise due to the AI revolution, the system will have even less people to exploit. I am looking forward to the collapse of the game of life should I manage to survive until then. I believe that if more people were free from the exploitative grasp of the system, the world would be a better place to live in.
- The Architecture of the Watchtower: Mastering Cognitive Distance
(Directory on Sovereignty) (Background music) Introduction: The Space Between the Stimulus and the Response In a world defined by reactivity, the ultimate power is the ability to pause. Most human beings—the "weaklings," the herd , live their lives with Zero Cognitive Distance . When they feel pain , they become pain. When they feel rage , they become rage. When a crisis occurs, they dissolve into the chaos of the event. They are leaves blowing in the wind, entirely at the mercy of external forces. Cognitive Distance is the deliberate engineering of a gap between the Self (The Observer) and the Experience (The Event). It is the psychological act of stepping back from the control panel of the mind and watching the screens, rather than being trapped inside the movie. It is the defining characteristic of the Sovereign Mind , and the only reliable shield against a chaotic reality. For the survivor of trauma, Cognitive Distance is not a luxury; it is a structural necessity. It is the firewall that prevents the system from overheating. It is the ability to look at a corpse and see a biological fact rather than a horror. It is the ability to look at loneliness and see a strategic position rather than a tragedy. The Mechanics of the "Zero Point" To understand the power of Distance, one must first analyze the failure state: Zero Distance. The average person operates at Zero Distance. This is the state of the child or the undeveloped adult. In this state, there is no filter. Stimulus: A family member creates drama. Reaction: The person is immediately engulfed in stress, shouting, or crying. At Zero Distance, the ego is glued to the moment. This is why the weak are exhausted . They are psychologically "grappling" with every single passing thought and emotion. They have no shield. Their nervous system is raw, exposed wiring, sparking at the slightest touch. This is the root of the neuroticism we see in the "normal" population—they are drowning in inches of water because they cannot stand up. The Sovereign Stance: The View from the Watchtower Cognitive Distance creates a vertical separation . The Sovereign does not live on the ground floor with the rats and the floodwaters. The Sovereign lives in the Watchtower. When you possess Cognitive Distance, you divide your consciousness into two distinct entities: The Participant: The body that feels fatigue, the brain that hears the noise, the biological entity waiting in line at the grocery store. The Observer: The silent, indestructible core that watches the Participant. When pain arrives, the Observer notes: "The body is experiencing pain signal C-4." When melancholy arrives, the Observer notes: "The mind is processing sorrow regarding the state of the world." Notice the language. It is not "I am sad." It is "There is sadness here." This linguistic shift is the essence of the distance. You are not the storm; you are the lighthouse that the storm breaks against. This allows for Operational Continuity even during extreme stress. It explains how one can stand emotionless in a morgue while others collapse. The others are in the tragedy; the Sovereign is studying the tragedy. The Spectrum: Dissociation vs. Detachment It is crucial to distinguish Cognitive Distance from uncontrolled dissociation. Dissociation is a malfunction—a fuse blowing because the voltage was too high. It is an involuntary retreat into the void (often caused by unmanaged trauma). Detachment (Cognitive Distance) is a strategy. It is a controlled cooling of the core. Think of the Tekken mechanic of "Spacing." If you stand too close to the opponent (Life), you are in range of their jabs and throws. You take chip damage constantly. If you run away entirely (Dissociation), you leave the arena and lose by forfeit. Cognitive Distance is Perfect Spacing . You stand exactly one inch outside the opponent's range. You see the attack coming, you acknowledge the wind of the punch passing your face, but you do not take damage. You are close enough to strike back (to act, to save, to build), but far enough to remain safe. The Social Filter: Dealing with the Weak The greatest utility of Cognitive Distance is found in social interaction , particularly with those who lack it. When dealing with "weaklings", like family members who live in denial, people who cannot face reality, Cognitive Distance, then, becomes your Hazmat suit. Without distance, their weakness is infectious. Their panic tries to induce your panic. Their denial tries to warp your truth. With distance, you observe them like specimens in a jar. "Subject is engaging in denial to protect a fragile ego." "Subject is projecting guilt to avoid accountability." You do not hate the specimen for being a specimen. You do not try to "fix" the jar. You simply observe the data, log the behavior, and conserve your energy. This turns "interfering" (a waste of resources) into "profiling" (a gathering of intelligence). It allows you to love, or at least tolerate, from afar, without the risk of contamination. The Relationship with Time Cognitive Distance also alters the perception of Time, the ultimate adversary. For the man waiting— for retirement , for things to finally be done, for the victory, Zero Distance becomes torture. At Zero Distance, every second of waiting feels like an eternity because you are feeling the friction of the clock hand against your skin. Cognitive Distance zooms out. It adopts the Geological Perspective . Instead of looking at the hour, you look at the Decade. "I am not wasting a Friday; I am investing in the 2030 Portfolio." "I am not lonely; I am in a training montage." By pushing the camera back, the bumps in the road flatten out. The daily struggle becomes a texture, not a wall. This is how the prisoner survives the cell; he lives in the future, not the present. Conclusion: The Fortress of Solitude In the end, Cognitive Distance is the price of admission for the Solitary Life. If you are to be alone, you must be good company. You cannot be good company if you are a reactive, emotional mess. You must be a calm, collected Governor of your own internal state. The world is entering a phase of high entropy. Chaos, weakness, and noise are increasing. Those with Zero Distance will be swept away by the current; they will be medicated , sedated, or panicked into submission. Those with Cognitive Distance will stand firm. They will be the rocks in the river. They will hold the memory of the truth when everyone else chooses to forget. It is a lonely position, yes. The Watchtower is always colder than the dance hall. But the Watchtower survives the invasion. The dance hall does not. Maintain the gap. Watch the screen. Do not touch the glass. This is the way of the Sovereign.
