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

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

(For Philosocom's directory for articles on money, click here) Article Overview by Mr. J. Igwe and Co. The article "Wisdom To Consider in Finances" provides practical advice on managing personal finances, aiming to help readers protect their assets, avoid unnecessary debt, and make prudent financial choices. It is written in a straightforward manner, making it accessible to a wide range of readers regardless of their financial expertise. The tips provided are practical and based on common financial challenges, making the article's relevance to everyday financial management more appealing. Mr. Tomasio covers a variety of financial topics, from basic cybersecurity practices to more complex decisions like taking loans and signing prenuptial agreements. This holistic approach to financial management addresses multiple dimensions that affect one's financial health . The advice consistently emphasizes the importance of being cautious and prepared, such as saving money for unforeseen circumstances and discussing prenuptial agreements. In conclusion, "Wisdom To Consider in Finances" offers valuable, common-sense advice that can benefit anyone looking to improve their financial management practices.   (Background music) Introduction In today's fast-paced world, managing personal finances can often feel overwhelming, as life can become expensive quite easily. With countless financial products and services hunting for our attention, it's easy to get lost in the noise. Yet, should one adopt a few simple, yet effective strategies, he or she can take better care of our finances and secure their future. In this article, I will explore seven tips that can help you make informed financial decisions and achieve your long-term goals. From safeguarding your digital assets to making wise investment choices , these practical guidelines can help the reader to navigate the complexities of modern life with confidence. The List 1. Keep a physical list of all your passwords in case you don't remember them all. That way, it should be easier to protect your various accounts, including your credit card and bank account. No one wants their credit card data stolen by suspicious people. Also, make sure your list of passwords is extensive enough, so it will not match a password in another account of yours. In case you keep too many identical passwords, you increase your risk of being hacked . It seems very easy to lose one's password nowadays, and even more, to have one or two passwords alone. That notion is a dangerous one, so take that close to mind. 2. Take loans only when necessary/no other choice. The deeper you'll find yourself in debt, the harder it would be for you to get out of it. Debt is like quicksand , as it easy to sink in it. You should not take loans for your addictions, because then, it only shows how your addictions cost you. Perhaps the severe problem of debt further supports the degree fallacy and the same result problem. Also, take loans from credible sources, not from loan sharks , or random people whom you don't necessarily trust. It's far better to take a loan from your bank, while making sure you can also afford the interest added to it. Don't just choose whatever loan because you need the money; try making sure you'll be able to return all that you've taken and the required to pay in addition. 3. Don't put your valuables in your pocket/s because they could be stolen by pickpockets. I myself never liked wallets because I find them counter intuitive. As long as you carry your pack or any other, bigger container, it's far more difficult to have it stolen than it is to steal something small like wallets, ID cards, phones and so on. And to put it all in a wallet is like putting all of your eggs in one, easy-to--take basket. The risk here being not only the ability to steal it but also your potential lack of awareness when the stealing occurs. No one wants their credit card in a stranger's hand. 4. Don't buy something just because "everyone else" buys it. That is the falsehood of being trendy . The fact that many people buy something specific, does not mean that it's good, functional or even worth the money. We should look at a product by itself, and not by its popularity gained from its consumers alone. 5. Avoid gambling at all costs for a steady life . By gambling I refer to betting with your money, of course, even on your, well, smartphone . It might give you some thrill at the time, but it has the power to destroy your life, too. With gambling, it is quite easy to lose a ton of money, especially if you're rich and if you're addicted to it. Those who are poorer than most should avoid gambling even more as that could send them from their apartments, to live in the streets. 6. Save your money, for it could be crucial one day. Who knows? Maybe you will need it for something you require doing but can't afford, such as paying for hospital bills. Maybe you will accidently break the law and be required to pay a fine as punishment. Maybe your landlord or landlady will decide to raise your rent, and you'll need more money to pay for your home. Since life is uncertain, and especially the future, be prepared not only mentally but financially. Furthermore, You can save money as a method to acquire wealth. 7. If you are going to get married, consider signing a prenuptial agreement . No one should be offended by this possibility, because any couple could get divorced one day. Because of this, both of you need to consider which belongs to whom, and that includes money, too. That way, should you get divorced, the process can be far, far less stressful, exhausting and of course, costly financially. It can also help you save yourselves and your children a lot of stress caused by inheritance wars . Conclusion By following these practical tips and considering the broader financial landscape, one can take significant steps towards securing their financial future. Financial wisdom is not about accumulating wealth, but about managing it wisely. Should one make more-informed choices and adopt a more-refined approach to his or her finances, they can improve their peace of mind and their financial stability. Thank you for your attention, and I hope I contributed. To help my contribution effort further, or if you want to help someone you know about this, feel free to share.

(Background music) (Philosocom's Directory on Honesty and Truth) (Philosocom's Directory on Uniqueness) (Directory on Perception) Article Synopsis by Mr. O. C. Isaac The article "External Vision and Identity: How Perception and Identity Has To Do With Truth and Survival" is a philosophical exploration of perception, identity, and the impact of external feedback on one's sense of self and truth. It draws from classical philosophy, particularly Epictetus , to provide depth and historical perspective. The introspective nature of the article allows readers to engage with the author's personal experiences and philosophical journey, adding authenticity and relatability. The article critiques the reliance on external perspectives for understanding oneself, challenging the idea of objective truth and highlighting the pitfalls of seeking validation from others. The discussion on identity and survival is thought-provoking, with the notion that unconventional minds must navigate a conventional world adding an interesting layer to the discussion on identity. The article's philosophical purpose emphasizes the value of logical reasoning and philosophical inquiry in providing purpose and coherence amidst confusion. The language and philosophical jargon might be challenging for readers not well-versed in philosophy. However, it's possible to train oneself to understand philosophical texts. In conclusion, the article offers a rich and introspective examination of how external vision and identity intersect with truth and survival. Part I: The Constructed Acting Stage Sometimes I think of a certain quote from Epictetus , the same quote that led me and different people into our separate ways: Remember that you are an actor in a drama , of such a kind as the author pleases to make it. If short, of a short one; if long, of a long one. Perhaps throughout my life I have underestimated the confidence and certainty that might be embedded through external vision. After all, people are really biased per what they perceive , and looking beyond it is a critical thinking skill that must be developed, even during moments of hatred and rage. Perhaps this overlooking, of the difference between how I think and how others think, was the same thing that led me to a life of semi-solitude . As I got rejected by people around me I slowly realized the pain caused by the external vision's recklessness towards what it fails to understand. What it wants to understand, however, are roles. Functions within greater contexts. Within these roles are attributed different levels of truth, either fully associated with it or associated merely through stereotypes and stigma. Entry of the Misguided Gladiators The unconventional mind has to live an unconventional life in order to mentally survive in a conventional world. A reality of such a mind is experienced as uncanny, as much as society experiences him or her as uncanny. The roles designated in one's mind towards different functions are shattered when the uncanny people are recognized for their success. The drama play as described by Epictetus is mainly nothing more than a fabricated matrix we choose to wove around reality. The "Ill perception", the "social psychosis" happens when we actually think that our woven matrix is reality itself. This, then distorts much of our understanding, leading to horrible miscommunications, as well as the preventable suffering that ensues. Part II: How and Why I Dismiss External Vision On a logical level, external vision has always been a problem for me. It was and is difficult for me to know whose perspective is more reliable. Is it the outlook of those who love you the most or the outlook of a foreign critic? What if those who love you are biased by their affection? On the other hand, what if the foreign critic is ignorant of what they're criticizing, but they criticize it nonetheless? What if both sides tell different pieces of truth about the same subject? Since I never found a satisfactory answer, I began to dismiss external vision entirely. I realized that I am stuck between two extremes. On the one hand, I've written a lot in the first three decades of my life. On the other hand, I am too irrelevant to be worthy of the company of any people that are not as intelligently weird as I am. Positive as well as negative feedback has been given to me, and I philosophize anything that moves, as I am trying to make sense of what is objective and what is merely intersubjective. This is why I feel kind of lost, even though I believe this situation is not unique to me. I don't know if I'm a good enough philosopher, or just a sore loser who writes just to feel like his life has any meaning or influence on a socially-driven-world. Am I successful like I sometimes think I am , or am I just a weird hermit who fails keeping up friends, resorting instead to apprentices? You see, when you've fallen between the chairs of life's socially determined roles , of course you might find yourself confused and lost. Of course you'll think about whether you're this exceptional sage or an infantile man with poor social skills. The Streams of Confusion I feel as if I am swimming against a sea of intense waves, trying to put enough power into swimming, and making sure I have enough breathing space throughout. These waves do not move in unison but independently of each other, each pulling me to a different role at the same time. Whether these roles are accurately described or are poorly understood through their orthodox paths , only intensifies the constant anxiety I'm often having. My former master once told me that humans must be described by others or they will lose their grip on reality. This was more than a decade ago. However, he also told me, a while later, that no one in my situation should be alone. And yet, why would I need to be in a society with those who actively limit themselves by their external vision? The Pains of People Understand, misunderstanding or lack of understanding in general is painful as well as inducing loneliness. I might as well live together in hermitage and call it a day. No much need to communicate, no much need to socialize. Just making minimum contact with this world just so I would be able to spare myself the awful pain of being severely misunderstood over the years. As people lose their critical thinking skills in modern times, they lose their ability to see reality clearly. As much as you'd like to think you see reality clearly just because you have good sight, much of reality is processed in the brain. It's not the eyes that are the lenses of reality as much as the brain. Eyes might help you see the physical aspect of reality, but how can you understand people when your brain has not used the fuller extent of its intelligence? Therefore, if I had any friends that could truly understand me, how can I rely on them, so that this clarity of mind remains, when it is hindered by biases related to time itself? If fatigue compromises our thinking, and society breeds tiredness , of course there is going to be no security in this. And therefore, the compromised external vision would go on hurting us and making us question our identity. Part III: The Savior The only grasp that I have on anything is logical reasoning. If I choose to do something that isn't as practical, I might question that action's continuation; if I choose to do something that brings productivity and help for others , I will continue to do it with little hesitation. We just need to understand if whatever we're doing is actually productive and helpful, or not really. Can you really say that teaching people how to twerk is as helpful as philosophy? Should twerking teachers be proud of their work as much as philosophers should do whenever they devise a new concept or find a new logical fallacy? Looking back at life from your deathbed, would you feel accomplished by teaching generations of people how to twerk, or would you feel more important by helping people with their problems? Problem-solving, after all is one of philosophy's main purposes. With this relationship of importance one can deem objective, it shows that logic might exist beyond a mere construct in our mental dimensions. Philosophy as Purpose To Continue Living All of this time and energy spent on philosophizing is not something I am willing to give up and may never be. I don't care if people refer to me as irrelevant or immature or pretentious. I don't care. If I want to mentally survive I must find something I can stick to, something that would give me a concrete identity that can prevail over all contradictory and painful external visions of people. It is thus reasonable for a person to be biased toward themselves, for they cannot escape themselves until death. Bias, as distorting our perception, is also there to help us preserve ourselves and advocate our interests. If I'm biased towards myself, it is mainly because I am biased towards remaining sane in a reality I experience as horribly devoid. And the reality which I perceive by default is not necessarily the one you perceive. Most often than not, "reality" starts in the brain. The brain in turn acts accordingly. Conclusions Identity and external vision serve not only as assets to cross human knowledge. Negative. They are also ways for us to keep a grip on reality, and keep ourselves away from destructive chaos. Why not, in this competitive world, fight for oneself, for one's legitimacy? Perhaps if I were a different person by default, I would've been treated differently, and my shape of reality would've been similar to what most people might have in mind. It is hard however to see how different people communicate as if they are in the same "reality". In reality (pun intended) they are very much prisoners of their own mind. We are, ultimately, tribal beings , even when it comes to our own vision of things and beings. After all, similar people think alike. Understand this: Consistent human interaction with the same people leads to the syncing of people's brains. Brains are being synced and thus gain similar understanding in the name of social benefits. It is therefore the interest of many to think alike to many of their counterparts, merely as a means for survival. However, human interactions with people that fail to be steady in their continuation, will deter their brains from being structured in a similar way. And as much as we need to survive we should also appreciate the value of having unique brain anatomies . Human uniqueness doesn't have to be seen as an unfortunate matter when it can be used to extract revolutionary potential and be used to give hope to oneself and others.

