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(Articles on the philosophy of names: https://www.philosocom.com/post/what-s-in-a-name-names-as-rewards https://www.philosocom.com/post/the-ballad-of-tom https://www.philosocom.com/post/name-as-identity-rebranding-yourself-by-ms-panama-dusa ) The Rubinshteinic Philosophy of Names (Background music) Commonly, names are simply combinations of sounds we use to address one another. At their most fundamental level, they serve as utility tags—tools to distinguish individual A from individual B. However, if we choose to view names as more than mere identifiers, they begin to hold a heavier significance. Could a name potentially reflect a life's purpose or destiny ? While this idea often lives in the realm of superstition or unconscious bias, it is a possibility we should not dismiss outright. The Logic of Fiction : Names as Prophecy In fiction, names almost always carry a teleological weight—they symbolize the character's function within the narrative. Scar  ( The Lion King ): Named not only for his physical disfigurement but for the emotional scarring he inflicts on the kingdom. Darth Vader  ( Star Wars ): Alludes to "Invader" and the Dutch word for "Father," foreshadowing his role long before the plot reveals it. Lazlo  ( Suikoden IV ) : The name means "Glorious Ruler," and he becomes exactly that—a commander and leader of nations. In stories, names are promises. They are clues left by the author about who the character must  become. The Chaos of Reality However, reality is rarely as neat as fiction. Life isn't a structured plot with a clear beginning, middle, and end. Many of us lead ordinary lives that do not fit the grandeur of our names. A man named "Victor" may lose every battle he fights. A woman named "Grace" may be clumsy. Our lives unfold in chaotic arcs, indifferent to whether our next chapter is worthy of being written down. We do not all have clearly defined villains or definitive conclusions other than death. When a relationship ends, the curtains don't descend; life simply carries on. Therefore, it is difficult to conclude scientifically that names determine our fate . Surely, a few letters on a birth certificate are not enough to alter the laws of physics or economics, correct? The Cosmic Writer Hypothesis However... what if they do? The question of whether names influence destiny depends entirely on whether there is a "Cosmic Writer." If the universe is random:  Names are just sounds. If the universe is authored:  Names might be the script. As long as we remain in the realm of the unknown regarding God or cosmic forces, we cannot deny the possibility of Nominative Determinism, or the theory that people are psychologically predisposed to pursue occupations or interests that resemble or evoke their names in some way . If we cannot disprove the existence of a higher power , we cannot disprove the existence of a fate prescribed in our given names. Maybe the universe is one big stage, defined by a writer unseen by us, but recognized through our sense of logic and pattern recognition. The Philosopher as Heretic Consider the name Thomas . It refers to Thomas the Apostle—the doubter. If one bears a name linked to doubt or heresy, does that predispose them to the life of a philosopher? To philosophize is, by definition, to doubt. It is to be a heretic to the status quo. Spinoza  and Solomon Maimon  were considered heretics by their communities and persecuted for their questions. Socrates   was executed for "corrupting the youth" with his constant questioning. Ludwig Wittgenstein  was so skeptical he attempted to solve ( and end) philosophy entirely. There is no good philosopher who is not skeptical. If your name implies questioning, perhaps your destiny is to dismantle the illusions of the world. The Power of Renaming This leads to a crucial realization: If a name is destiny, then changing your name is an act of rewriting your fate. Many cultures practice name-changing to alter a person's luck or character. If a person feels their birth name represents "naivety" or "innocence," and they wish to acquire wisdom, they may feel a psychological compulsion to change that name. To lose one's innocence is imperative for wisdom. You cannot understand the world's flaws if you remain purely innocent. Therefore, adopting a name that reflects " maturity " or " sovereignty " might actually change how you interact with the world—not because of magic, but because of Self-Perception . Conclusion: The Causal Fallacy? Is this the Causal Fallacy ? Are we confusing cause and effect? Do we become our names, or do we simply fit our names into the narrative we want to believe? If my understanding is not impaired by this fallacy, it is possible that names affect the course of our lives by dictating how others see us, and more importantly, how we see ourselves. I suggest you look at your own name. Look at its meaning, its history, and its sound. Does it align with who you are? Or are you fighting against it? Perhaps knowing your name is the first step to knowing yourself.