- The Rubinshteinic Path To Become A Self-Sovereign
(Philosocom's Subcategory Directory on Freedom) (Directory on Sovereignty) (Background music) Article Synopsis by Ms. Gabbi Grace The article "What Should You Do With Your Life (I Think) -- How To Become A Self-Sovereign" explores the philosophy of self-sovereignty, emphasizing the importance of personal autonomy and the power of refusal. It uses Rubinshteinic philosophy to advocate for viewing one's life as personal property, highlighting the need for individuals to navigate societal pressures and external expectations to achieve true independence. The article effectively communicates the concept that one's life is one's own property, emphasizing the power of refusal and personal choice. The discussion on solitude and self-knowledge is insightful, as spending time alone can lead to greater self-awareness and personal wisdom. The article acknowledges various societal pressures, such as gendered expectations and familial influence, providing a realistic view of the challenges individuals face in asserting their independence. The article balances the concept of freedom with the accompanying responsibilities, highlighting that while living independently grants immense freedom, it also comes with the burden of making informed decisions and facing the consequences of those choices. Overall, the article presents a thought-provoking perspective on personal autonomy and the power of refusal. Part I: The Power of Refusal In Rubinshteinic philosophy , it is believed that your life is your own property, unless it is officially otherwise. Therefore, as long as you are not subject by law to anyone or anything else, such as school, prison, military service, or other forms of debt, then you are free to do with your life as you please. After all, your life is your own property most of the time, especially if you are an independent adult. While other bodies, like parents, friends, and society, may pressure you to do things they think are good for you, or good for them, ultimately, the power lies with you. To truly be the master of your own life and treat it as your sole property, you must learn to navigate these pressures with the power of refusal. Choose per your wisdom. You, the "Supreme Authority" "Liberty has never come from the government. Liberty has always come from the subjects of it. The history of liberty is a history of resistance." -- Woodrow Wilson Therefore, what you should do above all, I believe, is to refuse offers, reccomendations and advices as you see fit. That is because you are your own greatest company. Allow me to explain further... You are the one who spends the most time with yourself more than anyone else, which grants you the access to learn the Art of Being Alone far more intuitively. As spending time with yourself can become more natural, you have the greatest access to your own self-knowledge more than anyone else. It's possible that, through solitude, we can become "self-professors". As such, the individual deserves to be considered, least as food for thought, as the supreme authority of knowledge on anything related to himself or herself. When the individual in question is independent, or at least capable of much independence, then one should consider such prospect even more than otherwise. The desire to help others does not mean one should force themselves on others. Instead, they should respect the individual's boundaries, and not take such policy to heart. And if you cannot generally accept boundaries, how can you properly help those you wish to help? The Burden of Constant Negotiation Norms, external expectations, and hopes from family and tradition are all things that try to influence us in one way or another, regardless of background. These expectations can manifest in various ways: Gendered Pressures (Sexism): Men may face pressure to serve in the military or fulfill stereotypical masculine tests, while women might encounter societal expectations to marry quickly. Such sexist notions are rooted in many societies, despite the uniqueness of a person exceeding their gender. Familial Expectations: Family traditions and hopes for your future can also influence your decisions. The tribal bias is strong in many people, even when it could go against their own good interests (like when your parents think they know what's best for you, but do not. That's even though they may intend you to be a good child ). The Rationale to Overcome Said Burden Remember, these are external forces, distinct from yourself. It is your life, and you have the right to decide your path, and treat these different factions accordingly to your beliefs. All of these factors and entities may butt into your life under the pretense that they know better than you what is best for you, and sometimes they are correct with this premise. However, the final decision, as someone whose life is their property, should always be in your hands, as long as said life is indeed your sole ownership. Understanding this, you can work further towards becoming the absolute ruler of your existence. I will provide more insights, further below. Part II: The Price of Owning Your Life Living life as your own property grants immense freedom, but it's a double-edged sword. While some may disapprove or be disappointed by your choices, true ownership comes with the responsibility of navigating these relationships. The Cost of Independence Strained Relationships: Choosing your path can lead to conflict with loved ones who may not agree or understand your decisions. Be prepared for potential disapproval or disappointment, especially from those who hold different values. Selective Company: Surrounding yourself with supportive individuals is crucial. It may be necessary to distance yourself from those who make you feel ashamed for pursuing your own journey. Responsibility for Outcomes: Success or failure rests solely on your shoulders. Wealth, fulfillment, or even a despised job – it's all a consequence of your choices. You rely heavily on your own judgment for navigation. The Kaiser Basileus Bonus: To make people stand out of your way, you still need to be considerate. It is far better, and easier, than assassinating them and/or breaking their kneecaps. " Reciprocity is a prerequisite for legitimacy and sustainability. That requires ensuring what is in everyone's best interests, and the least that can mean is enabling everyone the full exploration of their experience and the world around them to fully develop their character." The Price Tag of Adulthood Life then becomes your ship to captain . You reap the rewards of good decisions and face the consequences of bad ones. The hope is that these experiences become lessons for growth and improvement. Handle your decisions responsibly. Mature moral development means taking full ownership of your life. You can then shoulder the burden of failure without seeking mercy. While others may come and go, you are the one who ultimately pays the price (or enjoys the rewards) of your choices. This approach to life requires courage and resilience. However, it grants you more power to define your own happiness and forge your own path. Try making sure your priorities won't get you constantly busted by law enforcers. The Responsibility of Freedom There's a liberating truth: as an adult, your life is yours to sculpt. Yet, this freedom comes with a vital "pair" of responsibilities: gratitude and accountability. Gratitude: Embrace what you have, appreciate it, so you'll be strong enough to fight for it. Fight, and protect a value you may hold dear. Accountability: Own your choices. Whether you build a mansion or a minimalist haven , understand the consequences. The path you forge determines the rewards (or challenges) you reap. Wisdom is your compass in navigating these uncharted waters. In short, as long as you're an adult, you should lead your life in any way you like, as long as you possess the "pair", so to speak, to be grateful for what you have, and endure the toll of the results of your actions . Part III: Reflections On Self-Design Years ago, I began embracing this philosophy. I shed my old name for one that resonated with my soul, as did Ms. Panama Dusa. I traded bustling social circles and academic prestige for hermitic philosophical pursuits . This path may not be for everyone, and it was my choice alone. I may live simply, even with some outside assistance. Either way, the trade-off is clear: I have found happiness and a sense of purpose in my unconventional life. And, so can you. Living authentically doesn't guarantee wealth or societal approval. It only increases your chances of your personal vision of success. The Sovereignty of Self The awakening dawned on me slowly: My life is an independent nation, with myself as the sole sovereign . This realization, though liberating, comes with the weight of self-governance. It empowers me to carve my own path , but also demands the responsibility to navigate its consequences. I sincerely wish more people would work on themselves more , so they would rule their lives by any method they so choose: A fair hand, or even an iron fist if they so desire. For the individual, is the one who deserves to be regarded towards as the self-ruler, and as the Great Leader that knows best. However, that is and will never an easy feat, least for most people. For it requires discipline , it requires ambition, hard work, and most importantly -- faith in yourself. And a good leader must, must have faith not only in who and what he leads. H e must be faithful enough in his or her capacity to do it successfully. Such faith is best done under self-improvement and strength of character. Never, ever by mere ego and delusion. Faith in that regard is best increased when it is put under tests and challenges. Under traning. Perhaps, less so, by the quest for external validation. See for yourself how strong and capable you really are . As one being capable most of being a "Supreme Authority", can you really rely on others' approval, as much as you should rely on yourself, first and foremost? Final Words: The Caveats This approach isn't for the faint of heart. It demands courage and the willingness to chart your own course. However, in exchange, the freedom to define your own happiness and forge a life that is uniquely for yourself and to your friends, fans or followers. If you wish greater freedom as an adult, please consider following the example presented by my philosophy. Do take note that you, like me, will have to make some sacrifices, for that sense of happiness and self-actualization to ultimately arrive. Regardless, it could be for the greater good, if you deter them from payback. Wisdom is very, very important if you choose to follow the mindset this article suggests before your consideration . In the end, your property is yours to design, lead, and manage.
