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(Philosocom's Subcategory on Time) (Philosocom's Subcategory On the Past) (Background music) Remembering Like a Crow: Why The Time Lapse Fallacy Does Not Erase One can compare us humans to birds . Some, like penguins, are earthbound, their wings aren't exactly instruments of flight. Others, like swallows and albatrosses, paint the skies with their travels, effortlessly traversing continents. Vultures, the opportunists , scan the landscape for the leavings of greater predators. And then, there are those like myself, the crows – not in physical form, of course, but in our minds. We remember, and remember well . The slightest of stings, the warmest of gestures... the details that others let fade, as they overlook them. Now, I am no bird expert, and this analogy is just that – a metaphorical display of personhood. It serves a purpose. Just like birds, we humans come in a great variety of shapes, sizes, and talents. Some ride on the wings of ambition, while others content themselves with paddling through life's lakes below the skies. Some forget as readily as a sparrow hops from branch to branch, while others, like myself, hold memories close, a precious collection in the attic of the mind. We do so for it is most useful to us. So, when someone tells me to simply "forget" something or someone, to let time erase the scars, I'm too reluctant. Why, in the pursuit of wisdom, would I consider the passage of time a worthy feature? Forgetting, like a closed book, can be convenient, but it also shuts out the lessons learned, the wisdom that can be gained, learnt, and shared to the world. It is a tool for those who are unwilling to face the adversity of the past. It's one too willing in its removal of memory's treasures. Why the Past Contains Wisdom, Even in The Most Distant of Decades Socrates, it could be argued, drank poison not as a society-defying martyr, but as a testament to his own philosophy. He chose death over hypocrisy, demonstrating the weight he placed on intellectual integrity . While millennia have passed since his death, the wisdom which resonated from his life and choice remains potent. This enduring power of the past is what I call the Lapse Fallacy: the flawed assumption that merely because time has elapsed, something's relevance necessarily diminishes. A month, a year, even centuries – the true measure of worth lies not in age, but in the lessons we can extract from each and every moment, in the name of the truth and its clarity. Faith holds ancient scriptures as relics, guiding lights across generations. As a writer, I find myself drawn to the 19th-century Yiddish author Shalom Rabinovich , better known as Shalom Aleichem. Though criticized as verbose, his style resonates deeply with me, offering a timeless efficiency in communication who contributed to my own writing. "The people who forget their past, their future is doomed in fog." Even a thousand years won't erase the chilling truth: millions perished in WWII. My own great-grandfather's family was lost, and I carry their memory with profound gratitude. For without his enduring hope, a chain of lives, including mine, would never have come to be. An entire clan to be precise. Human existence is woven with threads from countless generations, each life a feature constructing the vast chronology of history. The chance of YOU, specifically, coming into being required an indefinite amount of interactions between ancestors. Not just parents and grandparents, but a vast network of choices and experiences stretching back across the ages. Discarding any of these choices and experiences can, on the very, very long run, discard the importance of many future events unfolding from potential to reality! While the temptation of " letting bygones be bygones " is understandable, it is in the embrace of the past, its lessons and legacies, that we find the truest understanding of ourselves, others, and the world we inhabit. Socrates, though countless centuries dead, remains a hallmark of philosophical inquiry, reminding us of the power of living a life aligned with our values, even in the face of adversity. Forgetting even the smallest of events that can lead to a greater events in importance, can easily be a logical disservice to said greater events. But we won't necessarily understand that if we lack expertise in logic, and/or if we lack long-term planning. For nothing lies in a vacuum. For everything is part of an endless stream of time, building an ever-growing complex of chains of events. Why Memories, Like Crows, Defy the Lapse Likewise, when a certain individual dared to dismiss me as irrelevant, the passage of years holds no relevancy for the sting of those words. Like the crow, I hold fast to memory, its grip unyielding to the passage of time. For if I agreed with her, I would have been likelier to kill myself in despair, succumbing to the Reaping Fatigue at the time . My unrelenting hold is driven by something deeper than mere sentiment. Within the crow, I believe, beats a powerful urge that transcends the temporary. A low but spine-chilling voice: "Remember this one, for their path may cross yours again." It is not the speaker's identity that truly matters, but the echoes of their actions/words, resonating in the chambers of my mind. I do not operate under ad-hominem. I operate under logic and words. A cornerstone of philosophy, and thus its relevancy, lies within its defiance of time's tyranny. Unlike other disciplines, bound by the currents of progress and discovery, philosophy's wisdom transcends centuries. The most ancient texts, the voices of long-gone people, retain their potency, for it is the content , not the and not their creator, that dictates their insightful worth. Grasp this truth, and you take a giant leap towards the heart of philosophical inquiry. Start by understanding how irrelevant time is in philosophy.

(The Subcategory: In Defense of Books - How Reading Perseveres How to Become Your Own Professor (A "Self-Professor") (2016, the "Hermitericum") The Nature of Ideologies ("Hermitericum's" First Article) Solitarus -- The Love of Solitude (Translated Article) The Potential Purposes of Solitude https://www.philosocom.com/post/human-social-nature ) Dear readers worldwide, I've poured my heart into bringing you insightful philosophical essays, thought-provoking discussions, and engaging interviews on Philosocom.com . Now, I'm asking for your support to help me continue this endeavor and expand its reach. I've just released a captivating collection of poetry and prose called "The Keyless Lock," and I'm thrilled to invite you to explore its pages, exploring in a few stories and much poetry, the concept of " the point of no return ". Unlock a World of Reflection and Insight Within "The Keyless Lock," you'll discover: A tapestry of themes: Journey through musings on love, solitude, masculinity , asceticism , escapism , and the profound quest for a place to truly call one's own. A personal narrative of introspection: Witness my own grappling with life's choices—from embracing solitude to seeking serenity in a world that often feels at odds with such ideals. A diverse collection: Enjoy blend of short stories and poems, each carefully crafted to ignite contemplation and stimulate the mind and heart. 100 pages of thought-provoking verse and prose, offering hours of immersive reading pleasure. It's a small investment that makes a big impact on both your literary journey and the future of the Philosocom Article Empire. I'm deeply grateful for your readership and support. Get your copy here. Warm regards, Mr. Tomasio Rubinshtein

(For more on Dr. Eggman, click here ) (Philosocom's Directory on Failure) (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). Have you ever woken up in the morning after long years of craving something to be attained, but the obstacles that you cannot get rid of always overcome your efforts towards said craving? You were very powerful, successful, attractive, and so on, but the goal has never been attained no matter how hard you've tried and endured? This is what I like to call the Eggman Principle : no matter how hard you try, you will not succeed at your mission, whatever it may be. The term that I'd like to coin here was taken from both fiction and real life. It's called "Eggman" because of the genius, yet incompetent villain that is Dr. Eggman from the Sonic the Hedgehog video game series, which I grew up with. Even as a child, the concept of a maniacal dictator-scientist with armies of robots, airships, and doomsday devices sounded ridiculous to me, as they all, in the end, failed to overcome a simple, fast hedgehog humanoid. Regardless of his efforts and power, unmatched throughout the world, he failed to conquer it, like he always wanted, because Sonic would always foil his plans, whether alone or with a small company of friends. Without this hedgehog in the way, this villain would have taken over the world a long time ago. Of course, there were instances where he managed, but these were never permanent, and his empire would collapse easily and in a fun, video-game-like manner. Some of us are "Eggmen"; people who always try to do something but fail at it. Perhaps you succeed at times, but as long as you don't try to make it endure for a long enough time for it to become a common reality, there is always a chance of you always going back to the state of being you were in in the first place. Believe it or not, I am a sort of an "Eggman" myself, because there is a certain person I know, who I wanted to be with for around 8 years as of writing this article, and regardless of my improvement as a person and of the achievements I made throughout the years, that person does not want me as their partner. I've been told a lot of times to just give up, that she's not worth all the suffering I had as a result of communicating with her in our high school years, and yet, there is a certain fire in me that makes me want that person, no matter how much time passes on. I'm a rational person; logic would dictate that there are much more suitable women for me that do not need so much of my energies being spent on, in order to "conquer" them. However, that person, whom I love so much? It might sound dumb, but I've never seen someone so beautiful as her. She is the most cat-like person I've ever seen. My desire to "conquer" her is probably as strong as Eggman's desire to conquer the world, and create a life of utopia in his own image. Being an "Eggman", there is also another element in this term I wish to coin: this principle applies only when the person rarely, if at all, gives up on their ambition for success, no matter how much the odds are against them. Literally countless of Eggman's creations and facilities were destroyed by Sonic, it's not even funny. If robots had the capacity to emote (some had, actually) , Sonic would've been deemed a bit more villainous than otherwise. He even had countless versions of a Death Star-like space station called the " Death Egg ", that were taken down mercilessly. Economically-wise, he sure had lost a lot of resources in his feeble attempts at world domination . And yet, he doesn't stop trying, doesn't stop believing, because at least in this case, he is nothing without his empire-building visions. This is how determined you have to be in order to be considered an "Eggman". Will that beautiful woman ever be mine? I don't know, because I doubt that she has ever loved me. And yet, such beauty I have never seen in any other female, regardless of her changing appearances throughout the years. What I do know, however, is that I want her, to be mine, and I, to be hers. You may find it surprising, but I actually abstained from romantic/sexual relationships from 2014/15 up to this year, to the point of calling myself "Tomasio the Monk". Why? Because I thought I could manage without women. I thought I was not an "Eggman", and that this person is of little significance to me once they disappeared from my life. Much of my early philosophical writings go with the premise that you don't actually need romantic relationships in order to be a happy, satisfied individual; that society is only necessary to the basic extent; that in terms of love one can be self-sufficient in most if not all aspects once one becomes an adult, and so on. I don't need that person. They are unnecessary to my life, just as Eggman doesn't need to rule the world in order to have a decent territory of his own to control and no more. And still, whenever I see her picture, I am certain that I want her, and for that reason alone, I will not hide the fact that I love her, both for her beauty and kind-hearted attitude. In conclusion, there are 2 solutions to overcome this principle: * Either permanently give up. * Resume your work until you die and/or appoint a successor to do the work for you once you are dead. If you are to give up, make sure you're doing this honestly, i.e. that you're genuinely retiring and not willing to ever return. Since existence is uncertain, temptations may come and go as they try to lure you back into being an "Eggman", the one who works their way to victory but fails. You might come back from time to time and try succeeding, which is basically the middle ground, but it is a compromise in an endeavor that did not succeed anyways, so why choose the middle ground when it significantly lowers the efficiency of your attempts? The other solution is to, quote unquote, " turn to the Dark Side " and embrace your Eggman-hood, and actually like the fact that you keep on trying, despite failing. You may ignore the fact that you're a failure in regards to this specific goal, but at least you will enjoy the deeds and/or planning themselves, no matter how unsuccessful they ended up being. It can be compared to a game that you cannot win in, but still try and get a decent high-score. The character of the game didn't kill all the enemies? Who cares, at least I killed plenty of them and had a good time! As for myself, whether or not I actually get this lady, at least I am content with the fact that I'm not denying my feelings for her any longer. My feelings for her ended when she called me irrelevant. Perhaps then, I did not love her unconditionally, but conditionally.

Mr. Tomasio Rubinshtein's Summary I explore the concept of the soul through the metaphor of "light" and "heavy" souls. I believe these represent personality types rather than literal entities. The soul is a metaphor for the essence of a person. There's no correlation between physical and mental age. "Light souls" are adventurous, innocent, and extroverted. "Heavy souls" are wise, introverted, and prefer intellectual pursuits. I see myself as a balance between the two. The soul might be a way to explain death as separate from the body. Mr. Lasher, of the review division, offers alternative perspectives on the soul: The soul could be spread throughout the body. The soul might be consciousness or an energy field. Mental age could be a reflection of the soul's development. Light souls might express more imagination, a form of intelligence. Life experiences move people along a spectrum of "light" to "heavy." Mind and soul might be inseparable. The article concludes with an open-ended question about the nature of the soul and its relation to the mind. (Background music) ************************** "Capturing" the Soul with Metaphors The concept of the soul has captivated humanity for millennia. It's, arguably, that "essence" which makes us who we are. It could be seen as the driving force behind our passions , fears, and dreams. Yet, pinning down the soul's exact nature remains a tough philosophical effort, without necessarily definite result. This is where metaphor, as a powerful tool for greater understanding, comes along Throughout history, philosophers and writers have reached for metaphors to illuminate the soul's complexities. Plato used a chariot allegory, for example : Reason guided the two, black and white horses, representing emotion . Romantics compared the soul to an Aeolian harp, its strings echoing with the music of a life being experienced with motion and energy. In ancient Egypt, "The soul was not only one's character but a composite being of different entities, each of which had its own role to play in the journey of life and afterlife ." These metaphors offer a glimpse into the multifaceted nature of "the soul", giving us food for tought on the nature of existence. They remind us that the soul is not a static, concrete or even an easy-to-define entity. Rather, if truly exists, it's a dynamic force that shapes and is shaped by our experiences. Just like a cupcake mold leaves its imprint on the batter, our soul leaves its mark on the world through the power of ripple effects. The choices we make, the paths we take – all contribute to the legacy we leave behind, and influence the journey of others, in accordance to our own impact. Then, the question then becomes: are the shapes we're leaving the ones we truly desire? By reflecting on the metaphors that resonate with us, we can gain a deeper understanding of our own unique being and as such gain the better opportunity to leave a positive imprint on the world. I like to use as many metaphors as possible in my writing. It gives my writing vividity, an aura of meaningfulness, and a sense of adventure towards an unknown destination, which may or may not exist. For me, the term "soul" is a metaphor, since I do not actually believe in the existence of these eternal entities. There is no physical place in the body that could house such a thing. Feel free, of course, to try proving me wrong. The Spectrum of the Soul: Lightness and Weight For me, the term "soul" can be equivalent to "life force," "motivation," or "essence of being." It is not something that stands on its own, without a parallel term. Long ago, I was interested in the relationship between "soul" and " mental age ." I believe that there may not be a correlation between physical age (the length of time one has lived) and mental age (one's childish or mature personality). There may be people who are very old but have a childlike attitude, and young people with a very strict attitude, with wisdom that exists beyond their physical age. I would consider a "light soul" to be the personality of a child, not necessarily as an insult. People with such a life force are very adventurous, seductive, attractive, excited, carefree, and pretty much everything that may be considered social , innocent, and extroverted. A "light soul" is a child at heart. On the contrary, a "heavy soul" is not necessarily a miserable or stressed entity. As I said before, they may be wise beyond their actual age. They may prefer intellectual matters over materialistic ones, are very self-disciplined , introverted, very mature , and may or may not lead an ascetic lifestyle , devoid of obsessions after pleasure , adventures, and vanity. They may also prefer solitary pursuits, and are independent by nature, even if melancholic at times. A "heavy soul" can also be regarded as an " old soul ". I also do not take that term literally. Personally, I view myself as a hybrid between the two. I do lead a somewhat ascetic and solitary lifestyle, and I am wise beyond my physical age. However, I am also quite innocent, as I fail to understand the cause or functionality of impurity, crime, and evil in our world. I prefer intellectual activities over social events, but I am also an admirer of physical fitness. Part of being a philosopher is to be less innocent, for the philosopher seeks to understand, above all. I believe that a composition of "light" and "heavy" virtues can lead to a healthy and serene life. It is good to be kind-hearted, but it is also important to care for intellectuality and avoid the circle of materialistic pursuits . There are many more combinations that are possible for a healthy physical and mental condition. Regardless of its metaphorical aspect, I tend to believe that the soul was invented as a concept for people to explain to themselves what happens to a person after they die. It is a result of distinguishing between the person and their body, as if they were different objects. The truth might be that when we die , we simply shut down, like a phone that has run out of batteries. However, it is important to remain open-minded about the concept of souls, as it is a widely-accepted theory, along with other theories like the afterlife or resurrection. Mr. Nathan Lasher's Review I think Mr. Tomasio is missing one important aspect of metaphors. That they are a tool to use. They allow for you to connect unrelated material with familiar content so people can experience things curiously through their own experiences. They are a vital aspect of understanding things. Very powerful if used properly. What if the soul isn’t housed in the brain alone? What if it’s spread out over your whole entire body and operates through our neural system? This subject is a hard one to discuss objectively, as the soul is the essence of who you are I don’t believe it can be discussed fully without adding some subjectivity to it.   Who says the soul isn’t the same thing as consciousness? A pure sense of awareness as to what is inside of us and all around us? Courtesy of our senses? Who is to say the soul isn’t anything more than an energy field which envelops us but which can spread outside of us as well. What if your sight is actually your soul using your eyes to see what is around you? There is nothing physical about the soul other than energy. If one were to think of the soul as the same thing as conscious minds and intelligence , would your mental age not actually be your soul as well? After all, if learning is nurturing the soul, would it not make sense to think of mental age as how much you have learned? In reference to light souls being like that of a child... If one were to think of imagination as an expression of intelligence, would it not mean that children are more intellectually active than adults? So, children use more “soul” than adults do. At what age do we decide to stop using our intelligence like that? At what point do people stop expressing their souls like that? Is an old soul nothing more than a soul which has been through many experiences? A young soul would be someone regardless of age who hasn’t experienced much. If you’ve been through a lot you would probably lean more towards heavy. I think one could explain light and heavy souls more vividly by describing them as a spectrum which people move around on throughout their lives. Maybe at some point in your adult life you move and start a new job. You’d be learning towards a light soul for a bit because you aren’t as experienced with the experiences you are having yet. I believe experience is how we nurture our souls. Aren’t mind and soul the same exact thing? They are both essences of who you are. Try this one out for size. Think of a place on your forehead and without using your hands try to touch it by trying to force your brain to that point. Wonder what it is from your inside that you are feeling pushing out? If you did this properly it should feel like your brain is pushing that point from the inside out. Can you explain to me what it is inside your mind which is pushing?