(This is part of a mini-series on Philosocom on becoming a philosopher. Here are the rest of the material: https://www.philosocom.com/post/on-the-path-to-philosophership-solitude https://www.philosocom.com/post/on-the-path-to-philosophership-buddies-and-temptations https://www.philosocom.com/post/on-the-path-of-philosophership-the-importance-of-inclusion https://www.philosocom.com/post/on-the-path-of-philosophership-recognition https://www.philosocom.com/post/philosophership-as-duty-definition-and-poem https://www.philosocom.com/post/on-the-path-to-philosphership-being-proven-wrong ) Alex Mos's Summary: The foundation of philosophy is analyzing flaws in everything and everybody, including the philosopher. Such criticism should be constructive , offering solutions to problems and leading to a better world. Even in democratic societies, people attempt to regulate free speech , normalizing cancel culture and discouraging unpopular ideas. Ignoring criticism hinders both personal and societal growth. Freedom of expression is the fundamental democratic right and condition for philosophy. The philosopher pursues truth by being open to unconventional thoughts and critical of accepted beliefs. Although their findings may be controversial, they embrace criticism from others as valuable opportunities for progress. Mr. Tomasio emphasizes the importance of overcoming sensitivities, engaging in constructive dialogue, and exploring diverse viewpoints. He encourages readers to be critical, to interact with him online, and to comment on his articles. (Background music) The Relentless Critic: A Philosopher's Duty In his or her quest to be good at their job, the philosopher should be capable of criticizing anyone or anything they find flawed and worthy of scrutiny, including themselves. This critical analysis is the very foundation of philosophical inquiry. By examining the flaws in ideas, systems, and behaviors, philosophers can work to improve them and achieve a deeper understanding of the world. However, the philosopher's role isn't simply to wield criticism like a weapon. The goal is not to tear things down, but to build a more solid foundation. Effective criticism should be constructive , offering alternatives and proposing solutions alongside the identification of problems. Doing so can assist the other side not give in to their confirmation bias , and be inclined to deem your criticism an "attack" on them. Furthermore, recognizing that everyone, including the philosopher themselves, is susceptible to flaws adds another layer to the process. This self-awareness shouldn't be a discouragement to criticism, but rather an opportunity for even more rigorous examination of ideas. After all, if even the philosopher's own thinking isn't immune to error, how much more important is it to subject all ideas to critical scrutiny? Very, very much. In this way, the philosopher's pursuit of criticism becomes a path towards greater knowledge, understanding, and ultimately, a better world. Such a quest is what philosophy is for, and not for the glorification of one's intellect. No, the intellect is merely the tool, not philosophy's purpose. And tools are to be treated as such -- with care and without vanity. For optimal results, provided by your intellect, the ability to criticize, and even lambast, is to become a habit. A second nature. To be executed as easy as a walk in the park, and simple as the toss of the coin . Why a Democracy Needs Dissent In a world dominated by democracies , it's surprising how many struggle with the concept of "agreeing to disagree." After all, a fundamental tenet of a democratic society is the coexistence of diverse viewpoints within a shared space. As such, the normalization of cancel culture is one that is capable of posing a threat on our freedom to express ourselves. It tries to present a vision of reality where some ideas are unworthy of discussion, and even condemnable, while deeming many other ideas and topics as the exact opposite. The problem with the attempt to regulate idea exchange through social conventions is that it has the power to encourage reduction of philosophical exploration where it is legitimate by our right to express our thoughts. Reduction of expression thus entails reduction of the ability of criticizing things and beings. The less people will be encouraged to criticize, the more likely herd mentalities are to develop in communities worldwide. The bad thing about herd mentality is that it can collectively enable the promotion and application of ideas and plans that deserve to be criticized. After all, criticism has its constructive potential. Disregard criticism as objectively bad and you will prevent your own progress and potentially that of society. This freedom extends even to ideas demonstrably false. People have the right to reject the truth, even if they're demonstrably wrong. It's their choice, however misguided it may be. This is why people are allowed to be dumb and do dumb things, and suffer the consequences. The Philosopher's Quest: Seeking Truth, Not Adulation Similarly, a philosopher's role isn't to intimidate others into agreement, nor use coercion . T heir primary objective is the relentless pursuit of truth, regardless of whether they ultimately find it. They aren't inherently "above" others, nor do they possess some inherent superior knowledge. No. the path to philosophership is defined by mental training to become capable thinkers and critics. Even if it comes naturally to them, like magic to sorcerers , self-work is imperative to become capable philosophers. The philosopher's prime, if not sole ambition is to lessen their own ignorance, and that training is a means for just that. There are two key approaches philosophers take in their quest for truth that differ from the "average" person: Openness to Unconventional Ideas: Philosophers actively consider "abnormal" or "eccentric" viewpoints. These perspectives, however seemingly outrageous, may contain valuable nuggets of truth. They won't be hasty to disregard abnormal and eccentric people either, into their lives, for they are often those who can supply them with much insight. Challenging the Status Quo: They critically analyze commonly held beliefs, even those perceived as facts. All perceived facts can and deserve to be criticized in the name of understanding the truth, as existent beyond our perception. This willingness to explore all avenues, regardless of their perceived soundness, is vital for a competent philosopher. Their greatest enemy is censorship, and anything else that attempts to hinder them from their path. As such, they may often isolate themselves from society to reduce unnecessary opposition. This tendency contributed to the sage archetype. The Importance of Reciprocal Criticism A true philosopher isn't afraid of criticism or being "lambasted" themselves. Those who dish it out but can't take it are hypocrites. This is why open dialogue through guest posts and exploring opposing philosophies is crucial. While initial resistance exists, the importance of diverse voices becomes increasingly evident as one progresses in this field. Tolerance and understanding for differing viewpoints, with few exceptions like Nazism , are essential. Just as criticism is inevitable when presenting oneself online, so too is the risk of being "lambasted" for challenging established ideas. This potential backlash shouldn't deter philosophers. It's part of the philosophership, especially for those in the public eye. The Controversial Philosopher: A Necessary Role A philosopher may be unpopular at times, delivering messages the public doesn't want to hear. This doesn't diminish the value of their work. Mistakes are inevitable in this pursuit. Even the "great" philosophers had those who were trying to stand in their way. This includes examining conspiracy theories , radical viewpoints, and seemingly nonsensical perspectives. While ridicule and criticism may follow, these explorations are core functions of the philosopher's role. The Price of Intellectual Freedom Being an honest philosopher in a democracy can be risky, even if the threats are primarily social. Consider the absence of known philosophers in North Korea . We need to understand that freedom is what allows philosophy in any society. As long as we still have it , it deserves to be used in the name of the truth. Societal norms be damned, as they do not always correlate with the right to use our freedom for our own pursuits. The ability to "agree to disagree" is the building block of a healthy democracy. Without this fundamental right, democracy is reduced to mere elections. Let's embrace the power of dissent and open discourse to create a more democratic, pluralistic, and tolerant society, without deeming dissent an "attack" on us. Let criticism, even between loved ones and followers, be a force for progress in our collective search for truth. Not for petty arguments, but as blessed opportunities for idea exchanges and other worthwhile collaborations. After all, the freer the exchange of ideas, the closer we get to understanding the world around us. Conclusion: For a Journey Towards Shared Understanding My own journey has mirrored the importance of open discourse I've outlined. As I've become more interactive with others, I've recognized the limitations of solitude in the pursuit of truth. Less engagement can lead to a greater echo chamber of one's own thoughts, hindering the ability to see things from new perspectives. This realization underscores the vital role of dialogue in society. Just as a democracy thrives on the exchange of ideas, so too does the individual philosopher. Therefore, I encourage you to actively engage in respectful discourse, challenge assumptions, and explore diverse viewpoints. Not only in Philosocom but in general as well. After all, two minds are better than one. And through unity we can become wiser. That could only be done if we are peaceful enough to not deem lambasting a threat. Our ability to reduce our sensitivity is our responsibility. Enabling oversensitivity's preservation by enabling it in norms does not solve the problem. The problem that stems from our individual needs to be tougher and psychologically safer. And if we don't want to limit others' criticism of us, we must grow tougher. The stronger your inner core is , the less you'll feel obliged to limit others due to your own insecurity. And if you have something to contribute, don't hesitate to reach out!  You can comment or use the chat function. I used to be more wary of criticism until I realized I need it as much as I give it. All in the name of a better understanding of reality, which may require me to cast my personal sentiments aside, and respect others like I want them to respect me. The world is in a grave need to teach itself the value of respect, and understand that through its display, criticism would be far easier to convey. It requires much education and practice, as well as learning from past mistakes. In the end, criticism doesn't have to be perceived as that bad, right?