- The Neurodivergent Sovereign: A Philosophy of Successful Incompatibility
(Autism Subcategory Directory) (For the directory on success, click here ) (Directory on Power) (Subcategory Directory on Law and Order) (Philosocom's Disability Directory) (Kingdom Directory) (Directory on Sovereignty) (Background music) Society has a simple and brutal word for those who do not fit its narrow demands and trends: "misfit." It is a term of deficit, a label that implies something is broken or wrong. For the neurodivergent individuals -- people whose minds operate on a different, often more intense, frequency—this label can become a lifelong burden. The conventional world, built for the predictable rhythms of neurotypicals, offers a simple and unforgiving contract: learn to mask your true nature, suppress/ repress your authentic self, and exhaust your soul trying to fit in, or be cast out as a dysfunction. However, what if this two way existence is a delusion of necessity? What if there is a third option? What if the healthiest, most powerful, and most successful path is not to desperately seek a place in a world that is designed for neurotypicals, but to have the courage to build your own? This is the philosophy of the Neurodivergent Sovereign , an affiliation built not on the struggle for acceptance, but on the profound and liberating power of successful incompatibility . Successful incompatibility is when you subvert incompatibility by turning it from a vice to virtue . It is when you choose to step away from society and instead create your own world, on your own terms , thanks to the basic incompatibility you have with the rest of society. The first and most difficult act on this path is to reject the idea that you are "misfit," or at least reject the idea that a being a misfit is a necessarily a bad or faulty thing. An autistic brain is not a broken brain; it is a different kind of brain, often more powerful, more focused, and more sensitive. It is one that is wired differently and therefore interacts with the world differently. To force such a high-performance engine to run on the cheap fuel of social conformity and conventional work is not just inefficient; it is a direct and certain path to burnout, chronic fatigue , and the slow, grinding death of the soul. Instead, the wise, neurodivergent sovereign understands that his first duty is to the nature of his own realm, or in other words, to build a realm that goes along with his or her unique brain . If the world is a hostile environment, then the only logical choice is to become the mastermind of a new one. A world within the world, so to speak. An example to that could be a project, like a website or tribe of people, that are different from the rest of the world. An empire, a kingdom in which the neurodivergent is not a disadvantaged individual, but its sovereign, its head. A creator of a unique community or ecosystem that they lead. Forming your own world is not an act of surrender or a retreat into weakness ; it is the ultimate act of self-preservation , bravery and strength. It is the conscious, deliberate, and often difficult work of building a kingdom that is perfectly and unapologetically tailored to your own unique and powerful way of being. It is the creation of a fortress of solitude, not to hide from the world , but to create the one and only environment in which your specific genius can thrive. The laws of this self-made kingdom are written to serve the neurodivergent mind, not to break it. Only the neurodivergent mind can know what is best for itself. The relentless demand for meaningless social interaction is replaced by the deep, quiet satisfaction of a solitary craft in one's field of interest. The chaotic and unpredictable demands of a conventional job are replaced by a mission of one's own choosing , a purpose that brings meaning and order. In this kingdom, the very traits that were once a "disability" in the outside world—the intense focus, the rejection of the superficial , the need for a quiet and controlled environment—are transformed from vices, to virtues, or into the very pillars of said world's success. It is not necessarily a life without connection. It is a life of curated connection . The sovereign ruler of this realm understands that their energy is a precious and finite resource. They cannot afford the high cost of toxic, draining, or inauthentic relationships. Instead, his or her world is one of small, trusted alliances —perhaps, a single, profound love; perhaps, a group of close friends in brotherhood; perhaps, a handful of loyal subjects who understand and respect the laws of the kingdom. It is a world that chooses the profound depth of a few true connections over the shallow, chaotic noise of the many. This path requires a courage that the conventional world can never understand. It requires the courage to be misunderstood, to be judged, to be seen as "weird" or "antisocial" or even "insane". It requires the strength to stand alone and to have an unwavering faith in the validity of your own, unique reality. It requires you to speak up, despite fear , overcome anxieties and, it requires you to be in a position of power that you'll have to maintain, along with the rest of your newly world. It is the lonely and difficult work of being the sole author and the absolute monarch of your own life. Yet, the benefits, if successfully created, shall allow you to pursue your passions in a general world that would, otherwise, demand you to succumb to it. It will turn you from a disabled individual into the privileged creator of your own destiny, who calls his own shots , and who has the freedom to create whatever he or she desires. The final and most beautiful stage of this journey is the achievement of a profound and lasting peace , both with the larger world and the world within it, and most importantly -- with yourself, with your unique nature, and your unique challenges. It is the quiet satisfaction of a king or queen who is finally, truly at home in his own, well-ordered world, that he or she manages. They no longer feel the gnawing pain of being a misfit, because they have created the one place in the universe where he, by definition, is the perfect fit. In the old world, they might be a dysfunction; In the new world, they are the sovereign. This, then, is the ultimate message of the Neurodivergent Sovereign to all the other solitary rulers, the other misfits, the other beautiful and unique minds who feel they have no place in this world: Stop trying to find a kingdom that will accept you. By your own power, you have the potential to be the king or queen themselves. Then, it is time to build your own; a place in the world where you will be accepted.
- The Sovereign Mind: A Manual for Free Thinking in a Programmed World
" The future , a better one, can be ours, should we choose it over the present narrative" --- John Duran "Life is too short to be living someone else's dream" -- Hugh Hefner (Philosocom's Subcategory Directory on Freedom) (Directory on Sovereignty) (Background music) Introduction A great illusion in the modern age is the illusion of cognitive autonomy. Most human beings believe they are thinking freely, simply because thoughts are occurring inside their heads. True free thinking, however, is not a natural state. The natural state of the human animal is conformity, tribal adherence, and emotional reactivity . To think freely is an unnatural act of will that requires effort which goes beyond the natural state. It is a rebellion against biology, society, and the very architecture of a societal reality that demands compliance and conditioning. Becoming a free thinker is not about adopting contrarian views for the sake of being different. It is the rigorous, painful process of reclaiming ownership of your own consciousness. It is the path from being an conditioned "automaton" to becoming a Sovereign. Part I: The Necessity (Why Think Freely?) If free thinking is difficult and isolating , why pursue it? Why not simply drift with the current of the masses, accepting their definitions of success , happiness , and morality? The answer lies in the concept of Ownership . If you do not think freely, you are living a borrowed life. Your desires are planted by advertisers; your fears are curated by the news media ; your sense of morality is dictated by the chance of your geography and birth. You are not the author of your story; you are merely an actor reading a script written by a committee that does not have your best interests at heart. The price of conformity is the loss of the self and its power to dictate its own future. If more people decided to stop conforming, they then would be able to take the course of their future by their own free will , instead of letting it be dictated by others. By being able to dictate our own future, we can choose a better one over the one predetermined by our conditioning; as such, living on our own terms , we can be happier. The "Physical Traveler" moves through life checking boxes set by others—get the degree , get the job , buy the house, enter the rat race—only to arrive at the end wondering whose life they actually lived. The necessity of free thinking is the necessity of survival. Not mere biological survival, but the survival of the individual soul against the crushing weight of collective conditioning. If you value peace and happiness, and the ability to dictate your own destiny -- a better destiny than the one you might be given by your circumstances -- you must learn to think outside the programming. Part II: The Mechanics of Control (The Obstacles) To learn how to think freely, one must first understand what prevents it. We are subjected to a pincer movement of control, combining external pressure with internal weakness ; the latter which compels them to deny reality in favor of comfort. 1. The External Algorithms We live in an era where attention is the primary resource . Power hungry corporations have constructed sophisticated machinery designed to bypass your critical faculties and appeal directly to your lizard brain, in the form of instant gratification and dopamine addiction. This in turn limits your attention span and makes you more likely to be weak-willed, addicted and non-critical. Algorithms do not want you to think; Rather, they want you to react. They through social media, feed you outrage, fear, and dopamine hits to keep you engaged and more prone to control. A constantly agitated and addicted mind cannot think clearly , and from there, independently. 