(Background music) (Philosocom's Directory on Power) (Philosocom's Directory on Competency) (Kingdom Directory) Article Overview by Mr. O. C. Isaac The article "The Philosophy of The Mastermind -- How to Become One" explores the concept of masterminds, combining elements of leadership , strategy, manipulation, and existential purpose. It offers valuable insights into the mentality of masterminds. The article is well-organized, with key points clearly outlined, such as distinguishing a mastermind from a genius , the role of manipulation , and the emphasis on leadership. The interdisciplinary approach of the piece integrates philosophical concepts, especially existentialism, into its discussion of the mastermind, adding intellectual depth. The existentialist interpretation of creating meaning through planning is particularly thought-provoking. The article uses creative examples, such as Walter White from Breaking Bad , Dr. Evil, and Wile E. Coyote, to illustrate the contrast between competent and incompetent masterminds in a relatable and entertaining way. The advice to practice skills regularly and learn from failure is a practical and motivational takeaway, encouraging readers to see mastery as an ongoing process, rather than an innate quality. In conclusion, the article provides a unique and engaging look at the concept of a mastermind, blending leadership theory, philosophy, and practical advice. Its interdisciplinary approach and use of creative examples already make it a standout article. The Mastermind: Leader, Planner, and Manipulator The mastermind is a combination of a leader and a planner. Because masterminds are thinkers by nature, any philosopher who is also a talented leader can be a mastermind as well. In Hebrew, the term does not exist, and is often incorrectly translated as "genius." However, geniuses are not necessarily masterminds. They might be too incompetent and have poor leadership skills , to be considered masterminds. (A genius in mathematics , for example, won't necessarily be a mastermind. They calculate, lecture, etc., not necessarily make plans). Masterminds never work alone. In fiction , they are often depicted as working in a "back-office" or "inner sanctum" of sorts, giving orders to their subordinates. If they have no direct subordinates, they will carry out their plans through manipulation. However, a mastermind can be both a manipulator and a direct leader. Manipulation is relevant here because it is a tool that masterminds use to have power over others indirectly. They conceal their true intentions in order to achieve their goals. Power does not have to be concrete when it can be expressed through influence. Overall, A mastermind is a strategic thinker who combines leadership skills with meticulous planning. They are the architects behind complex schemes, often wielding power through influence and manipulation. Key Points: Thinker and Leader: Masterminds excel at strategizing and possess strong leadership qualities. Beyond Genius : While intelligence is important, a true mastermind goes beyond raw intellect. They need the ability to translate ideas into action. Manipulation as a Tool: Masterminds often use manipulation to achieve their goals, concealing their true intentions to influence others indirectly. Working in the Shadows: Though they may have direct subordinates, masterminds are often depicted as working behind the scenes , pulling the strings from a hidden "inner sanctum." The Architects of Influence I: Understanding the Capability Often, masterminds are criminals , but one does not need to be a criminal in order to be a mastermind (and vice versa). Heads of criminal organizations, both in fiction and non-fiction, must be good masterminds in order to survive in their business and to avoid the law. A good example for that is Walter White from "Breaking Bad". Outside of criminality, business owners , project managers, etc. can also be considered masterminds. This is especially true if they are good at their jobs. There is no mastermind who is not both a leader and a planner at the same time. Both of these skills are mental, and do not necessarily depend on the external world. In other words, if a mastermind loses all of their power and influence, they can still be considered a mastermind if they have the potential to regain those resources. The same goes for their plans, if they fail constantly. It is all, as the name suggests, within one's mind , that determines if it is capable enough, to be a mastermind. As you may clearly tell, it has nothing to do with the physical body (or at least, physical fitness/strength). A mastermind does not need to be good at what they do in order to be considered a mastermind. It's just that it is within one's best interest, that they are to be good, and to improve. You can be bad at what you do and still be considered a