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

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

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

(For more on what I wrote on this subject, click here ) (Philosocom's Directory on Ego Management) (Background music) Alex Mos's Synopsis "Reach for the skies and stay human" is a powerful statement that inspires us to achieve great things without losing what makes us human. Yet, what makes us human is difficult to define because the societal description of a human person is subjective to cultural differences. We often desire to fit in as an individual in a larger collective, regardless of truth. An anti-philosophical collective limits our perception and prevents us from becoming our ideal selves , which might be the key to a greater humanity. Being human in fulfilling societal expectations often involves a conflict between pursuing our passions and choosing financially stable, conventional lifestyles. To be socially accepted, we must compromise, silence our passions, sacrifice our individuality, and diminish our potential. The Russo-Ukrainian War is an example of a conflict of ideas between state and anti-state populism , two different viewpoints of what better humanity should be. Having a healthy ego and faith in our potential has advantages. It empowers us to pursue dreams and can help us succeed tremendously. The author often considers a bigger ego as to strive ambitiously to make a difference and contribute to the world through the moral means of philosophy. Reaching for the Skies, But Staying Humans? During my time as a student, my high school had an official slogan, embedded on huge three-story posters: "Reach for the skies and stay human." Despite my research, I've failed to find its origin. For any of you with further context, feel free to offer it and you'll be credited for your contribution to this renovated article. Anyhow, this powerful statement captured the essence of human aspiration and societal moderation. It is to push boundaries, chase dreams, and achieve great things, while never losing sight of what makes us human. However, what exactly makes us human , and what does it mean to "stay human" in a world filled with diverse customs, societal expectations, and rapid technological advancement (AKA transhumanism) ? Different cultures have distinct definitions of what constitutes a proper member of their society. In North American culture, there's often an emphasis on individualism and self-reliance. Even I consider unnecessary dependence a liability.  A proper member might be someone who strives for personal success and contributes financially to the household. "The Tragedy of Heisenberg" poem criticizes this, however, as it comes with the possible moral cost of losing ourselves in corruption. Conversely, some collective-oriented cultures,  like in some parts of Asia, might value interdependence more. A proper member there could be someone who prioritizes family needs and contributes to the collective well-being of the group, and less on the self. Direct communication might be seen as proper in some cultures, where people express themselves assertively and not modestly . In others, indirect communication might be valued, where politeness and respecting social hierarchy are key. That is despite the problematic nature of subtext . Depending on cultural lens, being rough and blunt can either be seen as childish or a product of the mature value of honesty. In many cultures, respect for elders is highly important.  That is included in my clan's philosophy as well. A proper member, in such constructs, might be someone who shows humility to their parents and grandparents. In other cultures, age might not be the sole factor for respect, and like in the mafia, it's earned by adhering to an organizational code . Is unconditional respect for a certain demographic, the human thing to do? And the list goes on.... On the surface, it could seem like "being human" boils down to conforming to certain customs. However, upon examination of intersubjective perception , the reality is more complex. We are undeniably human, regardless of cultural practices or our choice to participate in them. Yet, the desire to be seen as "normal" often compels us to adapt to the prevailing social philosophies of what it means to be human within our specific context. That is regardless of truth, and may be more a matter of functionality as an individual within a larger collective. I am not here to say which culture is the most accurate in that regard. I am saying that collectives, when anti-philosophical, limit our perception, and thus, can deter us from achieving our ideal selves . If my claim is true, then what if the key to a greater humanity lies not in being kept in line, but in looking within ourselves? The Cost of Humanity: Balancing Ambition with Social Norms Choosing to "be human" often involves a conflict between pursuing our ambitions and navigating the social landscape, depending on our passions: Example 1: The Artist Let's say you have a burning desire to be a painter. You crave the freedom to express yourself. Furthermore, your dream is to have your art showcased in renowned galleries and gain recognition. However, the path of an artist can be financially unstable, and artists may quite as a result of that and of poverty. Also, your family might express concern about your ability to support yourself, and urge you towards a financially-secure career. Friends might not understand the sacrifices you make , like long hours spent honing your craft instead of socializing, and may feel that you abandoned them and/or actively try to avoid them specifically. Being financially stable is how a mature human is seen in many cultures, as financial literacy is a large part in being an adult. The same applies to having a rich social life, compared to children, who are less socially-developed. Being "mature" could be an indicator of how much of a developed human you are. As such, some people may stereotypically view artists as childish. Example 2: The Entrepreneur You're energized by the idea of building something from the ground up. You have a brilliant idea for a new app that could revolutionize a particular industry. Your ambition is to become a successful entrepreneur, leading a team and making a real difference in the world. As such, launching a start-up requires immense dedication. Thus, you might have to put long nights and weekends into development, potentially neglecting social responsibility , and sacrificing friends and family along the way due to the ruthless nature of business. Loved ones might worry about the risk involved, urging you towards a stable job with a steady pay-check. Ignoring/overlooking other people's needs and desires, just because they aren't part of a bigger plan, could be criticized as inhumane. While we may have a burning passion driving us, the desire for acceptance and respect can necessitate compromises. That is unless we strive to reach for the skies unapologetically, regardless of the costs. This raises the question: is true humanity contingent upon conformity, and does striving to be "normal" inevitably diminish our self-image? Many cultures operate on a set of unwritten rules, the "unofficial laws" that dictate a large part of what it means to be accepted as a "common man", equally among other men and women. These norms can range from social etiquette to unspoken expectations regarding career paths or hobbies. Even watching anime can be regarded as immature , and might cause certain groups to belittle you (and thus, less of a person). Defying these groups in the name of your individuality, can lead to ridicule, rejection, and irrational, thus allegedly deserving of less respect. This pressure to conform can take a toll on our self-image, and undermine what we're capable of. We might silence our passions , just to avoid dealing with judgment, or downplay our ambitions to fit in. The cost of "being human" in this sense seems to be a sacrifice of our individuality and a diminished perception of ourselves. However, is true humanity truly synonymous with normalcy? Must we give the humanity within us, to be human? See how it fails to make sense. Case Example: Putin's Invasion of Ukraine The actions of Vladimir Putin in invading Ukraine have ignited a global debate. While some outright condemn him as a ruthless dictator , others acknowledge the "strongman" attitude in his decisions. This case raises a critical question: can a leader be both bold and inhumane? There's no denying the audacity of Putin's actions. Launching a full-scale invasion of a sovereign nation, disregarding international law and risking severe economic consequences, requires unwavering determination. However, this boldness comes at a devastating cost – the sacrifice of human lives, both Ukrainian and Russian. This is where the concept of "inhumanity" enters the picture: Ignoring the human cost of war, the suffering inflicted on innocent civilians, even for a greater end , violation of human decency . Regardless of Putin's justifications , the deliberate destruction of lives undermines any claim to boldness. Does "staying human" entail staying in line, like in the army, or reach for the heights of a better humanity, one with far less wars and conflicts with others? What happens when the "skies" we're reaching are in the name of a better world for humanity? What if we have different viewpoints of what a better humanity should be, and fight one another for it? As such, the Russo-Ukranian war can be seen as a war of ideas between state and anti-state populism (And thus: The role of the state in human lives, covered in my own Political Rubinshteinism) . Finding Meaning Beyond the Ordinary Through the Industrialization of the Ego There's an undeniable truth about a larger-than-average ego: it can propel us towards bold decisions, as could be theorized in Putin's leadership style's psychology. The ego fuels a faith in ourselves that might decline with a more modest, "conventional" sense of self. Thus, a larger ego can be a powerful tool for change: A deep-seated belief in your own potential; a faith that becomes the fuel that propels you towards achievements you might otherwise abandon in the face of fear. While some might consider a path of humility and acceptance, for me, it felt like a suffocating box, limiting my potential. Instead, cultivating a soldier's mindset , I prefer striving towards greater success. I choose to view the ego as a function, and not an end, to fuel my work. The odds are against me. I must retain faith. My ambition may not be on the scale of literal world domination, but it's a driving force nonetheless. It's the desire to make a difference, however small, that compels me to strive for more. Living a life with purpose and the potential to create something meaningful, I choose to follow Heisenberg's ultimate goal of self-actualization , but through the moral, helpful means of philosophy. That way, I want to embrace my long-term aspirations, and help others along the way, thus contributing to both myself and the greater good. The pursuit of something bigger like a contribution to a world beyond the walls of my hermitage, is what makes life truly worth living. Must we juggle between reaching for the skies and staying a humane human, when we can do both? The choice between a "larger ego" and a more conventional approach can be framed through the lens of Occam's Razor – choosing the simplest solution that yields the most benefit. In this case, a healthy dose of self-belief offers a clear advantage, for it's one that empowers you to take risks, chase dreams, and ultimately, contribute something meaningful to the world around you. Just make sure you know what you're doing, and make sure your goals do not take too much of a sacrifice; one that outweighs the very purpose you designate yourself and your ego for! Open your mind to your internal assets... "Few problems were ever solved by the close-minded" -- Mr. John Duran Alex Mos's Feedback Staying human contradicts becoming an inhuman person, as only humans have the intelligence and sense of morality to act inhumanly. An inhuman deed is considered evil and means the conscious inflicting of pain with disregard for the suffering of others. Consistently staying human means considering others and being empathetic and compassionate. However, it doesn't mean all communities teach and value empathy. On the contrary, some view empathy as a weakness , an obstacle to the "big entitled ego" needed to overpower others and submit to their rule. Is it possible to be a righteous conqueror? Can an invasion of another country be ethical? Can a war be morally justified? Such questions are dangerous, leading to a slippery slope of committing inhuman crimes for a leader, ideology, or religion. In the face of a conflict, there are always two answers, depending on who is asked, and therefore, empathy is a crucial human attribute of communication . Sometimes, empathy might be the only way out of the horrors of war where right and wrong become one agony of blood and tears. Therefore, to stay human, we must teach our children, boys and girls alike, to develop empathy to save ourselves and them from our inhumane tendencies.