2. The Internal Herd Instinct Evolution did not design us for philosophy ; it designed us for survival in the wilderness. Survival meant belonging to the tribe . Therefore, isolation , the price of thinking freely, is seen as going against the very tribe that could ensure our survival. This creates a powerful biological pressure to agree with the majority, even when it conditions you to be submissive and to obey without question. When you hold an opinion contrary to your group, your brain releases cortisol (the stress hormone). To think freely, you must develop the capacity to endure discomfort —to be okay with being the "outsider." You must, by your own power , override millions of years of evolutionary programming that compel you to conform. 3. The Emotional Fog Most "thinking" is merely the justification of prior emotions. People feel something ( anger , desire, fear) and then use their intellect to construct rationalizations for why that feeling is correct. A free thinker understands that emotions are tools, not directives that necessarily compel you act. If you cannot separate your logical thinking from your immediate emotional state, you are not thinking; you are feeling with a vocabulary. Free thinking allows us to act beyond our emotions, beyond our willpower, and thus be truly free not only from external influence, but also from our internal mechanisms. Part III: The Method (How to Think Freely) Free thinking is not a mystical talent. It is an acquired skill, a muscle built through discipline and detachment. Step 1: The Axiomatic Audit You must identify the foundation stones of your worldview, your ideologies —the things you assume are utterly true— and hit them with a metaphorical hammer. An axiom is a statement accepted as true without proof. Most people build their lives on faulty axioms they inherited from society, such as: "Career success equals happiness," or "Being alone is bad," or "Consumption is necessary." A free thinker is prepared to challenge everything. You must ask: Why do I believe this? Did I reason my way to this conclusion, or did I absorb it from my environment? If it cannot stand up to rigorous scrutiny, it must be discarded, no matter how comforting it was. Step 2: The Practice of Radical Solitude You cannot hear your own voice if the room is crowded. The "crowd" today is not just physical; it is digital. Every time you open social media, you are inviting thousands of shouting voices into your mental living room. To think freely, you must carve out a "Fortress of Solitude." In other words, you must be able to hear and recognize your voice beyond any distraction or external influence; be an isolator. This is a form of decluttering . You need periods of zero input—no phone, no media, no conversation—to allow the remains of external influence to settle so you can see the clear water of your own mind. Step 3: Emotional Detachment and Delay The free thinker cultivates a gap between stimulus and response. When presented with new information—especially information that triggers anger or fear—do not react immediately. Allow yourself a waiting period. Place the information in a mental "quarantine." Allow the emotion to fade, and then approach the topic with cold, clinical logic. You must view your own mind almost as a third party, analyzing its reactions without identifying with them. Step 4: Diversify Your Inputs If you only read what you already agree with, you are not thinking; you are instead amplifying your own confirmation bias. You must deliberately expose yourself to ideas that contradict your core beliefs, and develop the habit of looking both ways. This does not mean you have to agree with them, but you must understand them. Conclusion: The Lonely Victory The path of the free thinker is not an easy one. It is a lonely road. When you unplug from the matrix of mass opinion, you lose the easy fellowship of the herd. You may be misunderstood, labeled as aloof, cold, or strange. You could also be rejected as insane. But the reward outweighs the cost. The reward is sovereignty; the freedom to choose your own life, your own future, and the path towards your inevitable fate. When you think freely, you build a "pocket dimension" of sanity within an insane world. You gain the ability to stand unmoved amidst the chaos of the "rat race." You achieve a peace that cannot be shaken by headlines or social pressure, because that peace is built on your own internal validation, not external approval. Finally, free thinking can be seen as the ultimate act of self-love. It is the decision that your mind is too valuable property to be leased out to the highest bidder. It is the declaration that you are the sole monarch of your own consciousness.
- The Sovereign's Equation: The Mathematics of Freedom
(Philosocom's Directory on Freedom) (Kingdom Directory) (Philosocom Directory on Numbers) (Void directory) (Directory on Sovereignty) (Background music) Introduction Most people spend their lives trying to solve the wrong math problem. They believe that Freedom is a function of Addition. They think: "If I add more money , more friends , more status, and more options, I will finally be free." This is the great lie of the matrix. In truth, Freedom is not calculated by what you add. It is calculated by what you subtract. Through my own "Rubinshteinic" observation of life, I have discovered the only formula that matters for the individual seeking true autonomy. I call it The Sovereign ’s Equation : The logic is absolute: Freedom is proportional to your commitments. As the number of your obligations (the denominator) approaches zero, your Freedom approaches Infinity. Conversely, as you add people, jobs, and social debts to your life, your freedom shrinks to a microscopic fraction. The Weight of the Denominator To understand why this equation holds true, we must define "Commitment." A commitment is not just a promise; it is a Chain. A Job is a commitment to a schedule and a boss. A Mortgage is a commitment to a bank. A Social Circle is a commitment to performance, drama, and validation. A Family (in the traditional, obligatory sense) is a commitment to expectations you did not choose. Every time you say "Yes" to a person or a role, you increase the denominator. You weaken your sovereignty. The "Rat Race" is simply a game where people compete to see who can carry the heaviest denominator while smiling. They call it "Success." I call it "Slavery." The Kiryu Paradox: The Slave to Duty Consider the archetype of the "Honorable Hero ," often seen in fiction like the Yakuza series. Kiryu Kazuma is a man of immense physical strength and power. Yet, is he free? No. He is a slave to his commitments. He is bound by the honor of the clan, the needs of the orphanage, and the pleas of his friends . He cannot move without dragging a hundred obligations with him. He represents the Noble Slave . He has power, but he has no agency over his own peace . Compare this to the Sovereign. The Sovereign may have less physical influence over the streets, but he has total influence over his own timeline. By refusing to play the game of "Honor" and "Duty" defined by others, the Sovereign retains the energy that the Hero wastes. The Strategy of Subtraction I realized early on that I preferred to be free than to be "part of the whole." To achieve this, I had to engage in a radical process of subtraction . I looked at the chessboard of my life, which was cluttered with pawns (acquaintances), knights (family obligations), and bishops (societal norms). I cleared the board. I eliminated relationships that drained energy without providing value. I refused the "standard path" of career and education. I curated my family down to the absolute essentials. This was not cruelty; it was Structural Engineering. You cannot build a Fortress of Solitude if you leave the drawbridge down for everyone to walk across. By reducing my people-count, I increased my peace-count. The Fear of the Void Why do so few people use this equation? Because when you reduce the denominator to nearly zero, you are left with The Void. Most people are terrified of the silence that comes with total freedom. They fill their lives with commitments because commitments provide a script. If you have to go to work, you don't have to ask, "Who am I?" You just follow the instructions. When you strip away the commitments, the script vanishes. You are left alone in the "Pocket Dimension" you created. The Weak look at this void and feel lonely. They rush back to the crowd to be enslaved again. The Strong (The Sovereign) look at this void and see a canvas. To the Sovereign, the Void is not an abyss to be feared, but a pristine expanse of potential to be exploited. Where the weak see a terrifying silence that screams for distraction, the strong see a blank canvas awaiting their unique design. Without the clutter of society’s scripts and the noise of obligations, the Sovereign is finally free to project their own will, ethics, and architecture onto reality. This empty space is the only laboratory where true creation can occur. It is the transition point where one stops being a character in someone else’s story and becomes the author of their own. The silence is not loneliness; it is the breathtaking scope of liberty. Thus, the void becomes not a problem or a bug, but a feature, a platform for creation. Conclusion: The Infinity of One I have accepted the price of my equation. The price is that I have fewer people to share my victories with, and I face moments of silence that stretch for days. But the reward is Infinity . This infinity is not a barren wasteland; it is a territory of absolute agency. By ruthlessly subtracting the external noise, I have amplified my internal signal. The Sovereign understands that true power is not found in controlling others, but in ensuring that others cannot control him. I own 100% of my time. I own 100% of my thoughts. I answer to no one. In this vacuum of obligation, I have found the space to build a legacy that is purely my own, untainted by compromise. The emptiness is no longer a defect; it is the clean air of a summit that few will ever reach. I have solved the math. While the rest of the world is trying to add more weight to their lives, I am floating in the zero-gravity of my own design. I do not just survive in this solitude; I reign in it. If you want to be free, do not ask: "What can I get?" Ask: "What can I let go of?"