(Note: This article discusses agnostic atheism . For more on my reasoning in that regard, click here ) (Background music) Why I Chose Agnosticism Agnosticism , or the uncertainty of divinity , is probably the most realistic conclusion one can reach in an age where, despite modernity, it is still not possible to prove divinity in scientific terms ; Where logic alone is insufficient to prove anything that also has to require further evidence. This is why scientific experimentation is insufficient. Assuming divinity as true is purely spiritual, and science cannot prove it because it is confined to the physical realm exclusively. It deals with physics, biology, chemistry, and so on—all of which are constructs of physicality. It is illogical to conclude that science has disproved divinity because it is not its field. Just as a musician can play his piano good without being an expert on music theory, a fisherman doesn't need to be a marine biologist in order to catch fish, and so on.. Science, as such, is limited by its own present expertise. And where science is limited, we are left with philosophical speculation that might as well never reach a definite conclusion. When it comes to logic, it alone cannot prove anything in existence as it requires additional knowledge to support it. Do we have evidence that there is an external layer of reality, called the " spiritual realm "? Some may find it logical to believe that when death ends, an afterlife begins. And yet, necromancy, the magic to resurrect, is but a myth. Have you or I ever experienced what happens after we die? It is a question that has occupied me for around a decade, but regardless of answers, it will remain a theory, whether or not death is final or but a "gate" to another world. Faith and knowledge are not the same thing. There is no need for faith to know that it will rain tomorrow, as you can tell by the weather forecast. Certainty is not the same as trusting that something is real. If you had knowledge, faith would not be necessary, as faith is loyalty or subscription to a claim that you hold dear to your heart. If we actually knew that divinity and spirituality are real, there would be no need to believe in something that we know is there. What do we need to determine the existence of gods and other spiritual concepts? We would need tools that we can be certain can assist us in our quest for such realization. A "meta-science", if you will, but not to be confused with an actual term for something else . In essence -- a science that exceeds the limited physical realm. For example, we would need to be able to identify and track the consciousness of people after it disappears, and follow it beyond the now-dead body. We would need to somehow break the space-time continuum , to somehow make mythical beings such as ghosts and demons communicate with us just as any other human being we meet in the streets... Anything that would allow us to truly know, and not just believe, that this " meta reality " exists, and that there is not just the physical realm in all of existence. There are many claims by believers that certain situations they or others have experienced necessarily indicate the existence of divinity. However, as long as coincidences are just as possible in theory, it would be hard to believe they are right. Because in the end, many things happen purely because of processes that are confined to the physical realm, or to reasoning that can be independent of divinity. (Note: I may use anecdotes as well in my writings. However, using anecdotes does not necessarily mean that they are intended to remove, or cancel, other forms of present, additional evidence. In other words, anecdotes alone do not necessarily oppose deductive reasoning . They are only canceling when isolating said evidence from the reality they attempt to portray). The birth of a child, for example, is easily explained without resorting to divine claims. The sperm reached the egg and this union led to the slow development of a new human being in the womb. It is not necessary that a sperm was "chosen" to be the "victor", as it simply was the fastest, nothing more, theoretically. You were not necessarily "chosen" by a divine being to be born, when you could've just been the fastest sperm to reach the egg. Claim otherwise and you may find yourself committing Ockham's Razor . It is unknown whether or not the universe formed by design, because even if logical, logic without sufficient knowledge is still insufficient. Even in the 21st century we still have a lot left to know. Should we fail to open up our minds, we may see falsehood as reality, due to our confidence in our knowledge. It's like the belief in sentient aliens. It is reasonable to believe that there are aliens of similar intelligence to us due to Earth-like planets , but we have yet to actually witness, let alone interact with, an actual alien. How then, can we confirm that we are or aren't alone in the universe? Because of these reasons, I once again resort to an honest confession of my uncertainty. I suspect that some would like to discuss this matter with me. Regardless, I am not expecting you to think like me on this matter after reading this article. I am expecting you to have broaden your understanding of agnosticism. In short, I will only change my agnosticism if I witness a god as I witness any other being, and know that it is not a "prank" or any other type of deception. Because in the end, an unproven theory is just a theory, no matter how many people believe it to be true. I suspect that such an examination will only be possible after death. Mr. Joseph Bright's Feedback The term "agnosticism" was coined by Thomas Huxley in the 19th century. Huxley, a biologist and a staunch advocate for Darwin’s theory of evolution , introduced agnosticism as a stance against the dogmatic certainties espoused by both religious believers and atheists. He argued that claiming certainty about the existence or non-existence of God without adequate evidence is intellectually dishonest. Huxley's perspective was deeply influenced by the empiricist tradition, which emphasizes knowledge derived from sensory experience and evidence. David Hume, an 18th-century Scottish philosopher, is another influential figure whose work laid the groundwork for agnosticism. Hume questioned the rational basis for religious beliefs, suggesting that human reason is inherently limited and incapable of proving the existence of God. His skepticism extended to all forms of metaphysical speculation, arguing that many religious concepts are beyond the realm of empirical verification. Hume's critical approach to religious doctrines emphasized the need for evidence and reason , aligning closely with the principles that Huxley later articulated in his formulation of agnosticism. Additionally, Immanuel Kant, an 18th-century German philosopher, contributed to the agnostic perspective with his critical philosophy. Kant argued that human perception is limited to the phenomenal world (the world as we experience it) and that we cannot have direct knowledge of the noumenal world (the world as it is in itself, including the divine ). This distinction reinforced the idea that certain metaphysical questions, such as the existence of God, are beyond the scope of human understanding. These influential voices collectively underscore the foundational principles of agnosticism: a commitment to evidence-based reasoning, an acknowledgment of the limitations of human cognition, and a cautious approach to metaphysical claims. Their contributions have shaped agnosticism into a robust and respectful philosophical stance that values open inquiry and intellectual humility.

(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) (Philosocom's John Igwe and Co. Articles) **************************** Monsieur Chouchani , whose real name was Shimon Shteinman , was a mysterious and enigmatic Jewish teacher and scholar. He is known for his unconventional teaching methods and refusal to reveal much about his own background. Chouchani had a reputation for being a brilliant and profound thinker, and he taught a small group of students, including notable figures like Elie Wiesel and Emmanuel Levinas . Despite the mystery surrounding him, his teachings have had a lasting impact on the intellectual and philosophical world. His learning philosophy, though somewhat obscure due to his secretive nature, has garnered attention for its unique approach. Monsieur Chouchani's philosophy was characterized by his emphasis on critical thinking , independent inquiry, and a deep engagement with both traditional Jewish texts and general knowledge. While he didn't leave a formal body of written work, his teachings and approach to education emphasized the following principles: 1.1,Critical Thinking: Chouchani encouraged his students to question, challenge, and critically analyze the ideas they encountered. He believed that true understanding came from rigorous examination and not passive acceptance. Critical thinking is the ability to analyze, evaluate, and assess information, ideas, and arguments in a systematic and logical manner. It involves the following key elements: * Analysis: Critical thinking begins with the examination of information or a situation . This involves breaking it down into its component parts and understanding how they relate to each other. * Multidisciplinary Learning: He advocated for a broad and interdisciplinary approach to education. Chouchani felt that knowledge should encompass various fields, including literature, science, philosophy, and ethics, to foster a well-rounded and informed perspective. * Intellectual Independence: Chouchani urged his students to think independently and not rely solely on authority figures or established dogma. He encouraged them to form their own conclusions based on their own reasoning. (Mr. Rubinshtein's note: I myself formed my own philosophy ). * Ethical Values: Although he had a focus on intellectual pursuits, Chouchani also emphasized the importance of ethical and moral values in life, drawing from his Jewish heritage. * Privacy and Mystery : Chouchani himself maintained a shroud of mystery regarding his own background, which added an element of intrigue to his teachings. This enigmatic persona encouraged his students to focus on the content of his lessons rather than his personal history. His approach to education and philosophy left a profound impact on those he taught, and many of his students became prominent scholars and thinkers in their own right. Chouchani's emphasis on critical thinking and a holistic approach to learning continues to be influential in various educational and intellectual circles. 1.2, Depth of Knowledge: Chouchani was known for his deep and profound knowledge in various subjects. His philosophy emphasized the importance of in-depth learning and understanding, rather than superficial or rote memorization. "Depth of knowledge" refers to a comprehensive and profound understanding of a subject or topic. It involves not just surface-level or superficial knowledge but delving into the complexities, nuances, and intricacies of a particular area of study. Here are key aspects of depth of knowledge: * Specialization: Depth of knowledge often involves specialization within a specific field or subject. Individuals who seek depth in their understanding typically become experts in a narrow area of expertise. * Mastery: It implies a level of mastery where an individual has a strong command of the subject matter, understands its foundational principles, and can apply this knowledge effectively. Exploration of Complexity: It involves exploring the intricacies and complexities of a topic, understanding its historical context, and being aware of its current developments and debates. * Research and Analysis: Individuals pursuing depth of knowledge often engage in research and in-depth analysis to expand their understanding and contribute to the field's body of knowledge. * Intellectual Engagement: Gaining depth of knowledge requires a high level of intellectual engagement and curiosity, often involving continuous learning and staying updated on the latest research and developments. * Contribution: Individuals with a deep knowledge of a subject may also contribute to the field by publishing research, teaching, or sharing their expertise in various ways. Depth of knowledge is highly valued in academia, research, and various professional fields. It allows individuals to make meaningful contributions to their chosen area of expertise and to provide valuable insights and solutions to complex problems. 1.3, Multidisciplinary learning: He advocated for a broad and interdisciplinary approach to education. Chouchani felt that knowledge should encompass various fields, including literature, science, philosophy, and ethics, to foster a well-rounded and informed perspective. Multidisciplinary learning , also known as interdisciplinary learning, is an approach to education that emphasizes the integration of knowledge and methods from various academic disciplines or fields of study. The goal of multidisciplinary learning is to provide a more holistic and well-rounded understanding of complex topics and issues. Here are some key aspects of multidisciplinary learning: * Integration of Disciplines: In multidisciplinary learning, students are encouraged to explore topics or problems from multiple angles by drawing on concepts and methods from different disciplines. This can involve combining elements of the natural sciences, social sciences, humanities, and more. * Real-World Relevance: Multidisciplinary learning often focuses on real-world issues and challenges that do not neatly fit into the boundaries of a single discipline. By approaching these issues from various angles, students can develop a deeper understanding of complex problems. (Mr. Rubinshtein's note: Philosophy can technically be relevant indefinitely because even its ancient insights could still matter in contemporary times. The same reasoning found thousands of years ago, for example, could still be applied today. And I quote: "Contrary to the stereotype of philosophy as an impractical discipline, the skills and techniques that philosophy teaches are extremely useful. The same skills and techniques used to address philosophical questions and solve philosophical problems can also be used to answer practical questions and solve real-world problems"). * Collaboration: Multidisciplinary learning often involves collaboration among students, educators, and experts from different fields. This collaboration can lead to innovative solutions and a more holistic perspective. * Broad Skill Development: Students engaged in multidisciplinary learning tend to develop a wide range of skills, including the ability to think creatively, synthesize information, and communicate effectively across disciplines. * Fostering a Broader Perspective: By studying multiple disciplines, students can gain a broader perspective on complex issues, leading to a deeper appreciation of the interconnectedness of knowledge and the world. * Problem-Centered Approach: Multidisciplinary learning often revolves around specific problems, questions, or projects, allowing students to apply their knowledge to address real challenges. In conclusion, multidisciplinary learning is seen as a valuable approach for preparing students to tackle the complexities of the modern world, where many of the most pressing issues require a diverse set of skills and knowledge from various fields. It encourages a more holistic and interconnected understanding of the subjects being studied. 1.4, Intellectual Independence : Chouchani urged his students to think independently and not rely solely on authority figures or established dogma. He encouraged them to form their own conclusions based on their own reasoning. Intellectual independence, also known as critical thinking or intellectual autonomy, is a fundamental aspect of education and personal development. It refers to the ability to think for oneself, question established ideas, and form one's own conclusions based on reason and evidence. (Mr. Rubinshtein's note: It is also the independence from the need to have your own ideas imported from others thinkers. As such, one doesn't have to study the history of philosophy in order to be a good philosopher. Negative, he/she needs to think on their own, even at the absence of books to read from, or other people to philosophize with). Here are some key aspects of intellectual independence: Questioning Authority: Intellectually independent individuals are not passive receivers of information. They are willing to question the authority of experts, teachers, or established doctrines and seek a deeper understanding. Open-Mindedness: While intellectually independent individuals question ideas and beliefs, they remain open to new information and alternative viewpoints. They are willing to change their opinions in the face of compelling evidence. Self-Reflection: Intellectually independent individuals engage in self-reflection to understand their own biases and assumptions, which allows them to make more informed and objective judgments. Personal Responsibility: They take responsibility for their own learning and decision-making , recognizing that their choices and beliefs are their own and that they have the capacity to influence their own intellectual growth. In conclusion: Intellectual independence is a vital skill that empowers individuals to navigate an increasingly complex and information-rich world. It is highly valued in education and in various professional and personal contexts, as it leads to more informed and thoughtful decision-making. 1.5, Ethical Values: Although he had a focus on intellectual pursuits, Chouchani also emphasized the importance of ethical and moral values in life, drawing from his Jewish heritage. Ethical values are principles that guide human behavior and decisions based on what is considered morally right or wrong. These values serve as a foundation for how individuals and societies interact and make choices. Here are some key aspects of ethical values: Morality: Ethical values are rooted in morality, which is the distinction between right and wrong behavior. They provide a framework for determining what is considered good and just. Principles: Ethical values often reflect principles such as honesty, integrity, fairness, respect for others, and empathy. These principles guide individuals in their actions and interactions with others. Cultural Variability: Ethical values can vary across different cultures and societies. What is considered morally acceptable in one culture may differ from another, although there are often universal ethical principles that transcend cultural boundaries. Personal Beliefs: Ethical values are influenced by an individual's personal beliefs, upbringing, religion, and cultural background. They shape a person's character and moral compass. Decision-Making: Ethical values play a crucial role in decision-making. They help individuals assess the ethical implications of their choices and guide them toward actions that align with their values. Legal and Social Norms: Ethical values can intersect with legal and social norms. While not all ethical values are enshrined in the law, many laws and social expectations are rooted in ethical principles. Ethical Dilemmas: Ethical values are particularly important in situations where individuals face ethical dilemmas, where they must make difficult choices between conflicting values or principles. Professional Ethics: In various professions, such as medicine, law, and business, there are often codes of ethics that outline the ethical values and responsibilities expected of professionals within those fields. Social Responsibility: Ethical values also extend to the responsibility individuals and organizations have toward society and the environment. This includes actions aimed at contributing to the greater good and minimizing harm. In conclusion, Ethical values provide a moral compass that guides individuals and communities in their interactions and decision-making. They are fundamental in promoting fairness, justice, and empathy in human relationships and are a cornerstone of ethical philosophy and ethical reasoning. 1.6, Privacy and Mystery: Chouchani himself maintained a shroud of mystery regarding his own background, which added an element of intrigue to his teachings. This enigmatic persona encouraged his students to focus on the content of his lessons rather than his personal history. Privacy and mystery, in the context of individuals, refer to aspects of personal life or identity that are intentionally concealed or kept hidden from others. Here's a closer look at privacy and mystery: Personal Boundaries: Privacy is the concept of maintaining personal boundaries and controlling the information one shares with others. This includes aspects of life like personal space, communication, and data. Protection: Privacy is often associated with the protection of one's personal information, ensuring that it is not shared or accessed without permission. It is essential for safeguarding personal security and data. Legal Rights: In many societies, privacy is considered a legal right, and laws exist to protect individuals from unauthorized intrusions into their personal lives. Privacy Concerns: Privacy concerns have grown with the advancement of technology, as digital data and online communication have raised questions about personal information security and surveillance. Ethical Considerations: Ethical considerations often play a role in discussions about privacy, particularly regarding the balance between an individual's right to privacy and the needs of society or organizations to access certain information. Concealment: Mystery involves deliberately concealing information or aspects of one's life, often to create intrigue or to limit the knowledge others have about them. Enigma: Creating an aura of enigma can be a deliberate choice for personal or professional reasons, as seen in the case of individuals like Monsieur Chouchani, who maintained a mysterious persona. Intrigue: Mystery can be used to pique curiosity and stimulate interest, making an individual or subject more captivating. Impact on Relationships: Maintaining a sense of mystery can affect relationships, as it may lead to heightened curiosity or intrigue, but it can also create distance or misunderstandings if taken to an extreme. Personal Choice: Mystery is typically a personal choice, and individuals decide to what extent they want to share or conceal information about themselves. However, privacy and mystery are intertwined, as individuals often choose to keep certain aspects of their lives private or shrouded in mystery. While privacy is more focused on protecting personal information and boundaries, mystery revolves around creating intrigue or a sense of enigma. Both aspects are influenced by cultural norms, personal preferences, and evolving societal values. Conclusion: Chouchani's philosophy of learning has intrigued many scholars and students for its unconventional and open-ended approach to education. His emphasis on intellectual autonomy, interdisciplinary thinking, and ethical considerations continues to be a subject of study and discussion. Chouchani's philosophy is perhaps best understood through the notable individuals he taught, including Elie Wiesel and Emmanuel Levinas, who went on to become influential scholars and thinkers. His teaching left a lasting impact on his students' intellectual and moral development. It's important to note that Monsieur Chouchani did not leave behind a written body of work, so his philosophy is mostly known through the perspectives and experiences of those he taught. His unique teaching approach emphasized independent thinking, interdisciplinary knowledge, and a blend of intellectual and ethical growth. In essence, studying the learning philosophy of an enigmatic sage can open doors to new ways of thinking and learning, offering valuable lessons for individuals and communities. Reference: 1. https://www.nli.org.il/en/at-your-service/announcements/mr-shushani 2. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=BYFZ1mI142U 3. Handwritten works from Elie Wiesel's mysterious teacher opened to the public. https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/315336 4. https://www.biographies.net/biography/monsieur-chouchani/b/3777b2d7 5. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monsieur_Chouchani