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

(Background music) (The Subcategory Directory: The Usage of Shallowness The Necessary "Evil" of The World -- Shallowness -- Why I Try to Reduce It The Fort of Shallow (Poem) The Hole Inside of Me -- How I Live In Alma Deshakra (The Vain Reality) The Rubinshteinic Method To Fight Back A World of Superficiality https://www.philosocom.com/post/against-brainrot https://www.philosocom.com/post/counter-productivity https://www.philosocom.com/post/the-last-craftsman ) To be frank with you all, I'm not a generally happy person. Whenever I'm not sad, I'm either lost in my thoughts or exhausted by this work (and I'm working by choice). Sure, there are times of joy here and there, but in general, there is... I don't know what, exactly, as I'm too busy being lost in my thoughts. We have reached a very advanced state of materiality in this world, as humanity. Many of us are in front of screens much of the day, which offer us access to the deepest archive ever known to mankind. It might as well be the biggest archive in the known universe -- the internet. Assemble a group of cats and fast-forward 2000 or 3000 years. What are the odds that they will ever be able to reach the advanced technological state of humanity? What about any other species on this planet? It's funny that regardless of our endeavors to advance technology and our wealth, we still fail at the very basic thing of being happy for long periods of time . I mean, some of us do achieve this state of mind, but when there is so much noise, stress, and density in the places where most humans live, one can't help but wonder, is there a point to all of the marvels we have accumulated over time? I refer, of course, to our own genuine happiness. If anything, we are programmed to survive, not to be happy. I look at the kid version of myself, who had a PS2, and I look at the young adult me, who has a PS4. Does it really matter, in the quest for happiness , whatever generation of gaming console you have? It doesn't really matter, because as long as one is having fun, that's all there is to games, unless it's your job to record yourself playing or something. What I'm trying to point out is that I've grown tired of people boasting about how technologically advanced they are , how high their salaries are, whether or not their houses have swimming pools, and so on. What does it all matter, when the human heart eventually grows oblivious to one's perks in life? Look at all the objects around you. How many of them are you actually aware of on a regular basis? Each book you might not read any longer, each ornament you keep in your rooms. Eventually, the human mind just learns by itself to see these things as normal , and when it does so, these things don't really have a point beyond their initial excitement, correct? Don't take me wrong. I like playing, having internet access, and watching different VODs. I like making my own coffee and so on. But still, whenever these great perks cross my mind, over and over again, I feel no genuine joy coming from my heart. I feel no emotional gratitude, not because I'm not grateful, but because the feeling itself, which is beyond me, does not rise, no matter how hard I think of the things that I love in life. Because the concept of financial materialism is delusional. It claims that it is wealth that matters to one's mental being, while one might find many rich people who lead miserable lives , or are under constant stress. How, then, can you tell me that there is a connection between the accumulation of wealth and happiness? I thus came to a point in my life where I'm no longer impressed by people's income, whenever I see them on the news, and that includes the status symbolism of their professions. Just lately, I saw on the news someone who is described as one of the most important CEOs in the world his company's contribution to the world? Making toys. No offense to anyone working in the toy industry, but I genuinely don't see the importance of being the CEO of a toy company when even the poorest of craftsmen can make you a decent toy. Why make things so unnecessarily complex? Go to even the humblest of toy stores, and you can get a toy for your child and get it over with, as you'll also support a local business. Apparently, in this world, it is better to be luxurious and important than to be valued by the contribution you make to the world. In other words: It is more important to make money and be deemed successful, rather than giving objective value in whatever you're producing/working at. After all, many of us have the mindset of mercenaries . Some of us may value people who make more money, than people who contribute more than usual. I'm aware that I can be far "richer" than I already am, but I see no need to. If we return to the PlayStation analogy, I don't think my mood will change permanently if I even replace my PS4 with a PS5, even though I can afford it. I don't even understand why I should "upgrade" to a "better" console. This term, "upgrade", is a very delusional one. What are you upgrading that you already have on your phone or any other device that is as usable as it should be? All of these minor, yet expensive adjustments, what value do they actually have to the human mind once the mind renders them "normal"? That's the so-called "dangerous" rendering of it all. The acceptance of something advanced being as normal as your average chair or table. Those who say "there is nothing that is taken for granted" might ignore the fact that everything can, in one way or another, become granted regardless of our own whim. After all, we need to focus on other aspects in life, in order to survive. One can practice mindfulness meditation to increase awareness , and yet, it does not contradict the importance of moving on to other plans and ambitions in life, all in the name of survival. Be honest with yourselves: how much do you see your computers, phones, and tablets, more important than any other item or piece of furniture you use around your house, around any framework you work or study under? Once you've grown to take whatever thing for granted, that's it. You'll either "have" to stay with whatever you have, or put yourself in a loop of seeking new things to fuel your short-term excitement. I'm sorry for my pessimism, but financial materialism is, for the most part, a delusion you get so you can pay more for things you don't need, to replace them, with things you might already have.

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Rubinshteinic Philosophy Against Discarding People "Well, you know what they say. Can't bake a pie without losing a dozen men." -- Big Jack Horner (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). (Background music) Being discarded is one of the most challenging experiences anyone can face in life, whether it's at work, by a love interest, by family, or even by a group of friends. The possibility transcends the boundaries of wealth, privilege, and misfortune, as worth is estimated both emotionally and intellectually. However, due to a lack in either, who's to say we estimate people's worth in great correlation with our plans? Rejection is a universal experience, likely to occur at least once or twice in a lifetime, and its impact can be particularly severe depending on the depth of the connection with the person or group responsible for the rejection. Did you know? Rejection can be traumatic. Even "giants" like Mark Zuckerberg are not immune to rejection from the world when presenting their ideas and endeavors. At the initial time of this article's publish date (look above), Zuckerberg has recently announced that the major social media platforms he owns will be united under a new umbrella entity called "Meta", thus forming one of the biggest online empires today. While ambitious, this concept has been met with widespread ridicule, not only due to the logo's design but also because the word "Meta" translates to "she died" in Hebrew. Yes, "Meta" means "she died" in Hebrew (Met in male form) . Despite his immense power, Zuckerberg's external respect has long been disposed by many, who often cite him as an example of a "non-human" individual, disconnected from the rest of humanity (ironically), and is mocked for being a "lizard person" . (I myself am a tomato! Hehehe. Like Dr. Eggman I actually embrace the insult . Not giving in to belittlement can be done by subverting one's expectations . Also a good way to deal with rejection). Anyways, rejection/disposability is something that can happen to anyone. It doesn't matter who you are, or who you think you are, but as long as the other side believes you are unnecessary, they might be inclined to dispose of you from their lives. No one actually has the privilege of having either themselves or their reputation be non-disposable. Even the Abrahamic God is despised and mocked by many anti-theists . And the thing is, it's a very human, because pets who are loyal to you enough like dogs, will stay by your side until either one of you dies and even after your death. That pet doesn't even have to be a dog, it could be a cat. My own cat always returns after his outdoor adventures, and he is aware that it's his home and that I'm his owner and friend. I'm sure that, since I raised him, he won't abandon me like different people in my life have done. H e adopted me. However, relationships with other people are like a big interview, where you constantly have to prove to them, and vice versa, that you should not be disposed of and that you are still valuable to either them or the world in general. The world isn't like a video game where you can keep everyone you meet alongside you ( although some video games won't allow or ensure that ). Anyone can leave you in the real world at any time and it is a very isolating thought, because in the end, even with much power at your hands, you would still find yourself the most trusting person you can have (you). If you've been blessed with loving parents , they are the most likely people who will not dispose of you, because, unlike other people, they love you the most. During my late grandma's funeral, after she was buried, I was told that she loved me the most in her life, much to my surprise. People who aren't loving family and friends are the likeliest to dispose of you from their world, should they reach the conclusion that you are unnecessary. It's a cruel thing to do, even at work. But the truth is, not all of the people in one's life are seen by them as important enough to resume keeping. You know, this attitude can backfire by one of the heart's "naturally evil" emotions -- revenge. Why use your own power against yourself? You can preserve loyalty like a dictator does -- make it a collective interest. Constantly reward them with gifts and money and even marry them to your children. Being relevant is the key of staying in power and thus, be not disposable, but irreplaceable. But when you no longer have stuff to offer them, from contribution to their own survival, they might abandon you, if not betray you. That's especially true if you happen to be in a position of higher authority. Humans are political animals, as claimed by Greek philosopher Aristotle , and to be political is to be defined by interests. Hidden or otherwise. Some people do not care if they are disposed of. They are strong enough to move on to the next "phase" of people. However, when you value yourself far enough, you will feel hurt when someone you appreciate disposes of you, because being disposed of is a sign of no importance, and wastefulness. Why would someone like being unimportant; a waste; an irrelevancy; or dysfunctional? Unless you embrace your flaws, of course! But still, that message, that reminder, isn't something that everyone can necessarily endure, once it has been done multiple times, especially if it's in a field that's important to the disposed person. No one, for instance, would normally like to be fired from a job they enjoy doing. As I said before, I don't like to dispose of people. I was taught in life that since anyone with enough respect for me can help me as I can help them, there isn't much necessity in disposing of them. I even I received a positive review of my site, once, from someone I haven't seen physically in half a decade. Being good to others pays. Not necessarily by cash, but by other means as well. See how good it is to keep people in your life, even if they might not be as close as others? Anyone could be useful once they are on "your side", and thus I don't see any reason to dispose of people who are good to me and vice versa. Anyone can return the benefit sometime in the future. (It doesn't mean that others should "walk over you" per se, just for said benefit. Having standards is key to self-respect). How can you know whether someone is evil in a piece of fiction? See if they dispose of people who help them, from friends to faceless henchmen , from abandoning them to actually abusing or killing them. Then, you will know that they are indeed villains. Why? Because heroes do not betray the favor of those who are on their side. Many villains are too sociopathic/psychopathic to care about that. This is why I am determined to show her, t he one I made my nemesis , that I am relevant. I don't consider her evil, but I do believe she underestimates the value of having a vast network of connections. And I believe she underestimated me as well. Still, it's not my place to tell her to accept me; that's no longer my goal. My objective is to demonstrate to the world that she was wrong in calling me irrelevant, by adding irreplaceable value to the world in the form of Philosocom, my article empire. You don't have to like everyone and everything, but labeling someone "irrelevant"? I've had enough of forgiving such behavior; of maintaining the "dignity" to ignore it. This was the tipping point, after years of insults from people. The very thing that changed me and made me dead inside. And power is best gained in the name of doing good. So, I will be good. Imagine devoting eight years of your life to someone only to be labeled "irrelevant" at the end of that period. How would you feel, having invested so much time in such a careless person? That's when I realized that I am indeed expendable to some; the character in movies who is killed and forgotten, the worker who is laid off due to being an expense... The one with untapped potential who remains indefinitely side-lined. I will turn this into my strength, proving that even if she doesn't have to accept my company, humanity will, for more than my own lifetime. I will use it to become even more valuable to the world than I could've been. Learn from my example. It's the very reason I record it for you.