- On My Retirement from Society -- Reflections of a Shadow Sovereign Who Retired at 20
(Directory on Sovereignty) (Background music) Why would anyone play a rigged game? The only way to win is not to play. -- John Duran In 2018, when I was 20, I retired from this world after finishing working as an office worker in a hospital. In 2019, I opened up Philosocom as a way to do good in this world and to feel purposeful. Truth be told, this world disgusts me. All its wars, all its corruption and general state of decline repel me from desiring to partake in society. And indeed, beyond my online contributions to this world, I want to do nothing with it. My desire to rectify the world using this website is something I might as well try to do for the rest of my life, as that gives me a lot of meaning, as well as rectifies myself, but beyond that, I want nothing to do with this world. Today, in December 2025, I am 28 years old. I live retired and engaged to one of the site's readers, who later on went to write for the site herself. I went a long way managing this site, helping a lot of people and even saving some of them from despair, and now I live a post-purpose life, young and retired from a world I despise. I don't ever see myself integrating with society, forever living in it as an eternal outsider. I am a retired man who never has to work , and who is free to pursue a passionate work on this giant website called Philosocom. 5 years ago, I established my own hermitage where I live as a hermit on the outskirts of society, trying to master peace and self-actualization. Beyond basic necessities and some exercise, I rarely go out. I don't want to go out, and the world disgusts me on a moral level. Being a hermit, I am often lonely, and managing this website, it is often lonely at the top. However, the writing I do helps pass the time and fills my life with meaning. I believe this world is doomed and as such I developed my own world where I live as its sovereign. I attempt to rectify the greater world, AKA the "doomed" world as a means to remain a good man in a world were moral depravity reigns supreme. Despite my retired state, or maybe because of it, I managed to do a lot of good in this world, from helping the needy in third world countries to giving people hope where they needed it most. Growing paranoid from the possibility of having my solitude stolen from me by strangers, I quit most social media and now I live as this world's shadow. The way this world turns worries me. The internet used to be a place to unite and connect between people. Nowadays with the rise of AI, scammers and misinformation, the internet has become a place that isolates people from each other -- the exact opposite of the virtual world I grew up on in the 2000's. Being retired, I have no desire to keep up with the times. I kind of live as if I am still in the 2000's, running a genuine website in the world of AI slop, living ascetically and happily in isolation. As my late grandmother used to say, it is better to be alone than in bad company, and I live in the same similar isolation as she did. I just can't bring myself to be part of this world beyond my online contributions. There is a deeply seated feeling of disgust I endure each time I think about it. I was born a pure soul, and I decided I want to keep that purity around. Witnessing the injustices of the conventional, greater world had made me depressed , dark and knowing well of the dystopian fate this world has doomed itself to. Opening up and working on this website has helped me rectify much of my darkness, much of my depression and eventually some of my loneliness. In April 2026 this website will turn 7 years old, and I rarely managed to earn from it. Being a non-profit project of pure passion, I am running and managing this website to feel meaningful and to try making this world a better place using my articles. I believe greed is one of the main things that will bring the world to its doom. Had people were able to change their nature like I did, to be satisfied with what they have, the world wouldn't be so much exploited of its natural resources, and people wouldn't be scammed that often for money. I believe in compassionate capitalism. I think the world would've been a better place if we were more compassionate. However, humanity at large has fallen prey to hatred, division and toxicity, preventing the route of compassion from being normalized. I am well aware that I won't be able to rectify the world completely, as the route of rectification is infinite; there will always be something to rectify. However, the more I rectify this world, the more I manage to bring myself back to purity -- my desired state. Purity and innocence are things which are missing in this world, and being born pure, I always seek to bring myself back to my pure state by doing good. Doing good isn't profitable, nor it is social. However, a good person is who I am, and a good person I strive to be. I gave up on greed, gave up on the idea of re-integrating back to society, because in the end, it is no measure of health to be well-adjusted to a sick society. And the societies of this world are sick beyond belief. I believe that retiring myself from society was a good idea, as that allowed me to nurture myself back to good physical and mental health, help people and get love. I am aware I am quite hard to understand, I am aware that my ideas are sometimes complex, but philosophy was never meant to be simple nor effortless to comprehend. I developed myself to be a contra-force to this world, like a true rebel. Resisting its influences, resisting its ways to control me, and instead walking my own unique path in life. My desire to rectify the world comes from a genuine hope that this world would be better than what it is currently. That people will be happier and less stressed . That there will be less toxicity in the cesspool that is society. And finally, that less people will give in to despair and take away their own lives. In 2007 my late grandmother tried to do the latter, claiming that the world has forsaken her. Being there for her, the attempt was prevented. Although doing such a feat got me amnesiac and with PTSD which I managed to overcome by my own power , I believe I did the right thing. However, I believe that was the origin that compelled me to forsake this world myself, going in the opposite direction my late grandmother went, while remaining as solitary as she was. The desire to rectify the world was hers as well, and it is something which I have inherited. I wish this world was a happier place. However, it just isn't. It is a fake, unjust and greedy world which compels many of its members to seek their own demise, as in the case of my late grandmother and the people I saved. Although, honestly, I wouldn't be surprised if any of them are dead by now, by their own hands, as saving is a temporary act. Because the world isn't as good as it was promised to be in the 2000's, I did the sanity-based decision of forsaking/retiring from it, working on a legacy to rectify it and to find meaning in an otherwise absurd universe. Working on this site comes from my wish to make the world a better place. Hopefully my years-on sacrifice wouldn't be for nothing. Thanks for reading.