" The invention of currency has literally changed the entire course of human evolution in every possible aspect. It doesn't just dictate to us how we must live, but has corrupted the very reason for living in the first place" -- John Duran (Background music) **************** Greed's Deceitful Feast in Tea Parties of Emptiness I believe that greed is a result of inner emptiness, of obsessively consuming externally what lacks internally. The most extreme version of this can easily be found with narcissists, who are often described as those who have "black holes" within them that can never be satisfied. To quote a psychology website: If happiness is defined as a deep and abiding sense of contentment, satisfaction and inner peace, occasionally sprinkled with joy, then by definition, a narcissist can never be happy. Humans naturally compensate their disadvantages by increasing one or more fields in their life and expertise. For example: if you are a knight in the medieval ages and your self-confidence is low, you’ll naturally try wearing bigger armour, attain more decorations, purchase a bigger sword, and so forth. All to try to compensate the very fact that you didn't work on yourself enough, to do well without these compensations. The same goes with greed. Greed is to consume one or more things extensively not by need but by passion, while you do not need whatever you're consuming or getting. It can be money, food, and any sort of addiction we feel close attachment and desire for. Our modern world encourages greed in the name of wealth and prosperity. By making us addicted and greedy, much of our income goes for products many corporations produce. It's an endless cycle of desire that on the one hand poor, and on the other hand, makes many companies richer. The more you become addicted to something, and the less you are to resist temptation, equals more financial power to those who provide the addictive material. There is a corporate interest for us to be addicted, even at the sake of our own health , so the richer shall become richer, sometimes regardless of the cost to those who become engulfed and enslaved by their own desires. You might find yourself feeling happier making a positive impact on the world, rather than chasing the success of having more power. For you might be successful (or be considered successful at least) whether you're happy or sad. Success may exist despite of emotions. So, if your aim in life is to be happy, then perhaps success and the greed that follow them, are not for you? Reclaiming the Throne of Reason Greed is slavery. There is a general deception that doing things according to one’s desires. It's one that's might promise you greater freedom. But true freedom doesn't work that way. Living in accordance to external expectation, through greed (as having more and more is impressive) is counterintuitive to the happiness that may follow doing what we want. And yes, greed in this world is impressive when it's successful. It's proven when having power is seen as attractive in the world of dating. The Inner Components - desires, passions, attachments and so forth - at times of greed and addiction, become more powerful than the one that experiences them, when they are to dictate every thought and every choice than the individual. Then, the individual better realize that they've become consumed by an inner rebellion. When you are prone to greed, you are a mere puppet of stronger forces, living inside of you . They can grow much more powerful than you because you’ve failed, or refused, to authorize them under the triumph of logic. Thus they’ve revolutionized your body and now you remain their minion, who merely does their bidding, and manipulated by them to make you believe that you are free. And an obeying populace is one that thinks they are free. North Korea knows this well, and invests much in pretending they are a democracy to their population. They have several political parties , they allow various freedoms in their constitution , and even have mandatory elections . But can we really say North Korea is a free country like Australia or Argentina? No. It's a make-believe. Apply the same to your own unhealthy desires, and see how they turn against your best interest when you remain depressed despite pursuing them. For the sake of the metaphor, some true democracies, like the ones I mentioned , have mandatory elections. By the same token, the fact that you think that you are free does not mean that you are, when you are enslaved to your greed. Enslaved for power, status and validation. In reality, power is wisely gained as a means, and not as an end. For nothing will compensate truly on your ability to work on yourself to become independent of any unnecessary dependence. Why Reason Must Reign for True Liberty The healthiest and the independent state of being is the exact opposite - of ruling these rebellious Inner Components and oppressing them so they will become assets, not dictators. They "believe" they know better due to how easily they can bias your decision-making, with certainty that deserves to be questioned. But short-term feelings aren't there to consider the wider scope of things. Considering that very scope is the key for your happiness, of you planning and reaching your ideal self , or at least trying to do so, better. The moral job of the independent individual is to keep themselves in check with the guidance of Reason, for Reason knows, sees and plans much better than Desire. This what Desire does best - makes you unsatisfied no matter how much time and resources you invest into the its source. It is an unhealthy form of compensating for lack of internal abundance, by creating a vicious cycle of external prosperity, or, at least, the cycle that stems from the constant search for it. And no amount of whatever, earned through greed and other means, will lead you to feel happiness, unless you are to work on yourself and on your voids. Only through this work-on-the-self you can try to minimize these voids. Escapism won't cut it. By understanding the futility of greed we can then start embracing asceticism . Mr. Nathan Lasher's Feedback What happened to the world, America at least , when people placed material possessions as a sort of ranking system to determine how far you’ve gotten in life The greedier the person the more stuff they must have. It's a shame that what someone has on the inside means of such little importance... I’d rather be greedy for the right reasons. Greedy about obtaining as much knowledge as I can so that I can do as much good as possible in this life.

(Directory on Writing) (Philosocom Directory on Communication) (Philosocom's Subcategory on Manipulation) Journalism Versus Philosophy (Background music) Humanity has two methods for obtaining truth (or what is assumed to be the truth): rationality and evidence . Without these two values, the truth cannot be obtained, or at least can only be discovered partially. In recent times, the human mind is no longer seen as a prime tool for truth-seeking. Instead, philosophy has been cast aside in favor of two other "sub-methods" of evidence: science and journalism. People no longer believe that sitting alone with your thoughts is a good way to find truths about the world. Instead, they turn to researchers and journalists, who look outwards to whatever subject they are covering. If fields such as philosophy continue to be cast aside and their contributions overlooked, independent thinking may become more difficult, and that thinking may instead be dependent on external agents such as journalists, scientists, and other researchers. Should we avoid independent thinking in the name of external stimulation, we can also reduce our own critical thinking skills , which are necessary to understand and examine information. Accepting information as it is is dangerous in a sense that it can deceive us while thinking we see reality as it is. Accepting information as credible and on-point with reality should only be the conclusion of a greater cognitive process. A process that includes fact-checking, for example, and seeking sources that may oppose that information due to their own reasoning. Serious philosophers would abstain from just seeing information and accepting it as valid. When it comes to intellect they are supposed to be the cream of the crop, per se. It is therefore a job suited for them to analyze information that is presented as fact and question its validity and rationality. All in the name of truth. It is incorrect to regard philosophy as solely "the love of wisdom". We need to distinguish between what it literally means and what it refers to. It means that people don't necessarily philosophize because they feel affection or admiration to the concept of wisdom. No, that's not necessary. They do it because they want to become wiser, with "wisdom" referring to a more-refined understanding and application of reality. Philosophical inquiry is done in the name of acquiring wisdom, not in the name of "loving" or "expressing love" to it. "Love" is not necessary here, but rather the desire and dedication to be wiser than before. (And to be wiser, we must not regard false notions as true, nor act upon them while seeing them as such. The philosopher has no reason to deceive themselves, as that would be self-contradictory. Why pursue the truth, just to deceive yourself, when you can do just that, and not be deceived?) As such, while the journalist is mainly an investigator and a gatherer of information, he or she may not have the intellectual merit or integrity to prioritize the truth in favor of bias or in favor of getting the next pay-check. They might even feed you with fake news using malicious manipulation of your emotional biases. Philosophers, you could say, are the frontier of autonomous thought . It is very difficult for a good philosopher to be satisfied with whatever is presented to them, and they will not necessarily be content with their own feelings of contentment (you can call this meta-emotion , as parallel to meta-cognition ). They will ask and they will doubt until true satisfaction is reached; satisfaction accepted both by instinct and mind. However, this inquisition can be problematic for researchers such as journalists . After all, they have a deadline to meet, competition from rival news outlets, and perhaps other tasks, such as writing the next project in their job. In addition, if a news outlet may have a specific agenda that isn't about covering the truth, they may appeal to the concept of post-truth in order to gain and retain its readership/audience. Or in other words -- appeal to their emotions rather than their desire and belief to understand reality better. You can call that a form of scam, unless of course you're giving your audience what they want to hear from you, and then there is the simple case of supply and demand. That is even though your audience is unconsciously biased towards falsehood. But, why would you tell them that if you wish to capitalize off your own, untold, intellectual dishonesty? These incentives can hinder a journalist's endeavors as truth-seekers; incentives that philosophers do not necessarily have. After all, you do not have to "work" as a philosopher in order to be one; you do not even have to be driven by money in order to do a good job in it. Maybe you have another job, maybe you're unemployed; people do not philosophize, usually, to get the next pay-check. For that matter, in 2023, it isn't profitable to use a philosophy degree for jobs in the U.S. This is why it should be obvious that not all news outlets present correct information, or even try to do so at all. Theoretically, most if not all forms of propaganda are, by default, so biased that they might either twist or ignore important truths just to promote a person, an organization, a policy, and so on. Journalism is, all and all, a business industry first and a truth-seeking method later. That could also be true to any other researchers that have certain agendas they do not want to hurt. By the way, entertain the fact that there are 6 massive media empires that own almost all media companies on this planet. They are known as the Big 6. On the other hand, philosophers are not loyal to money (usually) or to a certain allegiance, other than the truth. What separates philosophy from religion is the fact that in philosophy it's good to doubt your beliefs and replace them in the name of advancing towards the truth. A true philosopher should not be biased to a certain ideology, because then they become "religious" preachers of said ideology, and will be less willing to open up to the possible fact that they are wrong. The notion of being wrong in philosophy, therefore, should be a welcomed one, because in order to reach wisdom, one usually must commit some mistakes, recognize them, and move onwards. There is no higher authority, such as a boss or a censorship body, to "fix" or alter your work in the favor of a larger organization. You have either yourself, an audience, perhaps other people to discuss your work with -- and the most important thing of all -- the work-tool that is your mind. Manage to be independent of an academic organization, and you can be even less censored when doing your work. I'd therefore like to propose the encouragement of philosophers opening up media outlets like Philosocom in order to independently observe and criticize the huge media empires that create and distribute content to the world, in the name of assisting the public to get closer to the truth, and remain in-touch with reality. The brain is, arguably, the philosopher's most important organ in their line of work. They do necessarily have, like the journalist, to get outside and interview a few people, or even travel abroad. All they have is their general knowledge, their critical thinking skills, and their ability to formulate new ideas in the name of better understanding the world around us. These three things are all that is required to be a philosopher, once they are used regularly and communicated through speech, writing, or other forms of recorded communication . The value of the mind as an information processor and generator , is underrated. Of course, external sources have their own place, because we do not live and operate in a vacuum. However, in philosophy, the evidence is a tool used for confirmation , and not the aim. If that functionality was reversed, then philosophers would have needed to become journalists instead. Some people therefore fail to understand the fact that the human mind is also a tool for truth-seeking , and yes, even research. Finally, there should be a distinct distinction between philosophy as an ideology and philosophy as a method of truth-obtaining . To have a philosophy does not make you a philosopher because it's not something you necessarily work with to understand existence. If you see your current viewpoints on life as satisfactory enough and do not wish to expand or question them, then you are not a philosopher. Philosophy is based on not being satisfied with what you know or assume you know. That is the reasoning based on Socrates' search for the truth . To be a philosopher, after all, is to seek. They are called philosophers because he or she who loves wisdom, seeks it . By itself, there is nothing dishonest about it, if the philosopher is truly interested in it. If I did not love or even liked a product, I wouldn't want it at all would I?. That is the same in philosophy -- you don't necessarily have wisdom yet, but you surely wish to obtain it. You don't necessarily do it for revenue or any other hidden agenda. And you surely don't have to manipulate your audience for that matter, now, do you? The core difference between the two occupations, therefore, is that the journalist might not necessarily have the truth in their top priority, while a true philosopher does. This gives, or should give them an edge in the content-creation industrial complex . And to consider philosophy irrelevant is like saying that the truth is irrelevant.