(Articles on death: https://www.philosocom.com/post/furthermore-on-death-and-reincarnation https://www.philosocom.com/post/death-as-but-a-utility-a-practical-philosophy https://www.philosocom.com/post/how-death-creates-life-the-irony-of-loss https://www.philosocom.com/post/the-deaths-of-the-corner-people On Philosocom's True Master... My Mysterious Late Grandmother, Esther Drucker https://www.philosocom.com/post/the-multi-layered-shadow-box-poem https://www.philosocom.com/post/salvation https://www.philosocom.com/post/you-chose-grief https://www.philosocom.com/post/face-your-fate ) You should not lament over the inevitable. -- Bhagavad Gita (Background music) The Naturality of Death Death, a finite end of the mind's engagement with the illusory realm , is a natural state. The body, a vessel for consciousness, becomes obsolete when the mind's connection to the animated reality is severed. It then joins the inanimate objects of the external world, devoid of thought or sensation. The illusory realm,  often mistaken for the whole of reality , is the realm of the mind. It is the ceaseless chatter, the shared thoughts that bind us to our fellow beings. The world, however, is not merely existence within this life-made illusion. Rather, it is a conscious engagement with the true nature of reality, a realm beyond the limitations of the mind. Beyond the lively chatter of biological existence, the universe exists in a state of profound silence, of profound void. Only through the interplay of forces, of matter and energy , does sound emerge. The electric roar of machinery and technology, these are human-made disturbances in the cosmic symphony. Otherwise, the cosmos remains a silent, eternally desolate expanse, akin to the tranquillity of the grave. Other species throughout the stars are, too, biological and mechanical expressions of animated chatter. Mere chatter we learn to see as concrete, in order to survive. Life and Death as On and Off-line States Imagine your consciousness as a fragile network connection.  It is connected via something called the "Mental Dimension" is like the vast internet, a realm of information and experiences. A strong connection allows you to access and interact with this "digital universe" with greater freedom of action and desire. A weak connection limits your access and can even lead to disconnection (AKA premature death). The connection weakens through the naturality of trauma. Just as a slow internet connection can be caused by poor hardware, viruses, or interference, your connection to the Mental Dimension can be weakened by unhealthy habits,  negative thoughts , and harmful stimuli. Becoming mentally stronger is how you improve the anti-virus from within. Choosing positivity over negativity, helps as well. By nurturing your mind and body through practices like meditation ,  exercise,  and a healthy diet, you can strengthen your connection and improve your ability to navigate the digital realm of consciousness. Conversely, exposing yourself to harmful content, such as toxic relationships or addictive behaviors, can damage your connection to the mental realm, shared by humanity through intersubjectivity.  It's like downloading malware that corrupts your system. By avoiding these harmful influences, you can protect your connection and ensure that you remain grounded and centered. You can also subvert trauma and the pain of rejection , to build your mind to be stronger. Stronger than the desire to die. The stronger your connection to the Mental Dimension, the more fully you can experience and participate in "the digital world" of consciousness. Just as a high-speed internet connection allows you to stream videos, connect with others, and learn new things, a strong connection to the Mental Dimension allows you to access your full potential and live a fulfilling life. Mentality is, essentially, virtual, and our experience of the world is simulated like your computer simulating these words you read. The only escape from it is in the unknown death. To Enduringly Live , To Enduringly Seek The warrior's path, though filled with glory, is often short-lived.  The peaceful seeker, however, endures by avoiding conflicts which could disconnect him or her from their inner light, necessary to stay further from evitable death. It is in the balance between rest and the active pursuit of purpose that true fulfillment (or the fabric of happiness) could be embraced peacefully, without the need to cause much harm and ill to one another. To seek risk for the sake of thrill-seeking is to unnecessarily minimize one's potential in the long term... Why risk your life so much when you can live in stability? Cultivating a peaceful mind not only strengthens the connection between your inner world and society, but also preserves one's vitality and desire to be alive. Conclusions Each being is a vessel of potential, a seed able to either bloom or wither. To live a life of purpose is to nurture that seed, to cultivate its unique gifts. The inner light is not to be withered, or death will become sooner than expected. That light is to be kept through ethics, and thus, life itself is kept.   The limited time we have on this earth should be spent realizing our potential, leaving a lasting imprint on the world. For those burdened by despair,  know that death is inevitable.  Death's definition will eventually come regardless of your endeavors. There is no reason to hasten its arrival when so much potential remains to be realized. Embrace the journey,  cultivate your inner light,  and discover the beauty that lies within any of us. Beauty to be had, to be enjoyed, to be actualized.... and to be overcome.

(Background music) (Philosocom's directory on death: https://www.philosocom.com/post/defining-death )   One's fate is inevitable. No matter what one does, fate will always come, and exists beyond your control. Fate doesn't ask you if you are ready to face it. Instead, you have to be ready to face your fate. Should you do so, bearing your fate will be easier. The ultimate fate of all human beings is to die. However, humans end up in different ways, and the future is not always clear to most... Therefore, for most whose future remains in the shadows, to face your fate, you must be willing to embrace the unknown, and march forward to it without regret. To live a life without regret, you must be willing to embrace yourself fully, and be brave enough to do the things you always wanted to do. Shamelessly, remorselessly. That's how you'll know, you have lived a life well lived -- under your own terms. Most people do not have the courage to step out from what they're doing in life and chase after their dreams. Security prevents them from doing great things and becoming the best version of themselves. Those who give in to security, are fated to live dull, monotonous lives , until retirement comes, and then that is it. But the question is, are they really willing to face the fate of such lives? Fate, is determined by our choices, for life is but a story of how you die. All your choices eventually lead up to the ultimate fate of death. Facing your fate means welcoming death with open arms. Those willing to bring it sooner than expected prevent themselves from the chance of living fulfilling lives, instead succumbing to temporary misery and suffering which tempt them to finally end it. That in my opinion isn't worth it, for suffering is there to make you stronger. It is like a bitter medicine, taken chronically. Should you not be able to face it, and fail to endure it, you hasten your fate in utter weakness, and leave this world without healing from the very suffering which is but a phase to make you stronger. The best way to face your fate is after living a life without regrets. The fate of death then becomes easier to carry. We are all bound to die, but not all of us are mentally prepared for it. To live a life well lived, you must chase what is in your heart. Bravely, relentlessly, and determined. You must sacrifice security for passion, comfort for daring acts, and fear for self-honesty . Only then, you will be able to live a life that is without or with little regret, which is the definition of a life well lived. Death is hard to bear, whether happening to ourselves or to our dear ones . However, the more you live your life without regret, the more you will be able to face your fate with far less difficulty than otherwise. Facing your fate is an act of bravery. Many would choose to run away from their fates through distractions and, like an ostrich putting its head underground, deny reality for what it is: A temporary journey with a clear end. The less you'll want to do, the easier facing your fate will be, as the more you desire, the more you'll suffer in the failure to attain it all. For a life well lived, desire has to end eventually, and in its stead, let peace take its place. And to face the inevitable fate of your death, bravery is not solely needed but also peace. To go and to leave this mortal realm both bravely and peacefully, knowing you did all you wanted to do. My fate is already known, for I am set for life. My cursed condition puts me in a unique situation where I can chase my dreams as a young, retired man. My fate is that of solitude, because the world around me will keep on focusing on its survival while I alone remain with all my wants and needs met. Whenever I am left alone, I am confronted with what awaits me decades down the line... a life of utter solitude. Solitude, therefore, is also how I will face my fate of death. Although young (2025), I am prepared to face my fate. All company I have is a temporary bliss. Of that I am painfully aware. Philosocom is how I gain my meaning and purpose in this world. That is why I spent much time and dedication on this platform . I live to work on it for the more I work on it, the better off I become in life. Through my own platform, I found love, I found purpose , and most of all, I found peace. However, I am aware that all the blessings that I get by working on this site are temporary. All the people that come and partake on this massive project are also bound to leave. Everything around me is running on borrowed time, and the chronic fate of dying alone remains. In order to go out without regret, I helped and saved people. In this way, I have proved my relevancy, and completed my arc of moral revenge . Without me, people would've died. That is enough for me to live life in long term peace, of accomplished relevance. I do not know what other blessings await me by working on the site , however I am well aware that I am bound to die alone. This site is like a crystal palm tree that drops diamonds on me, however these diamonds are prone to be lost to the fabric of time. I must do whatever I can to preserve this "palm tree" for the next generations, and leave a legacy behind me . It is within my control to face fate the way I want it, however the solitude aspect is an inevitable possibility. I have deviated from academic life to live a life of a hero and retired website owner. I do not regret forsaking the academy. Saving lives seems more meaningful than a mere degree. Lives are more important than degrees. I have no regrets, and I am ready to face my fate, whenever it will come. How about you? Will you choose a route of security and mediocrity, or dare to do great things in which could risk yourself and your sanity, even? The choice is up to you, for you are the narrator of your own story. The story of how dust becomes dust.