- Quest for Happiness: Alex Mos's Thoughts on Nietzsche's Will to Power (And Her Articles)
(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 ) Her Articles https://www.philosocom.com/post/a-world-beyond https://www.philosocom.com/post/philosophical-creativity https://www.philosocom.com/post/the-fabric-of-happiness-by-alex-mos https://www.philosocom.com/post/the-road-to-paradise-a-quest-for-the-meaning-of-life-by-alex-mos https://www.philosocom.com/post/philosophical-creativity https://www.philosocom.com/post/shadow-woman https://www.philosocom.com/post/life-after-death-1 https://www.philosocom.com/post/chatgpt https://www.philosocom.com/post/afterlife-without-gods https://www.philosocom.com/post/moral-authority ( The Directory on Nietzsche ) (Philosocom's Directory on Happiness) (Philosocom's Directory on Power) Article Synopsis by Mr. C. Kingsley and Co. This article explores Nietzsche's "Will to Power" through the lens of Alex Mos's interpretation. The article is well-organized, engaging, and informative, contrasting it with other philosophical views like Schopenhauer's. It acknowledges potential misinterpretations of Nietzsche's philosophy , particularly regarding power dynamics and the misuse of his ideas. The integration of Mos's articles allows readers to explore related themes further, building a bridge between different pieces of content on the article empire. The article provides philosophical clarity, explaining Nietzsche's divergence from Schopenhauer's pessimistic philosophy and how his idea of "Will to Power" offers a more uplifting existential path. Overall, the article is a compelling analysis of Nietzsche's "Will to Power," successfully integrating philosophical insights and Mos's writings. (Background music) "What is Happiness? - the feeling that power increases - that resistance to it is overcome," wrote Nietzsche in The Anti-Christ , meaning that men should seek Power, not pleasure , to find Happiness. Happiness is a rare and exquisite treasure, and I dedicate my life to finding it, just like (the vast majority) of my fellow earthlings. Nietzsche defines the Will to Power as the "unexhausted procreative will of life," explaining why humans, despite existential suffering , can live a fulfilling life worth living. This essay will explain my interpretation of the philosopher's "Will to Power." Nietzsche's Will to Power Nietzsche describes Will to Power in his famous book Thus Spoke Zarathustra as a creator of various moral systems in societies. In his later work, Beyond Good and Evil, the philosopher links the W ill to Power to supreme human intelligence and "ens realissimum," or the most real thing in our lives. This statement devalues religious ideas from the highest divine concepts. It replaces them with the Will to Power, a metaphysical force to overcome life's adversities , master inner demons , and turn into better version of themselves. Nietzsche's Will to Power provides a more cheerful existential alternative to Schopenhauer's nihilistic explanation of human existential struggle. Schopenhauer's principle underpinning reality, the Will of Life, describes a pointless cycle of craving, fleeting fulfillment, and boredom until a new desire arises. On the contrary, Nietzsche's concept of Will to Power gives hope for finding Happiness by resisting weakness and escaping the mental trap of misery. It allows us to overcome suffering, and such victory strengthens our feelings of power, resulting in inner growth and great satisfaction. The Will to Power... Misinterpreted Nietzsche's term "Will to Power" can be easily misinterpreted. In his earlier work, The Joyful Science, he writes, "We exercise our power over others by doing them good or by doing them ill -- that is all we care for." Here, Nietzsche describes physical and political power over others, but it's not what he meant by the concept of Will to Power in his later works. However, the term can be wrongly associated with inequality, competition , and domination for those less familiar with Nietzsche's philosophy. The true meaning of Nietzsche's "Will to power" is: To possess a will to master one's weaknesses and transform to a superior version of oneself, not to subjugate others. Despite his philosophical genius , Nietzsche's life was tragic. Ironically, he was not strong enough to overcome his weak disposition , which he despised. His poor health and unsuccessful love life contributed to his final collapse and mental illness , preventing him from finishing his work. The book "Will to Power" was published by his sister-guardian, who deliberately forged and changed Nietzsche's passages to align them with her anti semitic Nazi ideology. The infamous book was printed in Nietzsche's name and, therefore, can be unjustly linked to him and his philosophy. Will to Power and Asceticism Nietzsche's key to Happiness is not pursuing fleeting pleasures but the power we gain when overcoming hardships and weakness within us. Unlike Schopenhauer, Nietzsche didn't like asceticism and a rigorous abstinence from the sensual world. When adapted to one's lifestyle, Will to Power results in a balanced , sober lifestyle, intellectual interests, high discipline , and self-criticism. It doesn't imply avoidance and withdrawal from life , but it enables us to face our negative emotions and overcome them. Rather, it's a courageous way to experience an existential spectrum of life, love, and desire as a mentally free and powerful human, learning from every experience and becoming stronger. The Will to Power doesn't limit us to strict asceticism but gives us the strength to accept disappointments and suffering in an empowering way. Nietzsche believed Will to Power is a metaphysical property of conscious, intelligent men, and every human can access it through the intellect. True Happiness is achieved by becoming mentally powerful, confident, and balanced. We should nourish habits and emotions, strengthening our Will to Power through a healthy lifestyle in moderation, loving relationships , and mindfulness. We also should avoid hedonistic distractions like overusing social media and chasing novelty for the euphoric effects of the adrenaline rush. Such unhealthy and addictive habits weaken our minds, hindering mental growth and Happiness. What is Happiness? It is the feeling that our inner power increases because we overcame the resistance of adversity and suffering. It's the feeling that we positively changed the fabric of our emotional reality . It's a feeling that we grew and evolved into a better, more powerful version of ourselves.
- The Devil's Mark Dilemma And Ethical Dilemmas Directory
(Background music) Part Zero: The Directory on Ethical Problems The Trophy Dilemma -- How Rewards Kill Potential The Reception Dilemma (And How to Solve It) The Solitary Egotist Dilemma -- To Contribute Or Not To Contribute to Others? The Sensitive Originator's Dilemma -- What I Chose The Robot Lover Dilemma -- How Romance and A.I Are Morally Questionable My Solution to the "Trolley Problem" The Problem With Time The Problems of Following Your Passions 5 Problems with Masculinity in Today's Society The Problem With Destiny -- How It Could be Risky The Newcomer's Fallacy -- The Problem With Those New to Philosophy The Grey Problem -- How To Better Understand Ourselves The Problems of the Overman -- What Nietzsche Didn't Consider The Problems with the Computer Simulation Theory and the Eternal Void The Problem with Birthdays and Other Events (From an Autistic Standpoint) The Problem with Standards -- Advocating Disability Awareness -- A Philosophy of Inclusion The Problem of (Some) Religions In Philosophy From a Functional Standpoint Socrates and The Problem With Philosophy (Also, Philosocom's Socrates Directory) The Problem Behind Wanting Payback -- Understanding the Drawbacks and Alternatives to Revenge The "Each New Day" Problem (Or, My Reasoning against Meaninglessness/Nihilism) Why Pure Joy Could Be a Problem -- The Aspects That Matter As Well, and Even More Working To Live VS Living To Work -- Why Focusing on Quality of Life is Problematic https://www.philosocom.com/post/moral-authority Introduction The article delves into the intricate moral dilemmas that arise in extreme survival situations . Drawing parallels between historical events and philosophical thought, both real and fictional , we can understand why some people would compromise their own morality in the name of evil they don't have to submit to, however are inclined to, nonetheless. The Devil's Mark Dilemma presents to the reader a hypothetical scenario that even he or she might comply to if they were in the shoes of a resistance party against a pro-devil government organization. By examining the tension between individual beliefs and collective survival , we can gain valuable insights into the nature of morality and human behavior. Furthermore, we can apply these insights for our own lives, allowing us to empower choices we otherwise would avoid picking. Part I: The Devil Mark of the New World Order In a cinematic piece, The New World Order: The End Has Come (2013), humanity is confronted with a stark, existential dilemma.... A choice between a satanic faith order, lead by a global ruler representing the devil (Lord Aldo De Luca, possessed by the devil himself), and all of freedom . The premise is humorously simple: surrender one's deeply-held religious beliefs and freedoms for survival or perish in the name of Satan. This