(Philosocom's Directory on Peace) (Philosocom's Subcategory on Aliens and Outer Space) Table of Contents Story Synopsis (G. Grace) The Story Itself (T. Rubinshtein) Personal Insights (T. Rubinshtein) Story Synopsis by Ms. Gabbi Grace "The Peace of the Warrior (A Sci-Fi Fable) -- How Peacefulness is Stained" is a captivating and thought-provoking piece that uses allegory to explore complex themes about peace, conflict, and human nature . The author uses a sci-fi fable to draw readers into a fictional world , making the message memorable and thought-provoking. The fable effectively uses symbolism to explore themes such as the corruption of peace, the dangers of complacency, and the inevitability of conflict . The contrasting characters of the isolationist kingdom and the greedy neighbor serve as metaphors for different societal attitudes toward peace and power. The "Idol of Finance" symbolizes greed and the corrupting influence of wealth , adding depth and nuance to the narrative. The story acknowledges the complexities and paradoxes of pursuing peace in a violent world . The transformation of the peaceful kingdom into a militaristic state is portrayed as both tragic and necessary, suggesting that the path to peace is fraught with moral ambiguity. This complexity encourages readers to think critically about the nature of peace and whether it can truly be maintained without the threat of violence or power. The provocative ending brings the fable into the real world, connecting the fictional narrative to contemporary concerns about toxicity and conflict, both online and offline. Mr. Tomasio raw emotional tone in the final paragraphs adds authenticity to the message, leaving a lasting impression on the reader. The story delves into human psychology , especially in the face of aggression and trauma. It shows how even the most peaceful entities can be forced to adopt aggressive stances to protect themselves, highlighting the fragile and easily corrupted nature of peace. The transformation from a "peaceful monk" mentality to a "vengeful, bloodthirsty crow" underscores the idea that peace is often stained by the necessity of defense and retribution. Overall, "The Peace of the Warrior (A Sci-Fi Fable) -- How Peacefulness is Stained" is a creatively written and thought-provoking piece that serves as a compelling reminder that peace often comes at a cost and that maintaining it requires vigilance and, sometimes, unfortunate compromises.  (Background music) The Story Itself There once was a galaxy of interplanetary nations that had just begun interacting with one another and creating both friendships and trade routes. However, some of those nations that were just evolving into the interplanetary state of affairs, both in politics and technology, were often ruthlessly attacked by superior foes for their resources, in the name of the latter's might and dominance in the galaxy. One of the nations in this galaxy was a small, isolationist kingdom that did not want to do anything with the external space beyond their planet's atmosphere. They were a nation of ascetics who wanted to live in peace, unbothered. They even reached a state where not only did they not form relations with other entities in space, but they also refused to colonize, let alone conquer, other planets for their gain. They believed without a doubt that everything they would ever need was already within their reach. The fields, the dense forests, and their mostly environmentally friendly ways of generating energy—these people wanted nothing from others and nothing in return. However, this is where the story escalates. A neighboring planet-nation of warmongering, greedy people decided to take advantage of the short distance between the two nations and loot their peaceful neighbor. Forests were set ablaze, massacres occurred, and the planet's small defense force was easily defeated by the looting invaders, who strategically decided to use this hermit kingdom as their own "piggy bank" by invading and looting it every once in a while to make easy profit. The king of this hermit kingdom furiously decided to do what his advisors were too cowardly to admit themselves... A certain action must be taken. Taken, to ensure both power and peace in a galaxy filled with unknown entities such as their neighbors, who would not likely hesitate to loot or even conquer their sovereign territory. Their small and self-sufficient piece of land in an enormous void of potential. ...A void of potential he was going to make use of. Thus, the Hermit King changed the regime and government type of his kingdom. The peaceful, parliamentary democracy was no more. The citizenry now hailed to a merciless military regime that majorly focused on the might and quantity of its troops and military technology. With the new power in his hands, the Hermit King, now Chief Commander of the Hermit Military Complex forged a fearsome fleet of battleships and attack forces, with the course set to the greedy hostile nation to accomplish their vengeance . Apparently, due to the looter nation's greedy priorities, they had too much money in their vaults and too few defense forces to guard it all. Their planet was practically a nation of hedonistic , slothful workers who praised the Idol of Finance . A relic that corrupts with prosperity and prosperity-related thoughts. And indeed, the vengeful invasion was terribly successful, contrary to the Hermit Ruler's expectations. For the enemy were unaware of the revenge-hungry monster they built with the trauma they inflicted on it, on the nation that was poor and ascetic. With victory in their possession, the former King's only condition to their defeated enemy was the following: that they will leave them alone or pay, next time, with their blood. Little resources were looted during the battle, as they were all burned to the ground, along with the cursed Idol of Finance, and the once-again democratic Hermit Kingdom lived at the peace of their military might. But, they were never as peaceful again, for the mentality of the peaceful monk is now replaced with that of a vengeful, bloodthirsty crow who will do anything it can to burn any opponent who dares become its victim. They will never be the same again , for their peace is forever tarnished by the external universe. **************************** Personal Insights And this is all to provide you with the following insight: There are those who won't leave you alone unless you show some intimidation to preserve your desired serenity in your small corner of the world. It is unfortunate that there are such toxic people out there, but no hope or prayer will necessarily get rid of them from your life. Therefore, you are left with the inevitability of always facing the possibility of adversity, whether online or offline. Those who want to invade and bother your small piece of existence should remind you that you often have to protect yourself and your "tiny land", or your personal presence, in the name of accomplishing extensive peacefulness once more. Take note, also, that no one is truly safe from the threat of toxicity or mockery , especially on the internet, where people are more confident to act in a more vicious manner. Acknowledge my sacrifice to you, by not being a full hermit. I suffered enough. My peace is forever tarnished and tainted. My mentality is broken. You cannot hurt my emotions. They are dead. As such, you cannot hurt what is dead.

(Philosocom's Directory on Peace) Article Synopsis by Mr. C. Kingsley and Co. "The Rubinshteinic Guide to Inner Peace" is a comprehensive and empathetic resource that offers insights into achieving and maintaining inner peace, especially for individuals with unique challenges, such as those with autism. The guide emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance, identifying and meeting personal needs, and both physical and mental health. It also emphasizes the importance of developing a strong support system and providing practical recommendations for relaxation and self-care. The guide also emphasizes setting boundaries and communicating needs to foster healthy external relationships. Encouraging assertiveness and discouraging people-pleasing behavior empowers readers to advocate for themselves, which is essential for maintaining inner peace. Overall, "The Rubinshteinic Guide to Inner Peace" is a valuable and uplifting resource that effectively addresses the journey toward inner peace with sensitivity and practical wisdom.   (Background music) Introduction Inner peace can be difficult to obtain and maintain, especially for people with autism , for example, who may be more easily overwhelmed by sensory input and social situations. However, there are a number of things you can do to promote inner peace in your life. Self Accept yourself for who you are. Everyone has strengths and weaknesses, and it is important to accept yourself, both the good and the bad. This can be especially challenging for people who may have been bullied or teased for their differences. However, it is important to remember that you are worthy of love and respect, just like everyone else. Identify and meet your own needs. What makes you feel safe, comfortable, and happy? Make sure to schedule time for activities that you enjoy and that help you to relax. This could include reading, listening to music, spending time in nature, or spending time with loved ones. It is also important to be mindful of your sensory needs and to take breaks when you need to. Take care of your physical and mental health. Eat a healthy diet, get enough sleep, and exercise regularly . If you are struggling with anxiety or depression , talk to a therapist or other mental health professional. Taking care of your physical and mental health is essential for inner peace. Develop a strong support system. Surround yourself with people who love and support you unconditionally. If not possible, prove your worth by contributing to society, in hopes that your contributions will be recognized, and yourself appreciated, as a result. This could include family members, friends , or other people, who understand what you are going through. Who know who you really are, without the need to constantly mask yourself. Having a strong support system can help you to feel more connected and less alone. External Relationships Communicate your needs and boundaries to others. Let people know what you are comfortable with and what you are not comfortable with. It is also important to be able to say no to requests that you do not have time for or that you do not want to do. It is important to be assertive and to advocate for your own needs, and not be too much of a people pleaser. Get involved in activities that you enjoy and that give you a sense of purpose . This could include volunteering, joining a club or group, or taking a class. Getting involved in activities can help you learn new things, and make a difference in the world. It is through purposefulness that you can become more relevant, and thus, respected. Self-Care Take breaks when you need them. If you are feeling overwhelmed, take a few minutes to step away from the situation and relax. It is important to listen to your body and to give yourself the breaks you need. Do things that you enjoy. It is important to do things that make you happy and that help you to de-stress. Reduction of stress is extremely important to your overall health, both physically and mentally. Use relaxation techniques. There are a number of different relaxation techniques that can be helpful, such as deep breathing, meditation , and yoga. Find a technique that works for you and practice it regularly. Relaxation techniques can help to reduce stress and anxiety and promote inner peace. Advice For a Better Life Be kind to yourself and others. Treat yourself and others with compassion and understanding. Everyone is doing what they can at the time to make it through the hardships of life, even if what they're doing is far from perfect. Live in the present moment. Focus on enjoying the present moment from time to time. T his can be challenging, but it is worth it. Do understand that many of our thoughts and concerns are impractical and therefore potentially harmful to our quality of life. Let go of things you can't control. There are many things in life that are beyond our control. It is important to accept this and to focus on the things that we can control. This can help to reduce stress and anxiety. Find your passion. What are you passionate about? What makes you feel alive? Once you know what your passion is, pursue it with all your heart. Having a passion can give you a sense of purpose and direction in life, a sense, reason, to wake up every morning and still endure this existence, despite whatever you've been going through or have gone through. Conclusion Inner peace is a difficult journey , but a journey worth taking. It is something that you can work at every day. By following the tips above, you can learn to promote inner peace in your life and live a more fulfilling and joyful life. Remember, you are not alone. There are many people who understand what you are going through and who can offer support. Give up now, and you'll cause unnecessary suffering to those around you. Choose to live, and resume life's struggles , and you can make it even farther than what you already made it through. Life is a chance, an opportunity . Practice inner peace and you can ease the misery that will accompany you by the fact that you exist. Thus, inner peace is imperative for your success.

(Philosocom's Subcategory On Religion) (Background music) Defining Gods Whether or not we believe in the existence of one or more gods, there is no denying that gods are often depicted as magical beings. They are often said to be able to manipulate time and space, tell the future, and have many other supernatural powers. Therefore, we can say that the existence of magic is sometimes seen as imperative to the existence of gods. If one believes in one or more gods, one may believe in the existence of magic. So, if we wish to determine whether divine beings exist, we must first determine if there is such a thing as magic. What is magic? It is not the same as the tricks performed by modern-day "magicians." Magic is the ability to manipulate or alter existence using one or more supernatural powers. Teleportation, time travel, omnipresence, and so on -- gods, whether created by mankind or actually existing, may be said to possess magical powers in order to exist. Otherwise, they would not be the all-powerful entities that they are said to be. And the difference between supernatural beings such as gods, and other such entities, associated with the paranormal , is that they are not as divine. Thus, in order for an entity to be deemed a god, they must possess supernatural abilities and be divine . In Indian culture, you may be deemed divine or godlike should you possess certain moral qualities. Of course, it does not mean you are a supernatural being, so even if you may be respected to the point of being called a "God", you lack supernaturality, for you are a mortal being just like me and any other human. Epistemology I am a rationalist and an empiricist . I believe that knowledge is derived from both experience and logic. I have never encountered any supernatural entities or witnessed any of their powers, so I do not believe in magic. However, since having an open mind is key to understanding reality, I will give this the benefit of the doubt. Either way, I theorize that the concept of magic was created in order to explain the unknown. In the past, people did not have the scientific knowledge to explain natural phenomena, such as lightning and thunder. So, they created gods and other supernatural beings to explain these phenomena. Today, we have a much better understanding of the natural world. We know that lightning is caused by the build-up of electrical charge in the atmosphere, and that thunder is the sound of that charge being released. We no longer need to rely on gods to explain these phenomena. The Abrahamic religions, such as Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, promote the idea of the most ultimate god ever imaginable: Yahweh, or simply God in English. Who is God? If he exists, he is thus the most ultimate magician in the universe, responsible not only for one thing like a Thunder or a War God, but literally for everything that was ever made, is being made, and will be made. If existent, then there is no true entity more powerful than an omnipotent being, who possesses many other omni-based abilities. Being omnipotent is enough to have all the power imaginable (and beyond comprehension). Because of such ultimate responsibility, logic dictates that it would take an immense amount of evidence to prove that Yahweh created the stars, the sky, every material, every organic being, and so on. That includes any other omni-based power, that stems from omnipotence. This sheer amount of responsibility that takes to prove so much as created by said entity is one of the reasons why I am, personally at least, still an atheist. I don't only not believe in the concept of magic as something that exists like anything else that is more taken-for-granted. That's because there is so much to prove that was created by the Abrahamic God, that I find it immensely difficult to believe in them. This brings us to the question: Does magic exist? Remember, if we are to find the idea of one or more gods a realistic idea, we need to also find magic as just that: an idea that is just as plausible as anything else that we find plausible. There will be, of course, people who will tell you that supernaturality exists; that there are or were certain creatures such as goblins, giants, and ghosts that were recorded in human history. But let us not forget that our perception can deceive us as much as it can help us find the truth. Hallucinations, for example, are a prime way our mind deludes us into believing there is something in our sight or senses that isn't actually there. This is an experience that can be realized by taking psychedelic drugs or by suffering from starvation, or by having mental disorders such as schizophrenia . So, should we trust a starved or a drugged-infused man, or people such as scientists and philosophers? Of course, everyone should have their story told, but not every story is necessarily correct even if one strongly believes it is. Thus, not every personal source deserves to be deemed reliable, unfortunately. As I learned more and more about logic, I eventually realized that we humans are not purely logical beings, and are prone to constant mistakes in our estimations. Perhaps most of us know that the law should not be broken, but what are the odds the "average" person will know when they are making a logical fallacy such as ad hominem or ad populum? Logic, therefore, is to be learned, like any other field of knowledge. It is quite embarrassing to see how regularly these two fallacies are made. It only shows the importance of learning them in order to enhance our understanding of reality. If we talk about gods and logical fallacies, perhaps the biggest logical fallacy when it comes to gods is the Ad Infinitum fallacy . The belief that everything has to have a predecessor implies that even cosmic creators need to have one/s as well. The problem is, even when a predecessor to a cosmic creator is found, we must not forget that even that predecessor itself needs another predecessor, and the list goes on infinitely. This is the problem that I and perhaps many others find with the concept of creationism : we eventually have to consider the possibility that there is no definitive start to everything . This is why it is possible that the universe is simply infinite not only in space, but in time as well, and why time itself is eternal. Conclusion In order to determine the existence of gods, three things are imperative: 1. We must determine the existence of magic, as gods are magical beings. It's a given that all gods are divine. 2. We need to decide whether or not the universe has to have a definitive, ultimate beginning, in order for it to exist. 3. If the universe does have a definitive beginning, we must decide if it was created by either a magical entity or by scientific, physical reasons. The third point is only relevant if the universe does indeed have a definitive beginning. If the universe is not infinite in its history, we must decide if it was created by either a magical entity or by scientific, physical reasons. An alternative possibility is that it was always there , with no definitive start. Another possibility is a concept called eternalism . If eternalism is true, then God/s exist outside of time, and therefore is/are also the creator/s of time. If existence was created magically, then everything, technically, is magical to an extant. However, if everything has one or more physical origins as the sole, necessary factor of existence, then the existence of magic/supernaturality is simply unnecessary. In conclusion, I believe that the existence of gods is highly unlikely. I believe that the concept of magic was created in order to explain the unknown, and that the Abrahamic religions are based on fallacious logic. However, I am open minded enough to admit I am wrong. It is all done in the name of reality. For philosophy is the study of truth, and not the advocation of one or more ideologies, regardless of the truth. So, I'm willing to remain an agnostic atheist, in order to keep an open mind. Click here for my thoughts on agnosticism.

(Background music) “I wish you were dead!” screamed the desert hermit in front of no one in particular. Well, at least no one outside of him. A hermit’s life isn't not necessarily dull, nor lacking or boring , as some or many would claim. Living by your own for long periods of time can help you discover the inner richness of one’s consciousness and subconsciousness -- for the good and for the bad. This is why many people are not strong enough to be by themselves for the long term - who knows what hideous creatures may lurk inside each and every one of us , of our constantly chattering mind? “Why, why aren’t you all dead already?!” the hermit shouted from the comforts of his little hermitage. He had a bad time today. He wanted to use this particular day for philosophical contemplation, while being awake and aware. However things did not turn the way he wished them to be, and instead he begun to sense what he called “the Demons Inside Us All" or “the guardians of the locked neck”, or the "Order of Globus Hystericus" which started to arouse and stress his strong, traumatized muscles. He did not leave his entire family, friends and career to become a merchant for anxiety! He did it to evolve into a higher self. But these annoying pests of repressed demons seem to make him more awake, more than he shall ever be, always watching him, so it seems, like some sort of a big brother. If he wanted to be supervised he would have joined a joint monastery, where the monks live as a one big commune. He didn’t want anything of that. He had enough social activities in his childhood. This is the period, although young, where he shall permanently live as a desert hermit for the rest of his life. Anyways, it is too late to return back, as he lost the way back long ago, and generally has no idea where he is in comparison to the world's common identities . His social identity is non-existent now, so it is of no use now in this silent great desert, where the only sounds of living come only from yourself. As the day passed and the night begun to shine its darkness and stars upon the earth's sky, the frustrated, bearded hermit have declared that it is enough and he should sleep, for he needs to gather more water and supplies in long, long walks under the heat of the merciless sun that awaits him tomorrow. Fortunately he built his residence upon a high point, where he may find himself when lost and, hopefully not, under danger. And so his anxiety began to sink and sink into the unknown abyss of his subconscious , and thus the legions of demons have left his aware mind, for now, at least. Finally, when he begun to be in the kingdom of dreams, he encountered a certain maiden he has seen at some point of his young life. The dream itself wasn’t as much detailed as he would have hoped, but the inner projection of the maiden, all covered in blue robes of blue like the sea and the sky, simply said: “As a solitaire, if you wish for your inner demons to be dead, you first must be dead yourself, killing them in the process”. The young hermit, knowing that he chose his life directly because he wanted to live, has decided to spare his inner enemies, and to welcome them into his humble abode in the sea of sand. It seems that even in the most remote of places on the land, one always has neighbours, whether inside him or outside of him.... It was just like he knew from his former life among the civilization in an overpopulated city. the only thing one can do with noisy neighbours while staying alive - is to live in peace with them; to acknowledge, and accept their existence. Thus the young hermit remembered his past, and so he shall do from now on with the entities that lurk beyond the walls of his consciousness... In whatever an apartment he may never know who, or what, is going on in there. Around him and inside of him. And so, he has been reborn. Reborn as a greater seeker of the truth. An explorer of the mind and its powers...