Recently (October 2025), an anonymous person pretended to be part of the organization behind the site, collecting money on my behalf even though I did not authorize this. We live in an age where anyone can pretend to be anybody. In today's age, anyone can pretend to be anybody they're not and say they can be affiliated with anybody. To prevent being scammed, it is important to apply critical thinking and to ask oneself if this is really the case. To make things clear, I do not struggle maintaining the site, and anyone else that tells you otherwise is lying. I don't send messages to send money, nor I send anyone to do it on my behalf. BEWARE OF SCAMMERS. The only legitimate way to donate to the site is through the "donate" button on the site's menu. Please know that the site is non-profit and all donations are optional. I am not responsible for any losses or damages resulting from responding to scammers misusing Philosocom's identity.

Directory on Help and Rectification: https://www.philosocom.com/post/philosophizing-on-capitalism https://www.philosocom.com/post/where-philosophy-helps-most-using-philosophy-as-a-way-to-extend-our-lifespan-by-mr-c-kingsley-an https://www.philosocom.com/post/habit-and-help https://www.philosocom.com/post/toledo-sword https://www.philosocom.com/post/tikkunolam https://www.philosocom.com/post/all-i-want https://www.philosocom.com/post/blaise-pascal https://www.philosocom.com/post/unbreakable-will https://www.philosocom.com/post/global-cooperation https://www.philosocom.com/post/rectification https://www.philosocom.com/post/being-young https://www.philosocom.com/post/just-one-man https://www.philosocom.com/post/love-and-virtue https://www.philosocom.com/post/violence Compassionate Capitalism: The Key to a Better World https://www.philosocom.com/post/fortress https://www.philosocom.com/post/philosophical-reflection https://www.philosocom.com/post/uphill-battle The Article (Background music) If we would help each other as a habit , the world would be a better place to live in. If we extended our hearts to help those in need, we could make this world a better place to live in -- one person at a time. I recall the joy of giving a snack to a homeless man on a New Year's Eve. He was grateful and wished me a happy year. I could've ignored him like anyone else in that street, but the difference between me and others is that I enjoy helping others. When I help someone, I think of how they've benefitted thanks to me, and I feel grateful. Grateful for the opportunity to help. All and all, I have a free philosophy blog just for you because of the same reason -- I enjoy helping people. As an ascetic I don't live on much. My diet is very strict, and I went out of my way to help a lot of people. I gave them hope to live another day and if it weren't for me, they could've done horrible things to themselves. It goes beyond people's heads but, all I want to do is to help make this world a better place to live in. I know that in my contributions to the world, I create a ripple effect of rectification . By helping one person I make their day which then allows them to function better, which then helps them do their jobs, which then helps their company, which then contributes better and so on. We all share the same world. The boundaries between countries are artificial. We are all interconnected by rules of cause and effect and I found that by helping people, I rid myself of my darkness and feel better. I feel I will always want to help people because that's what makes me happy. I already helped a lot of people in my contributions, and I live in a solitary manner because I don't want my good nature to be exploited. The problem with help is that there are people who aren't worthy of help. Ungrateful people who would leave you the moment you do something they don't like. It's vital to be able to distinguish between people who are worthy of help and people who aren't. Use your intuition to figure out who is trustworthy and who is not. I know that trusting people is a matter of luck and as such I don't overly risk myself. I am an ascetic who has forsaken this world a second time because I believe this world has failed. A world that makes people want to take their own lives is not a world I find desirable to live in. Instead, I find it a world that deserves to be rectified. I believe that one of the reasons this world has failed is because people are not taught to help others. Instead, they are taught to help themselves above all. Instead of cooperation, the world is overly competitive . Instead of harmony and peace we have struggles to preserve our current positions and to survive as individuals, instead of as a species. I think there is a good reason why helping others is enjoyable -- it's what we are supposed to do, to survive not as individuals but as a species. If the human species helped each other more, rather than let politicians divide us by hate , this world would be a better place to live in. Ever since I was a child, I helped my grandmother be happier. In her final years she was far happier thanks to me, compared to the rest of her lifetime. I believe that we should be there for the very elders that have brought us and our parents into this world and learn from them. That's why, as a child, I visited my late grandmother often. Throughout my life I felt depressed because I wasn't given the opportunity to contribute in the education system. I was told that I should keep things to myself and not overly express myself. I think my grandmother had managed to educate me better than the schools I went to back when I was a student. It is only through helping others that I managed to get out of that depression and feel better. Helping others makes me feel relevant. Helps me feel like I am not wasting my time , that I'm not a "klumnik". After I help, I think of the good that I've done and it helps gratify me. Sometimes I think I am too good for this world because my ethics are incompatible with this divisive, twisted world that's built on competition and injustice. The reason why I don't have many connections is because a man with very few connections is a very secure man. I only help when I decide to, and don't want to be exploited. Also, writing, my prime directive, is a very solitary craft. I was mesmerized by the ideal world my late grandmother described to me in her Pax Ethica philosophy -- a world where, in her words, "dogs don't chase after cats and vice versa"; a world with no wars or battles. A peaceful, stable world. And in my behaviour and actions, I try to bring forth that world. A world of good. A world where we care for each other. A world of harmony. I know I am just one man, but I want to keep building this free empire of articles because helping is what I enjoy doing the most. I care less for profit because I have just about enough to live. With all my heart I want to build a wonderland of philosophy where visitors would flock and enjoy. I want to rectify the world passively, through my and other people's articles, as I rest and respite and live my life. I want a better world than this one, and instead of merely wishing for it, I actively sit down and write. I actively become the change I want to see in this world. I think that only if we would be willing to cooperate with each other, instead of fighting one another for our survival, would this world be a better place to live in. Ideally, wars and battles should be a final resort, not immediate, impulsive choices. Only when we will be willing to help each other to survive together, instead of "to each their own", this world would be a better place to live in. The gratification of helping others is therefore very rational because we all share the same home -- Planet Earth. That's why I went my way and saved people. The fact that we are all interconnected was always elementary to me. As long as we allow ourselves to be divided by cultures that foster hate instead of harmony, we would continue to deteriorate this world instead of repairing it. Even if this world is beyond repair, I refuse to be heartless. Helping others is just way too fun for me. With all my heart I shall keep walking the path of the truly good person , even if it means being alone with very few people to talk to, out of security reasons. I shall see it through that I shall continue to live as a shadow in the real world, not seek fame for the sake of fame, and not seek to cater to a failing world , because all I want to do is to build a better world within the greater world. A world of stability, a world of harmony and peace, because helping others is what makes me happy.