cinematic exploration of religious conflict mirrors historical events. During the Jewish diaspora , some converted to Christianity to escape persecution, like some people converted to the New World Order in the movie, by possessing the Devil's Mark on their forehead. Was it a betrayal of tradition for the sake of security, a compromise in the face of adversity? Or was it a pragmatic survival strategy? Socrates might have happily refuse surrendering his forehead to an organization he would've deemed corrupt beyond measure, and a product of a democratic world. Thomas Hobbes, on the other hand, would've justified conversion due to the concept of the social contract. The Nazi regime, however, demonstrated a spine-chilling disregard for such distinctions. Ironically the NWO organization was better than the Nazis, for the NWO were inclusive about all kinds of people joining their ranks. Furthermore, they would offer mercy, in the movie, to people instead of killing them. In the eyes of simple-minded folk, the choice was not less about between faith and immoral servitude, but between life and death. In The New World Order , the antagonist, a Satanic force, offers a similar ultimatum. Those who resist the "New World Order" are marked for destruction. The film's tragic conclusion, where one heroine decides to mark herself, but her friend chooses to be executed, is a grim reminder: even in the face of overwhelming evil, some choose martyrdom over compromise. And that's how heroic conduct can be just as awful as evil itself for people. Part II: Historical Parallels The Jewish Diaspora: The forced conversion of Jews during the diaspora exemplifies the difficult choices individuals face when their lives are threatened. Some of them found themselves collaborating with the Nazis against their will, working for their financial empires by slaving away their lives in work camps. The Nazi Regime: The horrors of the Holocaust highlight the ultimate moral dilemma: the choice between life and death , between individual conscience and collective survival. Some Nazis and their collaborators, for example, hid Jews in their buildings, in the case of Anne Frank. This shows that not all of them were willing to carry out the Nazi's mark on their shoulders. To quote Frank Herself: “I still believe, in spite of everything, that people are really good at heart" Part III: Philosophical Perspectives Socratic Idealism: Socrates, a paragon of philosophical integrity, would likely have rejected any compromise with evil, even at the cost of his own life. Valuing the respect of Athenian law, he sacrificed his own life for it. Hobbesian Realism: Thomas Hobbes, on the other hand, would have prioritized self-preservation and justified compromise in the face of overwhelming threat. Hobbes might've valued any social contract that would prevent people's lives from being nasty, brutish and short. As such, Thomas Hobbes would've picked the Devil's Mark without question. Part IV: To Bear or Not to Bear Unwanted Marks? In contemporary society, we may face similar moral dilemmas, although in less extreme forms. For instance, people may often have to compromise their moral values, so they won't be forsaken by their followers and friends. Bearing the mark of society, they erase their own unique individuality in exchange for social interactions. This can make these interactions feel shallow and unfulfilling. The same can be applied to any other trend that cares not for what individuals think about it, preferring instead to focus on social engineering of a herd mentality. Building a Better life Also, the more we examine such dilemmas, the more we can deduce for ourselves the life we want to live... How much do we want to partake in society? How much should we partake in society? Is it the right thing for us to live outside of societal bounds? How much of our values and moral codes will we sacrifice just to blend in with other societal/organizational members? Should we disregard society entirely and go our own ways? The more we ask ourselves this question, by looking within us and considering our ambitions in life, the more we can work towards living a life we might feel are better of us specifically. After all these questions are subjective and personal. Conclusion The Devil's Mark Dilemma serves as a grim philosophy of the complex moral choices we may face, especially in the most extreme circumstances. As one can deduce, the tension between individual conscience and collective survival is a timeless theme, echoed in historical events and philosophical thought. By delving into these dilemmas, one not only gain a deeper understanding of human nature but also equip us to navigate the moral complexities of our own lives. Whether it's the pressure to conform to societal norms, or the temptation to compromise our values for personal gain, or the difficult choices we face in the face of adversity , the lessons learned can guide one toward a more ethical and fulfilling existence. Ultimately, the choice between individual integrity and collective survival is a personal one. However, by examining the consequences of our actions and the potential impact on ourselves and others, we can make informed decisions that align with our deepest virtues. May we all draw inspiration from the wisdom of the past and the courage of those who have stood up for what they believe in, in both tales of fiction and in the real world.
- Government and Elections -- Article And Politics Directory
Politics Directory: https://www.philosocom.com/post/if-politicians-were-philosophers-by-mr-igal-shenderey https://www.philosocom.com/post/across-human-knowledge-an-approach-to-issues-in-political-development https://www.philosocom.com/post/the-philosopher-s-two-archetypes-the-politician-and-the-madman https://www.philosocom.com/post/the-philosopher-and-their-politics https://www.philosocom.com/post/why-is-the-state-also-a-place-of-business https://www.philosocom.com/post/rubinshteinism-a-summary-of-tomasio-rubinshtein-s-political-compass-philosophy https://www.philosocom.com/post/the-south-sudan-national-revolutionary-movement-manifesto-by-mr-m-a-cayier https://www.philosocom.com/post/honest-thoughts-on-constitutional-monarchy https://www.philosocom.com/post/criticizing-plato-s-philosopher-king-idea https://www.philosocom.com/post/plato-s-republic-through-the-lens-of-morrowind-an-rpg-a-guest-post-by-mr-bryan-michaels https://www.philosocom.com/post/sacrifices-of-war-how-to-elect-candidates-in-the-name-of-the-greater-good https://www.philosocom.com/post/the-gandhi-article https://www.philosocom.com/post/dr-s-radhakrishnan-s-legacy-once-a-philosopher-no-return-after-by-mr-o-c-isaac https://www.philosocom.com/post/catering https://www.philosocom.com/post/world-peace-1 https://www.philosocom.com/post/moral-authority Article Synopsis by Mr. John Igwe and Co. The article "Government and Elections: The Necessary Complexities of This World" offers a comprehensive exploration of the complexities inherent in government and elections. Mr. Tomasio skillfully intertwines philosophical reflections with practical advice, creating a rich tapestry that invites readers to contemplate their role in the political process. The article covers a wide range of topics related to government and elections, from the power of voting and grassroots movements to strategic voting. The inclusion of philosophical quotes and ideas from Christopher Hodgson and Robert T. Kiyosaki adds depth and context to the discussion, encouraging readers to think critically about the principles underpinning political systems and their own beliefs. The article emphasizes the importance of active participation in the political process, even when the ideal outcome seems unattainable. Balancing ideals and pragmatic considerations is highly relevant, with Mr. Tomasio's personal anecdotes and reflections on add authenticity and relatability. Focusing on education and grassroots movements is crucial for fostering a more engaged and knowledgeable electorate. The article provides a realistic perspective, acknowledging the imperfections and challenges within political systems , such as the potential for betrayal by political leaders. Overall, the article is a compelling and thought-provoking exploration of government and elections, blending philosophical insights with practical advice to encourage readers to actively engage with the political process. **************************** (Background music) Part I: Advocating for Your Vision Despite Imperfections An ideal government is not something that is likely to be established, nor is it something whose image can be agreed upon. However, using the power of the ballot box, one should not be prevented from advocating for their own vision of government. Voting is a tool that can be both powerful and partially insignificant ( As voting is not created equal in all places where voting is held). Its power lies in its ability to change and retain leadership, shaping the course of a nation. Yet, it can also feel insignificant because not all votes carry equal weight, as said. This depends heavily on the party system within your country. A vote in a two-party system has different value than a vote in a multi-party system . And of course, it holds no real value whenever its fabricated. If your ideal party, one whose ideology aligns perfectly with your vision, has a slim chance of winning, your vote might seem insignificant. However, this doesn't