mastermind, as long as you practice those skills regularly. Whether or not you are good at fulfilling those roles is determined by your competence, which is evident by the success of your efforts. Incompetence does not cancel your role. Incompetent masterminds in fiction include: Dr. Evil  (Austin Powers) : This megalomaniac villain constantly dreams of world domination , yet his plans are skilless. Not killing his arch-nemesis  and relying on incompetent henchmen , Dr. Evil's schemes are guaranteed to fail. Wile E. Coyote (Looney Tunes) : The determined but perpetually frustrated coyote spends his days making elaborate contraptions to catch the Road Runner. However, his inventions backfire constantly, leaving him the one who ends up his own victim. The Architects of Influence II: Understanding the Mentality As a leader, you must make sure that your subordinates are organized in the best way possible in order to achieve the goals of the organization. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to leadership , but having charisma can help a lot in getting the most out of your followers. A charismatic individual is confident, assertive, and appealing. Charisma attracts people, and the way you behave determines your charisma. Most of us are not masterminds simply because we are not natural leaders . You can be as intelligent as possible, but without the ability to plan and delegate tasks, you cannot be a mastermind. That's why masterminds never work entirely by themselves. They need interpersonal skills that not all highly intelligent people have. And people won't necessarily become leaders through learning or experience. Without these skills, they will cooperate and lead others very poorly. Even if they are more withdrawn by nature, it is not the same for most of humanity. Leadership does not begin and end with a paycheck. It requires good social dynamics , loyalty, effective communication , and so on. I strive to implement my own vision in this world , a vision that does not necessarily exist currently. In a world that I deem meaningless by default, I seek to work and make it meaningful in the eyes of as many people as possible. Why? Because meaning can and deserves to be created, and not only found. I want people to believe in themselves! I want to inspire hope and motivation in their hearts! My power is just a means to an end. I also use it in my attempts to make philosophy not only a relevant field of study, but a profitable one. Remember, a mastermind cannot be one without at least a single plan. And plans cannot exist without a purpose or goal in mind . Therefore, every mastermind works to achieve the purpose they set out for themselves to carry. In a very partial way, every mastermind is therefore an existentialist. Because when you create a plan, you attribute meaning to reality. Otherwise, you wouldn't have come up with a plan, would you? The meaning you work for has yet to be present, hence why you work to create it. There are other proficiencies required to be a mastermind, and they depend on the niche you're in. For example, a website manager might not need military expertise, and a modern-day warlord might not need to know how to play football. Like with anything, it takes practice and is an ongoing effort to be a good mastermind . So be prepared to fail, even miserably. Suffer the consequences of your mistakes and learn from them. Learn from them so you can reduce the chances of failure in the future. Try to be creative with your plans. Don't conform to the orthodox ways of life . Limiting yourself will only hinder your plans from becoming a reality. This is one of the many reasons I'm not fond of conformity for its own sake. Don't be afraid of what others may think of you. You have a right to resist fear . If you will, you'll only harm your goals and put yourself in a corner. Instead, embrace your eccentricity as a means to an end. Remember, a mastermind tries to make whatever they have into something useful. This doesn't mean you have to see other people as tools on a chessboard, but I digress. In the end, a mastermind is a universal businessman . They seek to do anything in their power to make their dreams come true. And you can't do that without coming up with plans and making sure they work. Building Your Empire Through Collaboration Since working entirely on your own can deliver poor results, you must reach out and make connections, to increase your chance of success . Only through cooperation can the chances of your success vastly increase. And theirs too, especially if you choose to join forces under a shared goal. Make them stick with you in exchange for something valuable. Make them feel how great it is to be connected with a person such as yourself. And you'll get "bonus points" if you convince them that they won't necessarily get what they want/need without you.