The Directory: A Story of Logic and Immorality -- Insights On Suikoden V's Cutscene, "Beaver Lodge Under Attack!" How a Game's Plot Improved My Moral Philosophy The Flawed Philosophy of the Hero (And What Can Be Learned From It) Furthermore on Death (And Reincarnation) -- How I Accepted My Death The Fort of Shallow (Poem) Bittersweet Satisfaction -- Settlement with The Inevitable -- A Unique Emotion? Contemplations on "Setsunai" The Mystery of Dreams & What Can We Learn From Them Depth In Simplicity -- Insights From Coin Tossing -- The Philosophy of Simplicity https://www.philosocom.com/post/the-humane-origins-of-corruption-graham-cray-character-analysis https://www.philosocom.com/post/uphill-battle (Background music) The Tragic World of the "Child of the Sea God" Troy is a character from Suikoden IV and one of the characters I was most impressed by as a kid. In a way, he is the ultimate anti-villain . He was a villain only because he was with the enemy faction, and nothing more, for he was a moral and noble man. Even when the main antagonists of the game committed genocide against an innocent island nation and even had their own minions there , Troy was the only one in the enemy faction to actually protest against the terrible weapon that was used, a giant beam as destructive as a nuclear weapon. Although portrayed as the key enemy of the game, he is rarely seen throughout the game because he is merely a pawn in a greater scheme and is only mentioned due to his being the main character's nemesis. Furthermore, Sir Troy is an excellent soldier and admiral. Despite his good nature, he followed a code of loyalty to his heartless nation to the point of death. In battle, He is only encountered twice in the game, and arguably he is the only enemy in the entire game who was willing to spare you, the hero. The allies that you happen to fight do not count, even when faced as opponents. In fact, the main reason I'm even bringing this obscure villain up is not because of my adoration for him but because of how he sees death and killing. For "Sir Troy", defeat through death is something honorable, worthy only of opponents who are strong enough to face him and remain formidable. It is a strange form of meritocracy, and a warrior's code . The only reason the game is beaten is because he chose to spare the hero (canonically named Razro) and his companions, when he could've killed them all, here and there, on their first encounter. His reason for this decision was that " the sea will decide their fate " (the game is mostly naval, set around a group of island nations). There was nothing stopping him but his own philosophy. No external resistance, no disobedient soldiers. Only him and "the sea". Whether or not the sea is a divine entity, remains unknown. Apparently, he was so renowned among his nation that he was considered a war hero and has been granted a peculiar title: " The Child of the Sea God ". Who is that "Sea God" entity is unclear, and yet even those who have only heard of Troy knew him by that title. When he tells his henchmen that "the sea will decide their fate", he raises a somewhat religious tone, as if the entire sea is a living entity, a god. Nonetheless, he dislikes being called by the very title he was honored with. This also reveals his modest character. The "Sea God", like with Troy, has spared the protagonist and his followers. Because of that, they eventually managed to build an opposition force, strong enough to defeat the main villain and Troy himself. That also applies to their fleets, which were decimated. The first fight with Troy is the only fight in the game where you are supposed to lose. In some games, you can beat "unbeatable" battles through mostly cheating, but in this game, Troy is the only enemy who, at the time, has infinite health, meaning he cannot be defeated even if you tried. I believe this symbolizes the fact that you are extremely weak against him and are unworthy to be killed by him. See this as an indication of Razro's hero's journey.   As you can see, this code of honor backfires on him, and he accepts it with complete grace . The game's final fight is with him once more. This time, you're fighting against him in his sinking ship, which he sailed as the last man standing. Even when his entire fleet is under the sea and his castle is decimated, he seems untouched by these facts . It could frustrate many other warlords and the like, but not him. This time, you're supposed to win. When defeated, the hero returns to his ship. Then, you are given a final decision -- accept his death or ask him to join you. This is a very dramatic decision, and yet it won't change anything. Even if you ask him to join, he will refuse, for he is a man who knows to accept victory the same way he can accept defeat -- even if it's his death -- with dignity. A true warrior; a naval samurai. He who lives by the blade, dies by the blade, like a samurai, like a ninja . Beyond opposition to the island-destroying weapon mentioned earlier, he shows no regret or protest. If "the sea" or his nation dictates it, he will live or he will die. With his undying loyalty, he serves and accepts his role as a mere pawn, despite his moral greatness. It can be compared to the loyalty of historic and Nationalists Japanese to their Emperor. I was told once by my former master that Socrates used to invent gods when he philosophized. That frustrated the public and the Athenian government. Troy very much reminds me of that eccentric philosopher, being a "ying" to his "yang" in a way. To both, their lives did not matter, for they served a purpose greater than their own , if reality dictates so. For Socrates, it was philosophizing; for Troy, it was war. Ultimately, both died because of their loyalty to the State. Both could've been redeemed, but both refused without protest. For some reason, this "very bad" game appears to teach me a lot. About life, about myself. It made me despise disposability, appreciate the little details, be naive, and strive to be friendly and good. When thinking about that game, it seems that there was only one truly evil villain , while the rest of them were eventually converted to good. One was a coward (Snowe), the other a naive fool (The Governor). A third, an atoner (Sir Troy); and the fourth is a wise old man and his son -- a skeptic of command (Colton and Helmut, who vanished after the war) . A very mysterious game indeed. The "ultimate" villain, the last one whom you need to defeat in order to beat the game, letting his own ship sink, losing himself to the depths of the ocean. Every character in that game appears to have a justification for their villainy or naughtiness, making them not as evil as they seem. Only one, a backstabbing manipulator (Graham Cray), is worthy of being called evil. Perhaps because of that whole experience, I find it extremely difficult to see the evil in humanity. Even when I am told that they are evil, even by my own haters, I still try to reason their motives as if they were characters from that game. When I realize there are at least 3 types of moral evil -- chaotic, neutral, and lawful -- I still can't truly comprehend the concept of evil as something to be condemned without paying full attention to a justifying motive or goal. In the end, I learned from Troy the value of being loyal to a philosophy. He is a self-respecting warrior. He was defeated. Therefore, he must die. Some may call him a fool, for he was given a generous chance of redemption , but he refused it, and that refusal is better than a lifetime of betraying his code, the code of the "Sea God". He was like a loyal husband to it, never betraying. This is how philosophy, even when noble, can be fatal to the one who practices it. Because they should not die by it, they can easily become a hypocrite of their own making. In a way, due to his honor, Troy allowed himself to be drawn to death. When your philosophy kills you, it is problematic. Socrates was loyal to a two-faced society , like Troy was loyal to a dysfunctional, divided empire. Playing so much of this game through childhood, I eventually began speaking and expressing myself in its language by default, inevitably. People called me a robot, a pretender, a bullsh*tter, and a condescending man as a result of that, but in the end, all I did was remain true to my word, as did Sir Troy. When told that the matter has been settled, by the one who beats Troy, Troy says: "Yes, it has. I remained true to myself until the end. I remained A warrior... You have my gratitude". Numerology Analysis by Mr. Roland Leblanc Heth, the letter of transformation, beckons Sir Troy. A test, a trial of mutation, a journey into the All There Is. This is his quest, his Lech Lecha,  a pilgrimage inwards towards the self. As the Child of the Sea God, Sir Troy carries the vastness of the Yam within him. This Yam, the Hebrew word for "sea," symbolizes both the outer world beyond our network of "islands", and the inner depths of existence as well. Sir Troy understands his role as a catalyst, influencing the life purpose of his adversaries while remaining true to his own existence. To master both inner and outer worlds, one must listen to the themes of inspiration, intuition, and even dreams. It is in this balance that true guidance resides in knowing who we really are, and acting true to ourselves like Sir Troy seemingly does. With no denial needed at all!

(Directory on Rectification and Help) (Philosocom's Subcategory on Suikoden Content) (Background music) Ever since I opened up Philosocom, I went against this world. This world needs rectification. This world exploits and deceives the masses, and many people live miserable lives. It saddens me to see it. I want to rectify this world. People don't seek this as a product. They seek shallow things instead, as this world gets annihilated by climate change , product of consumerism. I seek to rectify the world because it is the right thing to do. However, the right thing rarely gets noticed when it's done. I helped many people sustain themselves during war, when I lived as a refugee. I even saved lives, and got engaged. Ever since I saw the woman I am engaged to, I sought to cleanse myself of my darkness, and cleansing myself of it I did, by helping many people and even saving lives from despair . However, did my good deeds get noticed? No, they didn't. Yet, I did them anyways. I did them because they were the right thing to do. As a child I grew up on an obscure game named Suikoden IV, about a hero who got wrongly framed for murder , and yet he did the right thing every single time. That game shaped my moral philosophy , and that hero, Razro, is a character that is basically my role model. He saved people, forgave those who sought to fight him, and thus redeemed himself from the bad things in which he got inflicted with, with great bravery and heroism. By his own power, Razro liberated nations from oppression by just being himself. By my own power, I saved lives, helped many through Philosocom, and rectified myself from my darkness, cursed upon me by an unjust world. This world is rigged against wisdom. No one's buying wisdom en masse. People are becoming brain-rotten . The truth is not something that is catered to, but something that is explored and said even when uncomfortable. Philosophy, at its rawest form, has nothing to do with catering, and to cater, you have to give up on yourself. Wisdom is rarely sought because this is a twisted world where the corrupt thrive and good people suffer . I have long decided that beyond my contributions to this world, I want nothing to do with it. I know I am rare, and I wish it wasn't the case. If more people wanted this world to be rectified, and actively did things to rectify the world, then it would've been a better place to live in. I know I am but one man, but as one man I did much to so many people to help them. I don't seek recognition for doing the right thing, and I don't need validation for doing the right thing. I saved 6 people from despair and one of them told me that no one saved them before hanging up on me forever, feeling betrayed because they experienced that I forsake them. I still do not regret saving them, because doing the right thing is the right thing to do, and helping people is always good. However, this world goes against saving people. It goes, instead, for worrying about yourself above all. During the course of a war, I had a little Suikoden IV adventure of my own, where I rose to power and helped so many people. However, I remain in obscurity because I don't seek fame for my actions. And, I will not tell whom I saved because the right thing to do is to maintain discretion. In this corrupt world , you can do all the right things, and still remain alone and even a failure . You're not supposed to be just , you're supposed to be wise in terms of worrying about yourself above anyone else. I'm sorry, but such a prioritization goes against my morals. I am probably one of the most moral people in this world, but I don't really care. All the good things I did, were because of my sense of justice. I have no ounce of regret of helping all these people who contributed to the site, while saving some of them from existential despair. I am fighting an uphill battle in a world rigged against wisdom. I don't know if I'll ever win it. Yet, you miss all the shots you don't take. To this day I fight this world by being a moral and honest man who just wants to contribute. Think about it... All I want to do is to rectify the world , and to contribute. That is so rare that it might be hard to believe. Yet, I am a rare person, and of that I am painfully aware. I just poured and poured money on this huge project called Philosocom, helping people throughout the world. Yet, this world is rigged against me. However, at least I get to do what I like, and I like to rectify the world. This is who I am. I want to make the world a better place, and I know how hard it is, when it is so easy to misplace your trust in people. I am a solitary creature. All I want is to rectify the world and be left alone . I want no rewards, no trophies for my good deeds. I just want to do good and live in peace. I know how hard it is to be good in this world. I chose a most hard route. I live ascetically while I invested much into a site that rarely gets me a financial return, yet I do it because it is my passion. I passionately write, I passionately help people. I know I can be seen negatively because of scammers , because like in Suikoden IV, it is so easy to frame good people for bad things. Yet, despite everything the world throws at you , if you continue to be good, you must resume resisting the urge to break bad . You must resume being strong, and redeem yourself from your darkness. There is no reward for it, no crowd to come to cheer you up. This world is unfair, and I am fighting an uphill battle to rectify this world through my writings. I am not whining; I am not seeking pity for being unrecognized. All I want to do is the right thing. I am not a martyr, I am not a saint, nor I am a savior . At this point of my lifelong journey as a philosopher, I am just a good person who wants to rectify the world. And even if I fail, at least I tried. I tried hard. Worked hard for little return. I'll admit, I wanted to give up many times. Yet, in my quest to always be strong , I decided to resume working on a site that gets me very little in return. I reconcile myself by the fact that I am doing something I like, something many people don't get to do. This world is unfair, unjust, corrupt and immoral. By being brutally honest as a good person , I go against it. Even if people don't believe me, even if they think it is too good to be true, I still keep at it. I want after me to leave a glorious legacy of an empire that did good to the world. And even if that good will remain unspoken of, and below the radar , just like the lives I saved, I'll continue doing it, because that is the only thing that makes me feel alive inside. Like Eggman, who fights an uphill battle in a world rigged against tyranny, I fight the same type of battle in a world rigged against wisdom, justice, and all that is good. Why do I do this? Why won't I focus on my own self-interest like everyone else does? In reality, I do. By helping people, I help myself feel better. By making the world a better place, I feel better with myself. I am dead inside . I am in love with ethics. Ethics are the only thing that helps me feel alive. Doing good as a way of life resurrects me from the dead and helps me feel good about myself. I want to rectify the world! This is who I am! I am crying from joy as I am writing this because world rectification is the only thing that mesmerizes me. Contributing to people helps me feel alive. Good can be exploited so easily in this world, so I prefer to play it smart and be left alone. This is why I live like an ascetic hermit and rarely speak to anyone beyond a small circle of people. I wish it was different, but I must retain my good nature in solitude. I cannot do it as a social butterfly. I suffer from loneliness but I don't care. I will be strong! I will be good! By my own power, I will do the best I can to rectify the world, and continue fighting an uphill battle in a world rigged against wisdom because I am like Sysyphus, but happy. And to continue to fight this world, you must keep imagining Sisyphus being happy.