make participation futile. In fact, to think it is futile, is a product of the Futility Fallacy/Appeal to Futility. Arguably , it's also known as the Nirvana Fallacy. The Power of Information and Education In an age of constant information flow, knowledge is a powerful tool for advocating for your vision. Research the platforms of different candidates and parties. Share this information with friends and family, encouraging them to become informed voters. Research together in groups, try to mutually learn from each other. Support organizations that promote voter education and civic engagement. Lambast them if necessary to learn more about them. By empowering others with knowledge, you can create a more informed electorate that holds leaders accountable to their promises. The Long-Term Impact of Grassroots Movements A grassroots movement is an organized effort undertaken by groups of individuals in a given geographic area to bring about changes in social policy or influence an outcome, often of a political issue. -- Robert Longley Even if your ideal candidate or party doesn't win immediately, your participation can be a stepping stone for long-term change. For greater relevance, Support grassroots movements that align with your vision. These movements can raise awareness, mobilize communities, and build momentum for future elections. Failure is part of the process of success. People who avoid failure also avoid success.” — Robert T. Kiyosaki By working alongside others who share your values, you can build a powerful force for positive change over time. That's of course as long as you're not being manipulated with ulterior motives. Otherwise, significant social and political advancements rarely happen overnight. Persistence and dedication are key to achieving lasting progress. Part II: The Essence of Strategic Voting People do not always vote for the party that they like the most. Sometimes, they choose to vote for another one because they want to maximize their influence on the outcome of the election. This behavior driven by strategic considerations is often labeled as “strategic voting.” It is opposed to “sincere voting,” which refers to the act of voting for one’s favorite party. -- Damien Bol and Tom Verthé While voting is an expression of personal beliefs, blind loyalty to a party's ideology can sometimes be a roadblock to achieving change. Voters must navigate a balance between their ideal vision and the pragmatic reality of who has a strong chance of being elected. Strategic voting, which involves considering the viability of a party's success alongside your principles, can be a powerful tool for influencing the political landscape. Additionally, witnessing a party leader's complete betrayal of their ideology, leaving your own beliefs unrepresented, can be a disheartening experience.... And yes, my first vote was for a party whose leader betrayed her party's values, joining the coalition instead... For the emotionally inclined, perhaps such betrayal can feel as painful as the one in marriage. This also helped me further realize how ideology is but a tool in its role , along with the value of one's importance. After all... Dividing and Conquering Despite the challenges, a multi-party system allows for a more in-depth and diverse political discourse. Understanding the divisive nature of the system and strategically engaging with the options available, voters can still make their voices heard and influence the direction of the country, even if it means compromising slightly on their ideal candidate. The divide between political parties and their followers... is it inherit or is it a social construct? According to Christopher Hodgson: The media would have you believe that we are divided. They would have you believe that there is a civil war on the horizon. But it’s not true. Most people just want to live a good and happy life. They push certain agendas, whether that be BLM, LGBTQ+, or Equal rights. It’s always a movement that is never positive and always looks for the issues rather than the good. I have no desire to have my critical thinking compromised by the affiliation bias. I prefer to help those I can and those who won't refuse or abuse me, regardless of their gender, race and political views. I care not for factionalism . I care for humanity. For world rectification , others, like my mother who almost died, won't have to be further traumatized. Trauma is horrible, and comes too naturally in society. Politics is no excuse to enable it further. Riding the Political Seas As the Eccentric "Madman" Imagine how the fate of a multi-party nation would be if, let's say, all the voters who won for parties that do not have the chance to make it, voted for far more relevant and powerful parties instead. That could change the future of one's country through the underrated power of compromise. It's one of the most insignificant parties in my country. However, I actually sympathize with 2 of its major principles: free internet as a basic right, and increased freedom of speech. Making a change, in other words, doesn't mean you have to do it with full loyalty to your ideology, as that could be counterproductive. As said, ideology can be used as a tool. Not only by politicians to live and die by power, but by voters to work towards a better life. Part III: When Your Ideal Party Isn't on the Horizon There are two ways to make your vote count: sway others to your side, or strategically compromise. For introverts like myself, influence campaigns might be an idea full of despair. Here's the reality: Like with Philosocom and the rest of the internet, even with a dedicated following, it's tough to compete with social media giants, despite their corruption . Despite the fact that they further divide the world's populations through their personalized algorithms. Thus, those who seek more followers, are often those who crave it. Megalomaniacs, narcissists, psychopaths. The frustration of a government you dislike isn't always due to manipulated voters, whether through love-bombing , religion or otherwise. Sometimes, the opposing side is more enticing... Make sure you're not being manipulated yourself, so doubt yourself. Remember, even majority rule is a form of compromise through elimination, and even the majority can deter democracy itself, capable of turning into tyranny. A Reality Prone to Change An ideal government might be a utopia, but that shouldn't stop us from advocating for our vision through voting. For that utopia might be there as merely a short term, and be ruined by militarist forces , revolutionary potential used for evil and other such unfortunate events. Remember: Nothing's forever. Forever's a lie. All we have is what's between hello and goodbye. - - Marilyn Bergman Voting is a powerful tool for shaping leadership, but even the strongest of leaders can be broken, by either bone or spirit. Every vote of yours, therefore, is for a temporary effect. Whether it lasts a year or leads to a leader's longest reign in national history, never forget that no ideal or depravity lasts as immortality. All will be broken, eventually, as existence demands. However, do not fall victim to the eternity fallacy. Whether you're happy with the current rule of feel alienated and robbed, none of it lasts forever anyways. Try being more pragmatic. Try being strong either way. Then, reality's inevitable griefs will be more sufferable. Balancing Social Idealism and Pragmatism The highest good is the synthesis of the natural and moral goods: Happiness in perfect proportion to virtue. Kant's justification for including this idea in his theory of practical reason arises from the need to overcome the dualism that emerges between these two goods. Happiness and virtue are both justified objects for the will of a finite rational being . -- Eoin O'Connell When casting your vote, blind idealism can be a political shipwreck, because you do not exist in a void. You can't convince everyone to see things your way. The happiness you seek is not everyone else's necessarily. Sticking rigidly to your perfect vision might leave you throwing your vote away on a party with no realistic chance of winning, as the populace have their own visions. Effective participation requires navigating a course between your ideal vision of government and the practicalities of the political landscape and the rest of the people's wants and needs. Sometimes, achieving change necessitates compromise. And it might mean swallowing a minor policy disagreement for the sake of progress on a more critical issue. Think of it like sailing a complex course. While you have a desired destination (your ideal government), you need to adjust your sails (voting strategically) based on the prevailing winds (the current political climate) to reach a closer port (achievable progress). You're never a lone sailor, and your vote should be seen as a synthesis of individual and collective demand. Conclusion: Think and Choose Wisely Recognizing a significant change often requires sacrifice of individual interest. It's all about having a prioritization theory. By supporting a party that aligns with your most important priorities, which can be shared by like-minded people, you contribute to a larger movement for positive change. Plan ahead. Chart a pragmatic course, raise your sails, and set sail for a brighter future. However, be careful what you wish for... And specifically, WHO you wish for.


