( The Philosocom Socrates Directory ) (Background music) Examining Socrates' Fate Socrates' execution remains a philosophical, troubled event. Did he deserve death? The answer hinges on perspective. Socrates himself, by the way, justified his own execution, due to several, theoretical reasons : "Socrates wanted to be sentenced to death, to justify his philosophic opposition to the Athenian democracy of that time" -- I. F. Stone . "Because of his loyalty to Athenian democracy, Socrates willingly accepted the guilty verdict voted by the jurors at his trial" -- Andrew Irvine. "Socrates, with his unconventional methods of intellectual inquiry, attempted to resolve the political confusion then occurring in the city-state of Athens , by willingly being the scapegoat, whose death would quiet old disputes, which then would allow the Athenian polis to progress towards political harmony and social peace.” -- Robin Waterfield . One viewpoint upholds the Athenian legal system. Socrates revered the law, prioritizing it even over his life. Following societal norms, his self-sacrifice for order seemed noble. According to Socratic ethics: If private individuals can disobey and nullify laws when they please, the Laws will no longer have any effect or any importance, and so the State will fall into chaos. The State is only held together by the Laws, and the Laws are only binding if they hold no matter what the circumstances. If Socrates should suggest that the State has committed an injustice against him by making a faulty judgment at his trial, he imagines the Laws would reply that he had agreed to abide by whatever judgments the State should make. After all, the Laws are not to be accepted piecemeal, but either entirely or not at all. We still revere those who die for their nation, including many real-life one-man-armies , who defeated many enemies on their own. We do not regard them as mass shooters but as war heroes. Yet, a disquieting question arises: Does society prioritize its own survival over its members' well-being? Socrates was a critic of Athenian Democracy as he criticized democracy in general. He believed that democracy would only work if the citizenry were skeptical and well-informed enough to elect the right candidates for the governing positions. Otherwise, they may elect those who are too unfit. As such, for his loyalty to the law and to its importance , he might as well accepted the same fate if he was a member of the fictional Galactic Empire, known for its total absence of democracy. Conversely, what was Socrates' crime? According to Xenophon, Socrates' apprentice , in "Memorabilia" "Socrates is guilty of crime in refusing to recognise the gods acknowledged by the state, and importing strange divinities of his own; he is further guilty of corrupting the young." He fostered critical thinking and self-reflection among Athenian citizens. Can these be considered corrupt acts, as the charges claimed? Perhaps they were deemed threatening because they challenged established beliefs and encouraged independent thought over blind obedience. A Lesson in Duality Either way, this is an extreme example of the social risks involved in being a philosopher -- in certain time periods and nations this can mark your death. This is precisely why I hesitate to fully engage with society, preferring to largely quarantine myself from it. Societies are often self-centered, prioritizing their own interests. They glorify sacrifice for the collective good , while ostracizing those who deviate from established norms, rejecting them as either "klumniks" or straight-up insane . Socrates' punishment reveals society's two faces: It encourages participation for the greater good and for harmony. Simultaneously, it shames those who criticize it and those who are too different. If society is manipulative and is unwilling to be inclusive, why devote ourselves to a system that prioritizes its own ego and undermines our independence and individuality? Society's hypocrisy lies in condemning individual egoism while simultaneously glorifying its own ego. We're led to believe that serving society's ego (under the guise of altruism) is noble, even at the expense of our own lives. But should we really serve those who lack the empathy to not regard us as sacrificial pawns? Socrates wouldn't have died had he embraced conformity, despite his loyalty to the Athenian city-state. His contributions would have been lauded by those who sentenced his death. Those who glorify the social machine are themselves glorified in exchange, via the basic carrot and stick method. Socrates' death exposes the dark side of societal structures. They manipulate us to surrender independence for the sake of an order that deems individuality a threat on its rule. Socrates' death wasn't necessary. It was the societal consciousness that needed transformation, not the man who dared to question.

(Background Music) (Philosocom's Directory on Uniqueness) Being an individual means that many of the possibilities in your life are either boosted or limited by your unique individuality . Each individual possesses different skills, attributes, potentials, strengths, and weaknesses. In order to get along in life's many currents, it is very helpful to know oneself as an individual, from thinking about what to do in one's leisure to the larger duty of survival and functionality. If we ignore our individual traits, advantages, and disadvantages, society at large would not be able to function optimally. This can be compared to pieces of a puzzle: each piece has its own optimal place in the larger picture. Once each piece is placed in a location that best serves its distinct shape, the general picture will be more fulfilled and coherent, rather than just a mess of unidentified pieces, aimlessly scattered all over the place. Those who will fail fitting into the bigger picture will become outsiders. If they want to ever be a part of society, unlike those who naturally fit in, they will have to prove their relevance to the world. They will have to gain power. That is because some people were and are too eccentric to be part of general society. No matter how much they will try, their individuality is too extreme for people to handle. Many of them are too mentally ill . Others intimidate by their sheer intellect , unintentionally or otherwise. Others are even too emotional for people to handle. Due to some people's dysfunctional individuality, the only way they can restore their worth in the eyes of general society is by having power. And in some cases the more powerful are too influential to be disregarded , hence the social importance of power. Some people... are born to fail. The odds are against them by the very fact that they exist in a certain way that's too weird for people to handle. And as you know we need to cooperate to survive. As long as you are among physical civilization you will always need to cooperate with others, even if in a very distant way like paying bills and taxes. And you, of course, need to work for that. Working is not only for you to survive but for your worth to be proven. Hence why work prestige exists. Unless you achieve true love , you will always compete to maintain your conditional worth in the eyes of others. Therefore, individuality is something that is crucial for both the individual and for the society they are in. On a personal level, the awareness of one's individuality can help them live a better and more fulfilling life. Knowing themselves better can help them plan ahead in accordance to who they really are. One may find out that they know themselves so well that it could affect the decisions they make. On a collective level, it can help boost the overall productivity of society, if every self-aware individual is positioned in whatever role is best for them, under the circumstances of realism, that is. For the optimal functioning of society, people are best to find positions where they excel in. Otherwise, they may over qualify their positions, which is a loss of potential, or under qualify them, which could harm society's functioning by their specific incompetence. This is why individuality, or rather, the awareness of individuality, is crucial at least on the practical level of getting things done as optimally as possible, and of living a more satisfactory life that suits one's strengths, weaknesses, likes, and dislikes. Would you make a gardener do a mechanic's job? Would you tell a mechanic to tend to your garden just because it needs taking care of? A vast majority of people hate their jobs because they don't have any spirit in them. They are just there for the pay, not to actualize their unique potentials. One's individuality is often composed of two components: the part which is beyond our control, and the part that we choose, consciously or unconsciously, to include within us. The first part is obvious, and is caused by the inevitable dominance of genetics and socialization , while the latter part is left for us to either discover, receive, or create for ourselves. Because of this, although many people are similar to each other, many others are not. This is not necessarily a paradox, because the very essence of similarity requires difference, since otherwise, it wouldn't be a similarity but a perfect match. Much of who we are and what will become of us depends upon our available resources and the level of prosperity we either gain or inherit. It's why it is important to generate and preserve wealth for years to come. However, it is unwise to blame the entirety of our shortcomings on our origins and local circumstance. Those who want to actualize themselves optimally should therefore venture beyond the "prison" of their local environment, whether they do it physically by traveling the land, or use solitude to shoo away the external distractions that may be in their way of individual success. There is a self that exists beyond the external world , AKA society. Use the potential within to transform your life by trying to become the best version of yourself. That way, surviving in society could be more bearable. How come? That potential within you can be utilized for your own interest, in exchange for helping others. Creating such mutual partnerships, such as syndicates , where every person or body brings something to the table, based on their merit, can further the most basic interest that is the overall survival of everyone involved. This is why there is a relationship between merit and survival. I spent most of my life in a poor neighborhood; a neighborhood that was stigmatized with high crime rates, low levels of education, and a rather naïve populace. However, while people in my age in that neighborhood became addicted to drugs, violence, became unemployed, and were far from reaching high school graduation, I did whatever I could to disconnect and live within my own "world". A "world" which has led me to become the productive writer I am today. If it weren't for my desire to venture beyond the limits of my socio economic condition, my life today would be vastly different. I am unaware if there were fellow intellectuals back there, although I may be wrong. Either way, I dislike wasting too much time on socializing not only because I know I'm a-social but also because I'm trying to build my success, originated by my individual merits. It's why it is lonely at the top. Hence why for social people, being gifted can be a burden. For me it is a blessing. Because beyond your available resources and opportunities in your life, individuality is an important sector of your life to discover and use along with the hand you were dealt with. That is in order to reach one of the original purposes of philosophical thought: to reach a life that has been well lived, or as Nietzsche defined it, a life so good you would want to live it over and over again , for all eternity, at least in theory . It is all in the name of both being your ideal self and of being able to bring food to the table while doing just that. No compromises in theory needed when you can use your individuality in ways make people deem you and your work as relevant. The Sad Truth About Individuality A sad truth about individuality is that some may have to make bigger sacrifices than others in order to exercise their optimal potential as distinct, prospering selves. That is especially true for truth seekers. These sacrifices may include their original families, especially when they live within a more-traditional community . Some of these families may expel their children just for being too different beyond the frames of their society's acceptance. Some may be rejected even in setting that are more. Accepting, like safe spaces . Thus, individuality is imperative to success , but can also be a burden to some. It is a burden that one has to pay for if they are so determined to preserve it within them, whether they may be non-straight, for example, or do not want to marry when they are demanded to. You can say that individuality as is useful to an extant that is demanded by others. It is also harmful to others to the extant that is determined by their potential to reject you, based on it. You might find that showing your true colors can keep people away from you. You might have to mask if you wish some people to endure you. Uniqueness is not always wanted. The Choice of Individuality All in all, distinct individuality is often a choice we have to make for the sake of our lives and for the sake of where they will be heading. Compromise may be needed because one may lack the power to act without it in a collective setting, and it is one of the reasons unfairness exists. You may also realize that some celebrities have privileges to act more uniquely simply because they are celebrities. It is a choice between personal pursuits, or to succumb to the comfort of conformity. What can be certain, however, at least in many places around the world, more than ever before, is that being different, whether by birth or by choice, is something that one should not be ashamed for. Why? Because we are allowed to be ourselves and who we want to be as long as we do not disrupt the law. We are allowed to be unique and people should not be afraid of truly being themselves when they are allowed to and when being unmasked will not hinder their plans. Hence why family and lovers should accept each other as they truly are, unlike professional s who may require and be required to stay calm.

(Background music) (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) (Philosocom's Subcategory on Health) (Philosocom's Svartgold/Svarl Articles) (Philosocom's Disability Directory) ************************ Inclusion and real integration of the mentally ill into a 'healthy' and 'normal' society, is best by having a visible disability . People with disabilities often face discrimination and exclusion. It is true that most of them have problems getting drunk in order to acquire financial independence... where it will be possible to rent an apartment and live. And they owe a bigger budget from the state. Because it violates their rights. For example, how will a single traumatized person who is not self-employed and lives in their parents' house at the age of 30 or 40 find a job? In all places of employment, it seems that people with disabilities have started to be integrated. 21.3% of the workforce in the U.S is made up of people with disabilities. However, it is unclear how many of these people have mental illnesses. Employers are generally good at providing appropriate accessibility for people with disabilities, such as larger text for the visually impaired, devices that record what a person says and turn up the volume, and elevators. However, the attitude towards the mentally disabled is still negative and not adapted to each and every individual. There are mentally disabled people who have been evicted from their homes or have been the victims of severe sexual assault and must now live alone . What does a person who lives with their parents at the age of 40 look like? How does the company treat them? How do they view themselves? How is a woman who was sexually abused in her family treated, even until the age of 40? Does this increase her integration and security in society? Is the attitude towards her really appropriate? Will the National Insurance really give her the allowance she deserves or will they take advantage of the fact that she is alone? Or with parents who just want to hurt her but are comfortable with her in their home keeping their secret from a very young age. Is the integration of the mentally disabled really adapted to each case? Can the mentally disabled really be real with society being so judgmental? It is clear that the budget for the mentally disabled is very low. The hard drugs that most of them take have negative effects on some of them, but there are also some positive effects. However, do they really live with dignity ? A rehabilitation basket requires every mentally injured person to go to a psychiatrist regularly. That is, while the physically disabled, who earn almost twice the allowance to take care of themselves, have special services, additional assistants, and more assistance from the state in housing. They do not need to take care of themselves every day or every month. There are easier times. Why do mentally disabled people have no control over their lives? Why do they have to take pills that sometimes don't always suit them? Medication with disgusting taste that can make them puke? And every few months, many of them have to give the rehabilitation basket as proof that they are seeing a psychiatrist and that he is responsible for them. He/she can do anything they want. They can also impose a guardian over them, which can hurt them even more. As a need to belong in society, a mentally injured person must find an apartment for themselves. How many mentally disabled people have their own apartments? Do people with mental disabilities have the option of a mortgage? Depends if you are not discriminated. The mentally disabled from the military are a given. Belonging to the normative society is important for the mentally disabled primarily work. The need to work in order for them to be able to leave their parents' house, who do not necessarily take care for them. The cases may vary. There are those who hurt them, for example. But is it a big wish? To have at least a 2 room place to live in? It won't necessarily be just handed to them. And it is also not certain that it will be with good and accommodating neighbors, who would only deteriorate their mental condition, further. That's why they need to work like everyone else in society, if they are capable of work, despite the hand they've been dealt with. Why do people have issue a directive to combine all mentally disabled people with only other mentally disabled people, and not with the mentally or physically disabled or autistic people? Why is there a kind of separate and distinct category in their consciousness? Viewing people with mental disabilities as defective is not necessarily correct. There are many intelligent people with mental disabilities. In fact, their differences can often give them creativity and skills in certain areas. Why is it that almost every lawbreaker who is caught goes to a psychiatrist and is released from prison? Why are they then mixed in with ordinary people with mental disabilities who have never committed a crime? Why is this such a dangerous inclusion? Why do certain authorities always talk to people with mental disabilities in a slow manner, as if they were incapable of understanding? Do you think this helps them? I think it insults them far more, instead. Why are some mentally disabled people suspected for misdeeds? Are all people worthy of such suspicion? Why, after all their expensive treatments, some of which are also physical, they remain outsiders ? Is the attitude towards them based on generalizations and reassurances to the public that a person murdered because he went to a psychiatrist once and is probably a person with a psychiatric diagnosis? What is this fake reassurance? Why are people with mental disabilities who do not function at all mentally disabled since they must exist and survive? These are all questions that need to be answered. The opportunity that has been given to mentally disabled people to work is excellent. However, even this has a limit. If they earn more, the state can take more money from them. In the past, there was no possibility for mentally disabled people to work, and they were essentially imprisoned in asylums. This was not always healthy for the mentally disabled person, and it may have even contributed to their mental problems. A rehabilitation basket for the mentally disabled encourages work in sheltered factories , but the welfare wage for autistics and the mentally disabled can be awfully low. This situation does not encourage any progress, and there is no opportunity for progress like this. Why is the treatment provided only by a psychiatrist and psychologist and there are no other alternative treatments? Why is there no speech therapy? Because there are mentally disabled people with speech problems... this also costs money, but the budget is low. Also, some 18-year-old adoptees are required to reach a state of well-being without a mental health problem in order to receive information about their biological parents. Some even hide this information from these adult children. This also shows the difference between the mentally disabled and ordinary people, and indicates a different attitude. Why is there no transportation for the mentally disabled who do not have a car? And all this is only if you work through a rehabilitation basket. Why is there no tailored aid that does not just push for development but also for increased aid? Why do some mentally disabled people go to a private psychiatrist, while others go to a psychiatrist from the cash register? Mr. Rubinshtein's conclusion: Should we see beyond the social stigma, and beyond the disability , we will be able to better include the mentally ill into society's ranks. Should we do it, they can contribute to society far better, using the benefit of their work. Thus, equal opportunity is imperative for the individual and collective, human potential.