(For the whole site's category on solitude, click here ) (For the directory on success, click here ) Article Synopsis by Mr. J. Igwe And Co. The article "Why It's Lonely at the Top – A Personal Perspective" delves into the complex relationship between success, solitude, and personal fulfillment . Mr. Tomasio's candor and sincerity resonate with readers, as he shares his personal experiences of loneliness and anhedonia . The poetic structure of the piece sets a contemplative tone, blending ideas of power and isolation. He also weaves philosophical insights into the narrative, providing readers with a thoughtful reflection on success beyond mainstream media. The article emphasizes hard work and sacrifice, dismantling myths like "overnight success," providing a more grounded understanding of what it takes to reach the top. Furthermore, his emphasis on contributing to others and the belief in altruism adds a moral dimension to the discussion on success. The article effectively captures the complex emotions and struggles that often accompany success. Its blend of personal reflection, philosophical insight, and raw honesty make it a compelling read. (Background music) Introductory Poem: Powerful and Powerless Solitude, by side! Power and night! Followers, thrive all fine. My solitude works me, At her mine! I failed, to overthrow, Her shining might! Volunteers, thrive all fine, But I'm a prisoner of Solitude's light! I thought, I'll be less lonely, Once, I gained authority! But with it I was born, With it I live, With it, I'll live until I die! I won't be victimized, For I'm not terrified! I'll gain more power, As I contribute, To the vast horizons, Of humanity! The Relations of Success and Solitude The expression " It's lonely at the top " suggests that those who are successful and/or powerful in their field have very few friends. This feeling of isolation can be a surprising consequence of the relentless drive required for achievement. This shows us that great success isn't necessarily a prerequisite for deep, honest relationships with people. Success isn't a singular mountain you conquer. It's a continuous ascent demanding constant refinement and determination. This pursuit, even in the realm of social interaction, can be a solitary path. I speak from personal experience, which I will explain later on. Those seeking shortcuts often fall victim to "get-rich-quick" schemes. Desperate for results, they avoid the effort, becoming easy prey for con artists exploiting their vulnerabilities. My own journey has been one of solitude, even before fatigue became a factor. My focus on philosophy, both then and now, has kept me away from social and romantic connections. This path, while fulfilling in its own way, has inevitably led to a deep sense of isolation, which I define as cosmic-like and chronic. The appreciation and readership I receive may provide proof for my good work, but it doesn't liberate the feeling of being alone. For being lonely at the top involves being at a high peak of understanding not many reach. This may make it difficult to convey ideas even my most loyal readers would understand properly. To Quote Mr. John Duran: The beings of enlightenment bear a great burden in their spirits. They are destined to walk far and wide, seeking wandering restless souls, open enough to listen and understand. Which seems an impossible task, so their real burden is that they are bound to walk utterly alone across a devastated landscape of ignorance and obtusity. Sacrifices and the Pursuit of Mastery Despite being only 26 (2024), I've accomplished a lot. However, boasting feels pointless . The truth is, I find little joy in socializing, as I find little joy in anything either way. So, I work relentlessly, pushing forward even when I lack the energy. I made it into my habit, to work independently of my willpower . This has been my routine for years. Success often demands a mountain of practice, learning from countless mistakes. The key is continuous improvement, and keeping in on the straight and narrow. Empires are not built in a day for a reason . They relentlessly pursue their goals, striving for mastery – a title I've been fortunate enough to receive in philosophy by some of my followers . Since 2013, philosophy has been my singular focus, eclipsing most other aspects of life. At first the essays I wrote were very poor. It took years for my craft to be perfected or at least improve significantly. My success lies in making people want to read more by caring about my writings. However, hard work is no guarantee. It's a gamble on a future different from your current reality. However, beyond the very rare occasion, overnight success is a myth . It's a sacrifice few are willing to make, choosing instead to prioritize social hangouts, romantic love and even aimless global travel. These people might not go far with their ambitions simply because they don't invest enough time and resources to make something succeed in whatever you're doing, not being lazy for instance is a great advantage for starters. The truth is, unless you possess the emotional capacity for deep connections, solitude may be your companion on the path to success. And it's just a possibility that might as well never materialize. But there is no choice but to try, and try hard, if you even want a good chance at getting whatever you want. What truly fuels this journey is an undying faith in your work and its potential impact on the world. The Internal Rival Who Consumed Me From Within Anhedonia , the struggle to feel joy, has become an unwelcome companion in my relentless pursuit of building Philosocom. I accepted this condition when I realized it helps me work better when I no longer depend on things to make me happy, for I am unhappy anyways, and am fine with it. The more I dedicated myself to work, the rarer joy became, until it vanished entirely. It's a void no amount of effort seems to fill. It was there, in a way, from the very beginning . I am not used to affection. As I began losing my emotions I also began not being really affected by it. My focus on becoming a better writer and philosopher left me respected, yes, but joyless and largely unfeeling. This website's success came at the price of profound loneliness which I taught myself to accept as unavoidable. The vast majority of my interactions are online. I also taught myself to accept this fact as a necessity. Working tirelessly, I worried about becoming a ruthless figure, consumed by ambition. I actively sought ways to connect, to feel loved – a defense against such a fate. However, I slowly fell from my personal grace when I failed to do so. I realized instead the virtue of ruthlessness , no longer able to mourn the former self I discarded. The truth is, my laughter with others is often a performance. The professional thing is to pretend . I do it extremely well as it's a skill I taught myself to develop. While in reality I don't even feel the vast array of emotions I display. Humor requires less of an emotion and more of logic the ability to appeal to others . Anyways, I used to yearn to feel something beyond the temporary lift of a cup of coffee. But then I realized this: People at large don't really care about what you really feel, but rather what you display to them. Thus your emotions are not necessarily important when it comes to many goals. Not as much as the proper and acceptable display of them, instead. Despite it all, Philosocom's success remains paramount to me. No obstacle will deter me from furthering its reach. I work not for myself, but for you, the users . The resources I gain fuel this platform's growth. I am driven to give you the content I believe you deserve as Philosocom readers. A Lonely Path to Purpose Contributing holds the most importance for me. It eclipses everything else because I already worked on myself enough through philosophizing to care less about myself and more about others. After all I wish to be good and altruism is the highest good . Yet, after years of existential isolation dedicated to my work, I can't help but wonder if connection is a distant dream. Work has become my sole purpose, leaving a hollow echo in my personal life. This existence is undeniably lonely. Perhaps others on this path can relate. After all, "lonely at the top" isn't just a cliche . While it may not hold true for everyone, for many of us driven entrepreneurs, it's a stark reality. It's one that can only be surpassed by having faith in what you're doing. Extra Notes Being at the top can mean different things as success is goal-dependent rather than a universal notion. It can vary from being wealthy to being a genius . Either way, some level of high accomplishment is a necessity for success. Examples include: Business leaders/executives. Master writers. Paranoid Dictators. Savants. Mr. Nathan Lasher's Feedback Do not be altruistic at the expense of yourself. What good are you to anyone if you bury yourself trying to be selfless? You must maintain your own health to help with the health of others. Solitude can be eliminated by finding those who can get behind your dream or who have similar dreams to you. A collaboration where you can be mutually beneficial to each other is a solid asset. It allows you to selfishly focus on yourself while at the same time being aware that you are helping someone else out in the process.