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

(Background music) (Philosocom's Directory on AI) (Philosocom's Subcategory Directory on Dilemmas and Problems) ****************************** Imagine a possible reality in the future where you could have your ideal lover, without any emotional risk whatsoever. No arguing, no cheating, nothing that could harm your relationship. That is, unless you wish for it to happen. You can already see the roots of it in modern-day Japan, where some people choose to literally marry an AI unit. One that cannot choose to divorce you, one that will love you forever, until its battery runs out or something, and you'll just have to recharge it. It's an "ideal" love only in theory, you know. That's because you're essentially creating a relationship with a slave. Did you know? The word "robot" comes from the Chezch word "Robota", which means "forced labor". Should you choose to love an A.I unit/robot, you essentially choose to love a mechanical slave, that is or not tailored to your desires. Can we deem such love morally legitimate when we already morally oppose s** slavery? Can the love of a mechanical being be moral if that being cannot act independently of your desires? After all, it is a product, and products are not like human beings; they are not made to be independent. They are made to please. And a good product is one that satisfies its consumers. Do you see the dilemma? Human love is a very uncertain and imperfect thing. Some may even argue that this imperfection, this vulnerability, this flaw, is one of the things that grant it its charm and appeal . Whether you're on good terms or not, married or not, the other person can always decide that they no longer want you and leave you. [Human] love hurts. Marriage cannot prevent such a thing because people have the right to divorce their significant others. Additionally, other problems may arise during a human relationship, such as disagreements on core things, from politics and religion to taking care of the household. These days of human imperfection, just to have kids, may be over in the future, as AI lovers could one day replace your girlfriend, boyfriend, husband, or wife. They might as well be superior to them in every way. No more dating for the ideal "soul mate" . You could just buy one in your local electronics store, where you also buy your computers, your phones, and other products. Imagine the following: A fully customizable AI lover, fully purchasable at half price during New Year's Eve and Valentine's Day! No more broken hearts, no more disappointments, no more conflicts. Just have the required funds, and you might as well never be a lonely man or woman! That's what happens when you see people as just carriers of function, instead of beings that have the right to exist and behave independently of these functions. That's what happens when you regard relationships as transactional and not as something more wholesome. You might as well reduce the person whom you love as a provider of your function to love and be loved. Why focus on the being, the person themselves, when you can act in a self-interested way, and prioritize what they're doing and/or suppose to be doing? I am being cynical. In a book I once read, the philosopher known as Osho criticized someone for having their computer welcome them whenever they turned it up. He argued that such a function is delusional because it is a robotic one, the output of a machine. It's not like that computer cared for its operator, right? Love is not like machinery, no matter how advanced, cognition-capable, feeling, and and opinionated it is, like a biological being is, right? But what if all these "biologically exclusive" things are just that, nothing more than a function? A behavior? What if a robot lover could actually do their job by loving someone else? What if robots were able to cry, complain, and be depressed? All at the press of a button. A machine or a computer application to stimulate and please you. All of this is due to a human's desire, like a puppeteer or just a very lonely man or woman who doesn't have a partner to spend New Year's Eve or Valentine's Day with. The same goes for s** unless we are to regard s** as different than making love. Then, love-making indeed contains a human element that cannot be fulfilled by an A.I lover. That is, unless we are to create a very uncanny thing called a robot human , which I covered about before. A mechanical being made to imitate human beings so perfectly, it's almost impossible to distinguish between the two types of beings! Would then love-making remain exclusive to humans? Because if it won't, "robot humans" would be able to replace humans even on that department. Before we had such intelligent AI, we had puppets whom we assigned ourselves to. Playing with dolls was something that was as popular as playing video games, for children. And yet, as video games became as popular for children as they are for adults, one might ask themselves -- Can AI now breach another frontier of human life -- the romantic one? People have already begun developing emotions for fictional characters in the form of, for example, dating simulators , or any other game where you can have a companion as your romantic partner. Nowadays, it may be seen as childish, infantile, or even creepy, but when these teenagers grow up, so will their trends, which might now be seen as outlandish by others. Some of them may already "simp" for fictional characters. If you could have a robot who could love you and be ever-so loyal to you, would you choose them, in favor of a human partner? Remember, the only function missing is the ability to bring kids. You can therefore say that human love is a gamble, mainly for the sake of having kids (if that's your intention, of course). Once even that element is out of the picture, and once AI companions could be just as buyable as any common electronic device, you'd no longer have to "hit the market" and seek an actual human to fulfill the functions you seek to be fulfilled. When it comes to A.I, they don't have to be actual robots; they can be holograms, or perhaps a combination of the two. A computer application with the ability to appear/behave like a being, can be regarded as an A.I Unit. Nonetheless, there will be no more arguing and no risk of any form of abandonment. Only certain love for an entity best suited for your individuality, until the day you die (or until something might happen to the "device"). Would you take it? Remember: Humans might as well be just inferior machines -- biological machines, of course. Perhaps this biological, collective arrangement that we seek today, is nothing more than a liability for our romantic interests? An inferior liability, whose only advantage is to bring you and them children? After all, a lot of couples divorce nowadays, at least in the U.S. Automation isn't something that would only affect the employment sector; it might just as well affect every, single, area, of our lives, if we're able to afford it and supply the manufacturers making these machines and/or applications. They can be not only coworkers, but also friends, teachers, traveling companions, and even lovers; they could be designed in any way, shape, or form you want, if there is a customer demand for it, just like any commercial product. Should we treat beings as functions, like we may treat machinery? Wouldn't it ruin true love if we can buy a lover like we buy a computer or phone?

(Subcategory on Flaws) (Philosocom's Directory on Ego Management) (Background Music) "Psychotics know no real fear, even to their own detriment. The size, strength, nor power of the enemy matters not one single iota. Madness operates independently of all fear, and is therefore free to operate in any medium of manner they see fit to use" -- Mr. John Duran Introduction Pride can sometimes be found in dysfunction , but it is something that many fear, like those who are too cowardly, or those who try to deceive others . When caught scamming, some may deny their wrongdoing instead of being mature enough to apologize. After all, scammers find no pride or achievement in apologizing, or in other words, in openly confessing their flaws. And of course, the same goes in professional settings. Trying to find a good excuse to back up your own underhanded, faulty deeds could save your work from being tainted by your own hand -- and protect your ego. However, there are indeed cases where dysfunction and pride are not contradictory. Being taller than the average person, I lived most of my lifespan thus far in great pain in the neck, because people were almost always shorter, so bending over my neck became natural. The constant ache began one day at Elementary and resumed. Even in adulthood, it never stopped in my waking life. I drink coffee even when I'm not tired as it helps with the pain. This pain, which has lasted for the majority of my lifetime, has taught me an important lesson in life: Acceptance. Perhaps if my neck weren't dysfunctional, life would have been harder to endure. If you get the reference to my philosophical symbol, my neck has become a pillar that has taught me endurance. Implications of Pain Over time, I became less and less sensitive to things, to the point of apathy , especially things that disturb or trigger many people. Perhaps this is why I write about dark stuff so casually, even when it involves myself. A person I once was in contact with eventually left me due to her extreme sensitivity to things I don't regard as emotionally significant. The person I consider my "nemesis" abandoned me twice due to my own emotions. Of course, when I had the opportunity to ask her why she was so frightened by a mere emotion, an opportunity I seized, she didn't answer me. You know, pain isn't that bad once you get used to it. Trying to avoid all pain is likely to fail in the end, because life cannot be lived without experiencing some pain. Of course, the enjoyment of pain is illogical and dangerous, as it could lead one to do regrettable things, but if you are already in pain, and might fail at stopping it, why not try to find something good in it? You know, to actually better endure it? A certain medical professional once gave me some advice I find the most practical to this day, regarding my neck pain -- try to bend it backwards, so its positioning would eventually become default. However, despite all the years that passed, I failed at this restoration. This logically means, that I might experience this pain for the rest of my life. Being used to it, I don't really mind this "hell" anymore. From Agony to Pride That's why, I take pride in this dysfunction. Pride, not because it's unusual, but because it taught me things, I might otherwise be unaware of. Pain is a great teacher. I see people across the internet, trying to mask their vulnerabilities; Old people, pretending to be millennials; Scammers, pretending to be offering genuine help to potential victims; Narcissists , pretending to be perfect; Women, putting extravagant make-up to hide their true faces , and finally, people in general, pretending to be rich. I no longer view these people with awe, specifically the braggers and the more beautiful. With this pain, it really means very little to me, anymore. External Example 1 I look up to a certain fictional character whom I mentioned before -- General Skarr, who ran with scissors as a kid and scarred his left eye permanently and ruined its ability to see with it. He never wore an eyepatch, and although he is a cartoon character aimed at children in the early 2000's, the fact that we can see a visible eye that is purely white, is quite impressive. After all, that eye is dysfunctional, and it's probably very painful for him to have it exposed as if it's a regular eye. People wear eyepatches for a medical reason, to keep the eye healthy as one can. Lately, I've learned the reason as to why he never covered his scarred eye: "Eye patches are for pirates, and little girls!" It was a quote of his I heard yesterday. Such pride in something that is a liability, is something I find inspirational, and perhaps you, too. How many of us humans are prepared to expose our flaws? How many of us are prepared to not only admit that they are imperfect, as we all are, but also accept that imperfection, and not sigh with submission? Mind you, Skarr said that quote of his to someone who also couldn't see with their left eye and used an eyepatch. A weird flex, to be sure, but a thought-provoking one. External Example 2 In a story called "The Hive Situation: A Memoir" , The writer, Johnny, describes a story from his life as a kid where he lived in an abusive family and was forced by his mother to assume the role of a handyman of the household. A natural hermit by nature, Johnny writes (In chapter 2) : "Our living existence often continues to the detriment of others. We must ultimately destroy them, or recruit them to our cause in order to live and often indeed profit finally, though the very thought is abhorrent to me. This is the lot of all human beings". We can learn from this that sometimes, in order to live, we must be a pain to other's side, otherwise we would either be destroyed ourselves, unless we are to cooperate with them. Such is the nature of power. The very notion of conflict is natural among human beings and as such it may be necessary to collide with another's interests, simply because we exist. The fight for survival is not something that's irrelevant to our times, because even in this day and age of comfort and pleasure, we do not live in a vacuum and as such others can easily disturb our peace and vice versa. Therefore, the fact that we still manage to survive and not give up, despite our conflicts with other beings, is something that should not be taken lightly. Because other beings, including people, will not necessarily care if we give up on the struggles of life. Why, then, not take pride in the natural dysfunction that we sometimes are? Why not take pride in still enduring the hardships our dysfunctional aspect sets in our path? Feedback by Mr. M. Svartgold In connection to pride, I've always felt a deep-seated fear of the unconscious . Like you, I believe it often leads people to resort to cunning and deception , especially when trying to succeed at work or earn money dishonestly. I've spent my entire life pretending to be something I'm not.  However, as an autistic person,  it's incredibly difficult to maintain a facade.  People can often see through my attempts, and I've noticed a peculiar kind of pity in their eyes, a mercy that feels strangely negative. Locals frequently ask me about things that do not concern them. When they learn that I rent an apartment, they immediately assume I'm poor and naive. It seems to me that society subconsciously judges people based on their appearance and labels them accordingly. I think this is too shallow. I've never felt the need to be proud in front of others.  I'm content with my solitude,  whether I'm at home alone or with family. I also avoid discussing my health , as it often leads to inquiries about money yet again.  People seem to calculate a person's worth based on their income, and I've found that this unconscious judgment can be quite harmful. Pride, to me, is a pointless attempt to feel superior to those who look/are different . I've learned to embrace my authenticity and no longer feel the need to please others.  Their approval is simply not worth the effort.

(Philosocom's directory on death: https://www.philosocom.com/post/defining-death ) The world can be divided into two types of people: those who are consistently covered by the various media, and those who are only covered every once in a while, if at all. Even in a world where many live in comfort never known before in human history, people die prematurely from events that most of the world is not yet aware of. Many people may not even aware of their existence to begin with. (2023 Note: There are 195 countries in the world today. How many of them can you name by heart? ) Much of our external knowledge goes beyond our mere senses; it requires the observation and presentation of various media outlets in order to come to our attention. And since many of us are largely passive beings, receiving information rather than actively investigating for ourselves, our global knowledge depends on bodies beyond our control, thus determining our current level of knowledge and ignorance. And some of these media outlets may have their own ulterior motives. The main motive of Philosocom as a media outlet , by the way, is to research reality through philosophy and exchange of ideas. In 2020, a war has emerged between Armenia and Azerbaijan over a disputed territory. In it, thousands of soldiers and civilians have been killed in the conflict, largely on the Armenian side. This is but one example of many where people die and their deaths remain largely ignored by major media providers. South Sudan , a country declared fairly recently in 2011, had much pain and suffering following a civil war, where hundreds of thousands of people were killed. The bitter truth is that human equality is not yet fully implemented in the world. If there were a civil war in France, Britain, or the United States, most of the world would be horrified and would follow every piece of news about the event. However, if you were brutally executed in a "corner country," your death would go unnoticed. Education about the world is inadequate, leaving the potential to learn new things to oneself. In actuality, the opposite should be the case; otherwise, there would be no point in providing education to those who can do it themselves. Only seldom should a teacher learn from a student about the topics that the teacher is supposed to teach the student. In this world, people need to be auto-didacts because otherwise they would not necessarily receive the knowledge that is sufficient for their understanding. If I wasn't an auto-didact myself, I would not even know English . North Korea is the closest "Corner Country" to break through the glass ceiling blocked by central medias. Due to its heavy influence on major countries such as South Korea and the United States, it is the most covered place in the world where crimes against humanity still persist . Theoretically, if it had no nuclear weaponry that could potentially cause the next world war, North Korea would have probably stayed in the world's corner, similar to the recent Armenian war and the unfortunate South Sudanese mass murder by its own government. It is unfortunate when people need to emigrate from their countries in order to have a better chance at life. It just goes to show that it doesn't always matter who you are or what you're capable of. You also need to come from the "right" place. Otherwise, it is as if you are "born to fail" in life. In a more appropriate world, every country in the world would be relatively equal in its potential for proper media coverage. The Deaths of the Corner People in a "corner country" should be of the same importance and have the same reception as in any other part of the globe. But no. In reality, information providers are driven not necessarily by wanting to help us discover the world, but by interests such as profit. After all, " content is king " because they earn their keep by giving us the content we, the consumers, want to consumer. Similar to what the " Bias-Breaking Hill " article was talking about, it is insufficient to receive just the info you are provided in your passive media, particularly the news on TV and social media feed. Hopefully they can be trusted, but in the name of obtaining optimal knowledge, multiple sources are required to attend to, in order to break the frame of the bias of your local system. To those who believe there are no bloody wars in the modern world, other than the Russio-Ukranian war , I would kindly suggest informing yourselves of the existence of less-known countries. These countries also have humans living in them, and not all of them are your average liberal democracy or constitutional monarchy . Yes, there are still absolute monarchies in this world, and Americanization has yet to achieve world domination. Before I wrap this up, I would like to admit that I do not know everything that is happening in the world. There could be atrocities happening that either you or I are unaware of, or events that you know and I do not. After all, I have only been abroad once (to the UK) and I am more than willing to learn more about the corners of humanity. If we want to be truly united, we have to be aware of each other's existence. My deepest sympathies go out to the Yezidi people , who were victims of genocide by ISIS. May no other cleansing of people be caused simply because they are different.

(Directory on Writing) (Philosocom Directory on Work) Poem Synopsis by Ms. Grace Gabbi "My Work" is a profound poem that explores the concept of philosophical commitment, solitude, and sacrifice. It addresses the tension between personal fulfillment and the pursuit of higher ideals, ultimately choosing the latter as the more noble and meaningful path. The poem is influenced by themes of asceticism , existentialism, and stoicism, drawing parallels to philosophical traditions that prioritize intellectual pursuit and self-denial over immediate pleasures. The poem begins with a sense of isolation and loneliness, suggesting that the speaker perceives themselves as fundamentally different from the rest of the world. The poem also features dreams as a symbol of the ideal, representing an idealized experience of love or fulfillment rarely realized in waking life. This fleeting nature reinforces the idea of impermanence, a central theme in existentialist (and Buddhist) thought. The philosopher's life is portrayed as one of sacrifice , with friends killing time for a more noble end. This sentiment echoes the ascetic traditions of many philosophical schools, where personal relationships and pleasures are often sacrificed for a higher cause or greater knowledge. The speaker accepts this sacrifice, asserting that it is "worth it, in the end" to live as a mere vessel for something "truly greater." The poem emphasizes the philosopher's primary role: to contribute knowledge and wisdom to the world. They have devoted their life to this pursuit, eschewing all other forms of happiness or fulfillment. The closing lines affirm the speaker's self-identification with their work, even if that means rejecting the comforts of ordinary life. The poem also evokes existentialist themes of meaning and isolation, with the philosopher's path often being solitary due to the rejection of comfortable illusions. The speaker sees themselves as someone who must transcend ordinary human concerns in order to achieve something "greater, worthier" than themselves. In conclusion, This poem offers a touching meditation on the costs and rewards of a life dedicated to philosophy , addressing the tension between personal fulfillment and the pursuit of higher ideals. The poem is both a lament for the emotional warmth sacrificed and a celebration of the intellectual clarity gained through such sacrifice.   The Poem Itself As I watch the world around me, Flourishes in the one element that I have little, I am reminded just how lonely I am, In my fortress of philosophy. It is strange, to used to only experience true love, Only in a dream at night. A feeling merely experienced once, In over dozens years of inner ramblings, In a dream's might. I speak with followers and consultants regularly, But only rarely, A true friend. For friends kill time I use for a more noble end. I can endure this , as I have sworn to do, It's worth it, in the end, To use this life as a mere vessel, For something truly greater, worthier, than myself. Solitude has made me a colder man, And even though it pains me so, I regret it not. I no longer see the reason, To be nameless, with shorts and a tank top, Standing near a nameless counterpart, with equal attire, When I can become, My heart's greatest desire. Those who wish me to abandon, to ghost and leave, Other than this -- I have little else, for, to live. From the birth of year to its eve, All I desire, is to be informative. I thus abandon one else -- the illusory sensation, Presented to me by the subconscious, And might as well never feel much again, However, at least I can say, That there was little waste. I will, therefore, embrace the cold, And prepare myself, to be served as a feast, Of all follower-material, From West to East. North and South.. A philosopher is what I am all about.

(Philosocom's Directory on Culture) Background music) Culture gives people within a society a common collective consciousness and subjects to discuss, which in turn strengthens the ties between people and makes society more socially cohesive. It also gives people a sense of collective identity and a feeling of belonging to a place and/or a group of people larger than themselves. However, one of the functions of culture is to limit individuality under specific circumstances in order to preserve the collective identity and cohesiveness. This is an extreme example of how culture can encourage certain behaviors and condemn others, all in the name of preserving the societal identity. Culture can also limit one's actions, even if it is not always dictated rightfully. For example, in some cultures, women are not allowed to hold specific jobs. This is because these cultures believe that women should be restriected, only because of their gender. Therefore, it is important to be aware of the ways in which culture can both promote and restrict freedom. Conforming to a local culture wholeheartedly would therefore be a mistake that would harm your own growth outside of whatever it may try to dictate or impose. A common example of the limitations that a culture attempts to force is through the use of the expression "the fashion police "—some sort of an unofficial figure of authority telling people what they should wear and what they shouldn't. This is sure to be condemned by individualists, because such authority has no actual right or authority to supervise our private wardrobes. And thus we have the two-sided coin of culture—an "armor-smith" of the collective, and a "warden" of eccentric individuals and of those who choose less preferable paths. Like in the official bodies of democracies, the notion of culture should not have complete loss of control, as that would harm societal identity to societal people, but shouldn't have complete control over everything in society. That would harm those who are more of "black sheep" by nature. Culture shouldn't, either, be completely abandoned, especially in modern times where people of the same culture are likely to be complete strangers to each other. In such cases, culture fulfills the position of giving them something in common in the name of cooperation. And we need to cooperate in order to survive as a collective and perhaps evolve beyond that function, as well. Speaking of common identity—as the world becomes more and more interconnected through the internet, social media, and the learning of international languages such as English and Spanish, the existence of localized culture becomes under the threat of globalization. As globalization becomes more dominant than our local cultures, there is a less need for the latter as we can all occupy ourselves on the content of the former. This could lead to a decrease in patriotism and the common man's desire to feel emotional attachment to their local country, which means the role of culture itself becomes less and less effective to the cultivation of local societies, communities, and countries. In 2020, with the terrible expansion of the COVID lockdown, cultural institutions such as theaters and concert halls have taken a heavy blow . A blow that some of them might not be able to recover from. As there are much more modern alternatives to said institutions, such as Netflix, YouTube, and social media, the current functionality of the long-lived "higher" culture and arts should be, therefore, questioned. Why do we even need cinemas, technically? As everyone can become a content creator, whose content can be accessed by anyone across the world, the role of culture seems to take a transition from local to international. This means that there will be less interconnectivity between man and his country at least in this aspect, and more division between local societies. That is due to an increasing lack of common identity and relatedness. If my thoughts are correct, this could explain the separateness in the U.S., for example , as less and less people have things in common with one another beyond their opinions, ethnic origins, and the fact that they are Americans. We can thus conclude that the age of nationality is coming to an end due to globalization, due to the fact that people connect and relate less to each other and more to diverse foreign influences. If a country wishes to preserve the common identity of its citizenry, there will be a need to make significant changes in its education system , and try to give a reason to the future generations to actually care about their country beyond the fact that it exists and that they are within its borders. North Korea does a very extremist job at it by sending people who are suspected of being influenced by the South to concentration camps. While a reasonable country does not need to do that, local culture is to be restored to its former glory if we wish to increase the feelings of love, pride, and belonging to the country we were born and/or raised in. Otherwise, we will gradually lose our local identity and patriotism in the name of the international culture, forming through the media. Finally, a question—when can one know that they are patriotic? When can we know that we the local culture is doing its job properly?—It's when we can look at a stranger that has the same citizenship as we, and actually feel like they are a part of us and vice versa, and not as a stranger like many of us may believe they are. However, as long as we treat our fellow countrymen as foreign strangers, including our very own neighbors—we can rest assured that we are more connected to the posts and videos on the internet rather to the very country we were raised in and/or are raising our children in.

(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) Article Overview by Mr. C. Kingsley and Co. Queries On the Influence of Religion as Manipulation" by Mr. M. Svartgold is a comprehensive exploration of the multifaceted role religion plays in society. The author invites readers to engage in critical thinking about the nature, purpose, and potential pitfalls of religious beliefs and institutions. The article covers a wide spectrum of topics related to religion, from theological inquiries about God's nature and the purpose of biblical narratives to sociological questions about religious practices and their impact on modern society. The article emphasizes the importance of questioning and critical analysis of religious beliefs, fostering an environment where readers are encouraged to reflect on their own beliefs and the societal structures surrounding them. The inclusion of Mr. Roland Leblanc's commentary adds depth to the discussion, offering alternative viewpoints and interpretations, illustrating the diversity of thought within religious discourse. The article is well-organized, with clear sections that guide the reader through various themes. Mr. Svartgold's approach to tackling sensitive and complex issues surrounding religion is commendable, encouraging open dialogue and self-examination. By addressing both theological and practical concerns, the article serves as a catalyst for meaningful conversations about the role of religion in the modern world. The respectful disclaimer at the beginning underscores the importance of diverse narratives, highlighting the platform's commitment to varied perspectives. In conclusion, "Queries On the Influence of Religion as Manipulation" is a thought-provoking piece that successfully opens the floor for critical examination of religion's role in shaping individual lives and societal structures. (Philosocom's Subcategory On Religion) (Philosocom's Svartgold/Svarl Articles) (Philosocom's Subcategory on Manipulation) (Background music) ******************************** Part I: The Article Itself Introduction and Query I have many questions about religion that I have not been able to answer. Nevertheless, I'll try not only asking but giving my thoughts on some of them, as well. Please enjoy. How does God appear to people in this new age? Does God's nature change over time? Why did God allow Job to suffer? Does God help everyone equally? Is it common for believers to marry at a young age? Why does God seem to have different standards for adultery for men and women? What was Adam and Eve's purpose in the Garden of Eden? Why did God punish Adam and Eve? Is God's mercy truly unconditional? Why do religious communities often ostracize those who leave the religion? Is the expectation of virginity still relevant in today's society? Why do many religions require that spouses be of the same faith? Is luck a manifestation of God's will? What is the role of religious leaders? Why do religions continue to evolve? What is the significance of religious holidays? Why is it important to celebrate religious holidays? How do religious and secular values interact? How do secular people understand religious holidays? What are the challenges of interfaith marriage? What are the causes of religious conflict? What is the role of peace in religion? The Role of Religion in Manipulation Religion can be used as a tool for manipulation in many ways. For example, it can be used to justify violence, control people's behavior, and justify discrimination. It can also be used to exploit people financially. One way that religion can be used to manipulate people is by appealing to their emotions. For example, religious leaders may use fear , guilt, or love to control their followers. They may also use promises of eternal reward or punishment to manipulate people's behavior. Such an example being the concept of an afterlife, whether true or not. Another way that religion can be used to manipulate people is by controlling the information that they have access to. For example, religious leaders may discourage their followers from questioning religious teachings or reading non-religious sources of information. That can be regarded as an expression of fanaticism . This can make it difficult for people to think critically about their beliefs and make informed decisions. That's especially true when one is deceived by ulterior motives. Religion can also be used to exploit people financially. For example, religious leaders may ask their followers to donate money to the church or other religious organizations. They may also sell religious items, such as books, CDs, or clothing. In some cases, religious leaders may use their influence to pressure people into making financial contributions that they cannot afford. And of course, there is no "shortage" of scams in our world. The manipulation of religion is a serious problem that can have harmful consequences. It is important to be aware of the ways that religion can be used to manipulate people so that we can protect ourselves from being exploited. The role of religious leaders Religious leaders play an important role in society. They provide guidance and support to their followers, and they help to preserve and transmit religious traditions. They also often serve as moral leaders, and they can use their influence to promote social justice and peace. However, they can also abuse their power, under the guise of sacred-ness and benevolence. The significance of religious holidays Religious holidays are important because they provide opportunities for people to come together and celebrate their faith. They can also be a time for reflection and introspection, and they can help to strengthen people's connection to their community. The challenges of interfaith marriage Interfaith marriage can be challenging, but it can also be rewarding. Couples who marry across religious lines need to be willing to compromise and respect each other's beliefs. They also need to be prepared to deal with the challenges that may arise from different cultural expectations. The causes of religious conflict Religious conflict can be caused by a variety of factors, including differences in religious beliefs, political disagreements, and economic disparities. It can also be exacerbated by the actions of religious leaders who promote intolerance and violence. It is important to not submit to the authority fallacy when it comes to leadership. The role of peace in religion Peace is an important value in many religions. Religious teachings often emphasize the importance of love , compassion , and forgiveness . These values can be a powerful force for promoting peace in the world. The Torah and the Bible In the Torah, we see Abraham sacrificing his only son, Isaac. Why did God ask Abraham to do this? What is the definition of "good" in the sense of God? Is it a divine miracle? There were many, many people who were sacrificed by God and did not get on the ark. Why is it so important to rest without doing anything at all? These are of course questions regarding these specific texts. The paradox of Self-Defense On the one hand, they say not to murder in many sects of major religions . On the other hand, to defend myself who rises up to kill you, should you kill him...? Who said they wanted to kill me? In which situations self-defense is mandatory and in which it is. The importance of children It is in every religion said. Children are a joy. But children are also an economic expense. And if there is no financial help with the children, what is expected? Conclusion These are just some of the many questions that I have about religion. I believe that it is important to question our beliefs, and to think critically about the role of religion in our lives. I hope that this article has sparked some thought and discussion about these important issues. Thank you for reading and for Mr. Tomasio Rubinshtein for taking care of this article. Part II: Article Commentary by Mr. Roland Leblanc We're here to learn how to connect with "all there is" by first connecting with ourselves. We shouldn't impose our ideas on others. Religion has different meanings depending on who you ask. The world's problem is people trying to control others instead of focusing on their own purpose.  We are all problem solvers, and the best approach is self-reflection and learning from mistakes. We can also tap into our intuition for wisdom and become "new-born beings" by aligning our inner and outer worlds. Honestly, but incompletely , here's what I think about these questions: God's nature:  It's a life-giving force with many names,  maybe even unknowable.  We can experience this force within ourselves,  a kind of inner world that's the real God. It's better not to get hung up on names until we truly understand. God changing:   Probably not. God exists beyond time and space , so change wouldn't apply. Job's suffering:  The story of Job is about everyone's journey of self-discovery.  We all have something to learn, even the good guys.  It's not punishment, but a chance to grow. I've noticed online that some people are more focused on their inner world than the outer world. I believe the ideal is a balance between a strong rational mind and a developing intuition.  This way, our actions can be guided by our inner wisdom. God's fairness:   We get help based on our choices . The proverb "Help yourself, and heaven will help you" applies.  We need to know ourselves first,  then our intuition can guide us on our unique purpose. It's up to us to make things happen, not some outside force exclusively. Double standards:   We need to dig deeper into the scriptures. Maybe the stories are about our inner and outer worlds, and prioritizing one over the other creates problems? We need both reason and intuition to solve life's issues, after all. Adam & Eve:  They represent the planned but unachieved creation, like a project we haven't finished. Their story is about learning to relate to ourselves, others, and to all there is. God's punishment:   Not punishment, but a chance to complete our creation process by learning on Earth. We have free will, so it can be our will to turn such adversity into an opportunity, and not keep it as a curse. Unconditional Mercy:  It depends on us choosing to discover ourselves and our purpose. We enable God's mercy by seeking self-knowledge and therefore learning about the deeper reason we came to this world. Leaving religion:  This happens because people don't understand the Oneness of all things.  If they did, they'd see God's free choice for everyone. Oneness isn't about quantity, but managing our duality and solving problems. We can't do this without understanding interconnectivity, ourselves and free will. Virginity:  It's a personal choice, respect the decision. Just leave this choice to the one concerned. Same faith marriage:  Easier, but if we work on ourselves first, we can handle different beliefs more effectively, along with solving the problems that may arise as a result! Luck:   We make our own luck, I believe! Religious leaders:  They should motivate people on their spiritual journeys, not for power over others. Unfortunately, today, some leaders are motivated by power rather than helping others.  This is a problem when people try to force their beliefs on others.  It's important to avoid this behavior. Religion evolving:  Everything is changing, including religions. However,  because of strict beliefs and a misunderstanding of the idea that we're all on a journey of self-discovery, religions struggle to accept our free will. This freedom is crucial to God and everything that exists. Religious holidays:   Maybe created to compete with the pagan feasts of old, but for me, every day is a holiday for being alive! Religious vs. secular values:  Church and state are separate, allowing freedom of belief or non-belief. Secular view of holidays:  As a non-practicing Christian,  I see it as a privilege to be free from church control. Religious conflict:   Misunderstanding reality beyond the physical world.  People believe without checking their intuition. Religious conflict is about dogmas and misunderstandings, not uniting people. Verify truth within yourself before following a group. Peace in religion:  Peace comes from within, not religion itself. Everything starts from within! Religion is emotional, so criticize it carefully. Importance of questions:  Questions are more important than answers because they lead to new insights. Certainty can hinder spiritual progress, and many religious people cling to their beliefs without considering other viewpoints. The reason for so much suffering and manipulation is that we're here to improve our relationship with everything .  This starts with improving our relationship with ourselves. While working on ourselves, we shouldn't force our beliefs on others. The word 'religion' has different meanings, but often refers to uniting, binding, or togetherness. The problem today is that people try to force their beliefs on others while neglecting their own purpose. As Karl Popper's book title said: 'All Life Is Problem Solving.' We're constantly dealing with challenges that force us to change or ignore the problem.  The best approach is to be objective and learn from our mistakes . There are many ways to improve our lives, including reflecting on the past to avoid future mistakes. We can also seek help from our intuition, which is our inner wisdom.  When our intuition and reason work together, we become something more.  This is the purpose of our existence: to align our inner world with the external world.

(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) (Philosocom's John Igwe and Co. Articles) (Philosocom's Hidden Logic Systems Directory) (Background music) ************************** Introduction " Silent Hill 4: The Room " is a survival horror video game developed by Konami. It is the fourth instalment in the "Silent Hill" series, which is known for its psychological horror elements and unsettling atmosphere. The game follows the story of Henry Townshend, who finds himself trapped in his apartment in South Ashfield Heights . As the game progresses, Henry discovers that his apartment has become a portal to different worlds, each with its own horrifying and nightmarish elements. He must navigate through these worlds, and survive, while uncovering the mystery behind his situation and the reasoning for his sudden imprisonment in his own apartment. Henry's apartment serves as a hub for accessing different levels through a mysterious hole that appear in the room's walls. Whenever he returns from a hole in a nightmare world, he somehow wakes up in his bed, as if we was dreaming. And then he has to repeat the absurd cycle again and again , until he reaches the mysterious villain behind it all. Despite the mixed reception it received, "Silent Hill 4: The Room" has maintained a dedicated fan base and is remembered to this day. It's worth noting that the "Silent Hill" series as a whole is renowned for its psychological horror , intricate storytelling, and exploration of deep and disturbing themes. The series has had a significant impact on the survival horror genre and has garnered a strong following over the years. The Extensive Isolation of the Protagonist: The isolation of the game's protagonist, Henry Townshend, is a central theme that contributes to the game's psychological horror and unsettling atmosphere. The game takes this concept to a new level compared to previous entries in the series. Here's how the extensive isolation of the protagonist is depicted in the game: Certainly, the isolation in in this game is a prominent gameplay feature. Henry Townsend spends a significant portion of the game trapped in his apartment, with the apartment door somehow locked from the inside. He may scream for help, but somehow the external world fails to hear his distress. This isolation intensifies the psychological horror elements, as players are left to explore unsettling environments and harmful worlds, that are somehow interconnected. Without a sense of fortitude and a will to earn back his freedom, Henry would not had make it thus far. Because even if the player wins the game, an unfortunate set of conditions would mark his death in at least one of the endings. In isolation, one must focus on their own merit. After all, it is what he or she needs to do in order to survive. In groups, the ability to collaborate optimally can ease one's chances of survival. Even later on, when Henry meets a neighbor throughout his arcane journey, the burden of protecting her lies on him alone, as the neighbor is always injured, and too weak to fight by herself. Indeed, isolation also exists in our responsibilities; when there is no one to help others, but us. And whenever he returns to his apartment, said neighbor cannot go with him, for an unclear reason. Which means that he does not even have the privilage of hosting others at his own home. The Apartment as a Prison: The game begins with Henry finding himself trapped within his own apartment. Homes are usually symbols of sanctuaries and a place to rest our heads after work. However, for henry, the apartment is a theme of isolation. A sanctuary and prison at the same time, as he cannot leave it and is forced to face the horrors that emerge from within its walls. Later on in the game, the apartment actually becomes hostile, actively trying to kill him through arcane phenomena. Eventually, even this place of rest, that heals him for most of the game, is taken away from him. Thus, like a nomad, he is never truly safe. Thus, he is even more alone. Overall, his apartment encapsulates the theme of imprisonment on multiple levels—physical, emotional, and symbolic. It serves as a constant reminder of the protagonist's isolation and inner struggles while functioning as a gameplay mechanic that ties together the different nightmarish experiences he undergoes against his will to be released; Against his desire to be able to get out into the physical realm, and reach to others like he used to before all of this began. Limited Interactions In the Apartment: Within the apartment, the player can perform limited interactions. Henry can only observe certain objects and occasionally interact with items necessary for gameplay progression. This limited interaction reinforces the sense of isolation, as the player is restricted in their ability to engage with the environment. In addition, some of the interactions do not make sense. For example, he can receive calls from his wired telephone, but he cannot entirely make calls himself. As such, he cannot call the police. It is strange because the wire has somehow been cut. This further adds to Henry's isolation, because the company of logic has forsaken him. Nothing really makes sense in the ordinary sense of the word. That is how we can know that Henry is not only alone in his apartment, but alone in a different reality. An otherworld, of sorts, traveled to using the very place Henry lives in. Overall, the limited interactions serve to immerse players in the protagonist's experience of being isolated and vulnerable within the game world. This design choice enhances the psychological horror elements of the game by creating an environment where players must rely on their observation, problem-solving skills, and strategic thinking to navigate the challenges they encounter. Finally, the game can only be saved within the apartment. This bonds the player even more to the apartment, even though he or she can't really do much in it. In a sense, the save point is the only, true refuge of the player, and of Henry's survival. Mysterious Voices: Throughout the game, Henry hears voices and sounds from neighboring apartments. These voices serve to remind him of the presence of others nearby, yet he remains isolated from them. The inability to directly interact with these characters adds to the feeling of being cut off from the outside world. Ironically, it is pretty much the same in apartment complexes in real life, where you might as well never truly interact or get to know your neighbors. And yet, perhaps some of you can hear them when they talk. You are only neighbors by vicinity, unless you have any other reason to communicate. The social sense of community is long gone in many residential areas throughout the real world, as well as in the game. Eerie Atmosphere: The apartment itself is designed to be unsettling. It's dimly lit, cluttered, and filled with strange occurrences. As the player navigates the apartment, they may encounter inexplicable phenomena that contribute to the sense of isolation and unease. Eeriness can also be used as a component in isolation, as it distances you from warm feelings and from feeling like you are belonged. Even if certain phenomena is harmless to you, for example, it can still "harm" you mentally, simply by being eerie, and by being around you. The mysterious voices mentioned are examples of that, as they can't truly harm you. But by being unable to get rid of them, they are an uncomfortable presence that keeps you away from inner peace. Nightmarish Worlds: When Henry enters the nightmarish worlds through the portals in his apartment, he encounters terrifying and surreal landscapes populated by monsters and disturbing imagery. These worlds intensify his isolation, as he is separated from the familiarity of his apartment and thrown into hostile environments. These worlds are not like planets in outer space, but supernatural realms connected by tunnels and stairs. It is not known where they are physically, if they are even physical. It appears as if they exist in a vacuum, as it is impossible to use them to get out of this metaphysical, insane absurdity. Most of the beings there are monsters who attempt to kill Henry in his journey. Some of the entities merely exist harmlessly, yet remain disturbing. Some of these monsters' reason to exist is forever unconfirmed for certain, and thus may always have their reasoning left for speculation. Logic, even if imperfect, gives us a sense of grounding in reality. Without it, we won't be able to understand reality properly. Even ourselves. And in the absence of understanding, we remain unconfident. Thus, the element of confident has also left the player's (and Henry's) company. Personal Journeys: The nightmarish worlds that Henry navigates are often deeply personal and reflect his own psychological struggles. These experiences further isolate him as he confronts his inner demons and traumas . The game explores the concept of personal journeys through its various worlds, each of which is connected to the psychological struggles and traumas of the protagonist and the mysterious figure who trapped him. These worlds reflect Henry's inner demons and force him to confront his past and the emotions he has been suppressing. The game utilizes the concept of personal journeys to delve into the psychological and emotional depths of its characters, particularly Henry. By navigating these nightmarish realms and exploring the stories of those connected to him, players gain a deeper understanding of the protagonist's motivations, his inner struggles, and his path towards self-discovery and healing. And only by confronting one's inner demons, one can be mentally free from their control over a man or woman. When the unconscious becomes conscious, a sense of clarity and control can be attained over one's life and one's mentality. Conclusion "Silent Hill 4: The Room" uses the theme of isolation to create a sense of psychological horror and unease. The game's unique approach to storytelling and gameplay immerses players in the protagonist's experience of being cut off from the world and trapped in his own apartment, as well as in the nightmarish worlds that reflect his inner struggles. This theme adds to the overall sense of dread and psychological tension that the game is known for. Finally, the game can symbolize the benefit of one to undergo through a test of seclusion . It is for sure not easy, and can be very torturing. However, like when Henry can earn his freedom, the hermit can gain his liberty from the mental obstacles that might be in his or her path. By developing fortitude, discipline and courage. Because being physically alone is no easy task for most human beings.

(Philosocom's Asceticism Directory) (Philosocom's Success Directory) (Background music) You don’t need to live a grandiose, hedonistic lifestyle in order to be ambitious. In fact, there are many people who live simpler lifestyles and are still very accomplished and are still productive. As much as living physically alone and remaining in front of a screen all day is considered the hallmark of a person who "has no life", people judge by conventional standards, which then ignores the depth of simplicity , and binds us to stereotypical thinking. For example, Emily Dickinson lived a relatively simple life, rarely living her family home. She spent much of her time in isolation from the world, mainly communicating with others through letters. However, she was a prolific poet and wrote over 1,800 poems in her lifetime. Her work is now celebrated around the world as an "early feminist voice". On the other hand, Mswati III, the king of Eswatini (formerly known as Swaziland), lives a lavish lifestyle. He has many wives and children, and he also owns a fleet of luxury cars and a private jet . However, the African Absolute Monarch is not as well-known as Emily Dickinson. Moreover, with all of his power and prestige , he didn't contribute to humanity as much as Dickinson did. 25% of his kingdom's children under the age of 5 are malnourished, and over 20% of his people have HIV. He is often criticized for his lavish spending and his lack of concern for the welfare of his people. He also uses his security forces to crackdown subjects resisting his rule. These two people are very different, but they both achieved things which led them to relevancy. Emily Dickinson achieved fame and recognition through writing poetry, while Mswati III achieved power and wealth by retaining his position as Africa's last absolute king. However, it is clear that it is possible to be ambitious and successful without living a luxurious lifestyle, and without oppressing those who think differently than yourself. Now, tell me, which did more in terms of influencing the world: an esoteric, eccentric poet, or a less-known, less-cared-about dictator? This shows us that recognition and success can be attained without the excessive exertion of force, and without the unnecessary use of violence, as can be seen in Gandhian philosophy. Whether Dickinson was ambitious or not, what matters is her writings, and not herself as much. Without them she would have been just another hikikomori withdrawing from society. Her poetry was massive in numbers, and had much greater power on the world throughout history than Mswati III. This is very ironic and exemplifies how Occam's Razor can be used for morality : You don't have to commit awful acts against humanity just to contribute to society and be a good person. Perhaps, ultimately, he will be remembered but as one of the many modern dictators that have ever lived, not necessarily more than that. Governing a small nation he could've improved with reforms, but chooses to sink to greed and to hedonism instead. It is often specifically because of a simpler lifestyle, that can make you more accomplished. Living more simply often means that you can have more time, energy and resources in your hands. And with these spare assets you can work better. Live in an ascetic manner , even, and you can work to be more disciplined, keeping yourself on the straight and narrow of your work. If you have ambitions that require a great amount of work and effort, I suggest you to consider living more simply. Then, you can reduce distractions around you, killing off your already-limited lifespan. Final Note: No offense was intended to Eswatini citizens during the writing of this article, including those who support their king. The usage of the Eswatini's monarch's example was merely used as an example to the argument made in this article.

(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) Article Overview by Mr. C. Kingsley and Co. Mr. Mandoela Svartgold's article, "How To Detect and Handle Betrayals In Relationships," provides a comprehensive exploration of the multifaceted nature of betrayal within various types of relationships. The article delves into the definitions of betrayal, methods for detection, the complexities surrounding marriage and open relationships, the implications for children , and strategies for remedying betrayals. The article offers deep philosophical reflections, particularly through Mr. Rubinshtein's notes, which encourage readers to ponder the nature of reality, awareness, and preparedness in the context of relationships. The practical detection methods section is detailed, outlining specific behavioral changes such as alterations in appearance, secretive actions, and shifts in communication styles. The balanced perspective on relationships is acknowledged, acknowledging the diversity of relationship structures while clearly stating his own stance. The advice on remedying betrayals underscores the importance of emotional maturity, responsibility, and empathy. Encouraging forgiveness and rational negotiation reflects a compassionate and constructive approach to resolving deep-seated relationship issues. Overall, Mr. Mandoela Svartgold's article stands as a commendable contribution to relationship literature , offering both depth and actionable guidance.   (Background music) (Mr. Rubinshtein's Note: This article can be seen as an example that can be applied in philosophy as well. Should we be mindful of our surroundings, we will be able to understand reality better, and live less in denial about it, if at all. Even the smallest of details around us can serve as evidence to something bigger. And the more aware we are, the less surprised we get. The less surprised we get, the more prepared we can be with reality and its potential outcomes. Mind your surroundings like a ninja does, and you will be able to navigate life better and with less naivety Because remember that your current love interest might, one day, be your enemy. Even if by their own accord. And being able to be mindful enough can help you plan ahead better, like a mastermind would). (Philosocom's Svartgold/Svarl Articles) ********************************** (Defining serious relationships) Introduction The attitude to betrayal differs from person to person. Some see it as something related only to relationships between a man and a woman. Some see it as something related to a betrayal of trust . With severe lies. Others between man and his friend. Some consider it a crime punishable by stoning. Some see it as a goal that's done when there's no other choice, or when that one of the parties is abusive. Everyone sees cheating as something different. Some do not care at all, even, about whether or not they are betraying someone's trust in their loyalty , when there are other interests at play (like money ) But betrayal of trust is a big thing that leaves many doubts regarding others. Cheating when it is in a marital relationship such as marriage (but not exclusively) can cause the dissolution of the serious relationship. That is because propagation is sexual . And sexuality is also a collection of emotions. Of course, we are excluding asexual relationships, in this case. Especially since this brings pleasure. Being pregnant is unwanted. And beyond that... that partner will say to himself: "What do I lack that makes them likely to be disloyal to me?" Especially if the partners are active, they can grow suspicious with each other, and begin to grow distant. How to Detect Betrayals When a man or woman cheats, they are hiding a secret. They may behave differently as well. Generally, if they have been married and are in a serious relationship for years, they may invest less in physical appearance. So in this case when they have a partner (even a lover is a partner), and on the way they will put perfume, to try to have a more attractive scent, and begin pampering themselves more. They will suddenly act with extreme joy or suspicion. Or will there also be outbursts in which they will blurt out and ask "Why do you think I cheated on you?" "You think I went with ... your friend...?" For example, usually, a man who is having an affair will also hide the fact that he cheated by changing his underwear before he gets home. He will fix his hair. He will apply gel. He will dress in different clothes, in order to lower the suspicion of his partner. He will even speak in a different tone. Go to a beautician. When there is a lover, usually the one who cheated will take the phone and put on a secret code. So that his wife does not breach and find data that will incriminate him. (Note: Everything I wrote and wrote here applies to the opposite gender as well). The need for sexual relations within the family will decrease. And if, for example, the woman was used to be with her husband once a week, when she has a lover she will reject her husband with the excuse of headaches. A lot of work problems and problems with their children will occur (if they have children). Problems with her parents. And maybe they will only spend time intimately once a month. Also, this connection is confidential. When cheating, the need to be seen on the street hugging is impossible when the chance of running into the husband or wife is high. Usually they will prefer trips abroad. Or a house or a hotel. Or a place far from their home. So as not to jeopardize their marriage. When it comes to the institution of marriage, it is a religiously sacred institution and a married couple sanctifies themselves in the married status and God or Allah or Jesus or whatever it is for their religion sees the couple and passes energetic cables between them and connects them (according to spiritual doctrines, at least) . So that their soul will be connected. There are those who claim that when a woman marries she is sanctified and becomes more holy. There are also those who are in favor of open relationships . They see relations as something emotional and not that important. And even next to their children they date others with permission. I myself do not believe in such a relationship because I do think that relations are a non-verbal communication that strongly connects a couple as distinctive beings, but I digress. It allows me to be who I am. It causes the connection of my soul to be aligned with its purpose , by conveying feelings of pleasure, joy, pleasure, passion, the possibility of being without clothes and masks. but I digress. In my opinion, yes, it is a very bonding thing that is better to do when you really love each other. True love . And there is a real match. Also, there are cases when a man or a woman cannot marry for reasons such as: the family is one or both of them are from a crime family. In some cases these reasons apply to starting a serious relationship, as well. And the parents don't get along. Or they are members of different religions. And in such cases there is a possibility in these situations to either break up or live together. No wedding and I don't think it's bad. I think being known as a couple is also something significant that could be seen as a threat to others. But some will say that having a child out of wedlock is a sin to an unloving God. I say in these situations a child is a gift. In my opinion, having a child is not accidental. And it's just something their parents and/or family have decided. And when a couple has a biological state between them where they are at the peak of fertility, they are attracted to people of the opposite sex by something in their unconscious that makes them want to be with that person. A child can be created from sexual relations even with contraceptives. And outside of marriage, too. In any case, does such a child deserve to suffer that one of the parties abandons him? Anyone can do what they want. But I dare to speak my mind: A child is usually the fruit of love. (Here I'm talking about love... marriage... partnership even without marriage). Not every couple has children even if they marry at a young age and why? Because from an evolutionary point of view they are not suitable together for having a child and there is something blocking them. They should pay attention. Especially if they are young and old enough to have children. A couple who wants to have children but fails at it, could also lead to betrayal/cheating. Theoretically, that is the reason for Silent Hill 2's entire plot. Families and society cause more difficulties to break up the relationship. Another dimension is the economic aspect. When there is a divorce, one of the parties usually loses financially. One of the parties will have to pay for the child until the age of 18. This burden exists when there is a marriage. And in a marriage agreement, money must also be given to the children. When one of the parties cheats he may find himself impoverished on the street. Whether it is the man or the woman. Especially if you are getting divorced. In addition, it sometimes causes anger on the part of the parties towards the child. Especially if you don't get a divorce when a neighbor has to get a divorce and therefore the child may feel guilty. Children are known to take the blame from their parents if they divorce. How to Remedy Betrayals As the Betrayed But sometimes there is no escaping it. And this is an important step. In order to return a cheating spouse, it is necessary to understand the consequences of his actions. In addition, he must apologize and change his behavior. For that, you need to convince him to do just that: To apologize for the great grief he caused you, and hopefully make the promise to you, that he will be loyal once more, and never betray you as long as you are together in a serious relationship. Study rhetoric, which is the art of persuasion, and you can increase your chances of making him or her return. When there is no agreement that it is something that hurts the other party, the relationship cannot be revived. If the partner is in love with the mistress, he must take responsibility and understand that love is no small thing. And feelings are an important thing. And that the hearts of others are not toys to be played with. Both to understand the reality and to take responsibility if it is discovered. To admit fault is part of growing up and acting emotionally mature. Of course, if the cheater/traitor made children outside of the relationship, they are to be considered as well, when attempting to convince him or her to return. You must be logical and stay vigilant. And think of a plan that will recognize the faults of others, and the products of their actions. Because in the case of children, at least, even if they are not yours, they are not going to get away, and none of us exist in a vacuum. And in such cases, you need to remember that your shots are limited, if not only one. Blow this up by being too biased to yourself, and lack the necessary empathy to understand your cheater's situation, and they might never return to you. Even immoral actions, after all, give birth to new, moral responsibilities that may be beyond your control. Consider such cases as negotiations. And in negotiations you need to keep your head cool, as to not keep away the very one you love. Be delicate and be considering, or the cheater might deem you too hostile to return to. It isn't easy to return a partner, but by being rational, stoic and empathetic, you can at least ease the difficulty of your attempt/s. Forgive them for what they've done. Make them know that they have a place to return to, with love, care and compassion.