(Philosocom's Subcategory on Revenge) (Subcategory Directory on Darkness) (Kingdom Directory) Poem Analysis by Ms. Gabbi Grace "Lurk In the Dark" is a profound poem that explores themes of alienation, identity, and societal rejection. It can be analyzed through various lenses, including existentialism, the nature of suffering, and the concept of moral darkness. The poem reflects existential concerns about individual significance and the meaning of one's existence in the face of societal indifference . The speaker's retreat from the social sphere suggests a feeling of alienation and marginalization, aligning with existentialist themes of isolation and the search for self-identity. The poem also delves into the nature of suffering and how it is often dismissed or overlooked by society. Mr. Tomasio acknowledges his pain and decides not to "burn them down," reflecting a nuanced understanding of suffering. This approach echoes philosophical ideas about the nature of suffering and its role in personal growth. The poem also engages with the concept of moral darkness, presenting the phrase "lurk in the dark" as a metaphor for embracing one's inner struggles and using them for personal growth rather than seeking external validation. The reference to " Grandma's word to be realized" introduces a traditional wisdom that encourages the constructive use of one's inner darkness, suggesting that the author's journey through darkness is not without purpose and can lead to redemption or self-actualization. The poem critiques societal norms that marginalize those who do not fit conventional molds , highlighting a failure in societal structures to accommodate and embrace diversity. The final lines suggest that despite societal failings, the writer's work and perseverance in the dark might eventually lead to a form of personal and philosophical redemption, reflecting a belief in the possibility of finding meaning and purpose despite systemic rejection.   (Inspired Theme) The Poem If you're down and deemed irrelevant, Why don't you put an end to it and become prevalent? Lurk in the dark. Society rejects your existence, And will live on regardless of your mental state. Lurk in the dark. Tempted to burn them down just to feel some warmth. But you know that then you'll be wearing their own stained coats, (Weakness up the throat). So instead you've decided to transform, Into a being who is no longer their shunned form. And lurk in the dark. For pain is unheard, thus ignored, But suffer not forevermore! Realize what you have in store, When you admit your inner roar! Darkness, morally utilized, A better world , Grandma's word to be realized. Apprentices have rowed! Happy alone while lying low! Friends left me in my depression, They are blind to my own self-oppression. I lurk in the dark. And as my heart was wide in light, It refused to go down to malice without a fight. So I stay in the dark. They didn't care for my care and for my sorrow. Tom thus died by the hands of Tomasio. .. (I'm a shadow). And for the sake of not traumatizing, This world with the dark I've been discovering... I lurk in the dark. Only through mastery I think I'll be able, Redeem the fault of being too weird , thus "disabled" (Saving I was able...) Society could've adopt better philosophies, But instead it creates its own antagonists. Lurk in the dark. Lurk in the dark. Lurk in the dark. Lurk in the dark.

(Birthday Subcategory Directory) (Philosocom's Directory on Power) (Kingdom Directory) (Note: Written in 2023) When Sorrow Dims the Dictator's Light There was once a tyrant, Who couldn't smile much. However, even if he wanted to smile, He just couldn't do it. All because he was sad. Even when troops marched in front of him, And trumpets roared, And his image was placed everywhere, He could not smile. Not because he didn't appreciate the glory. He was simply sad. His sadness is absurd. He has no reason to feel that way. He has a palace, He has food and drinks, Servants, Supporters, However, The fact remains, That he is sad, And that smiling, Is just too hard for him to do. There is no reasoning to this. Despite being an absolute ruler, He has no agency, Over his own emotions. Any delicacy offered to him, Any statue built in his name, Any song tributed to him, He just experienced it, And none more. He isn't exactly cruel, He isn't exactly a megalomaniac, He doesn't exactly love to execute his enemies, Just because of his irrational sadness, Nor because of his position in the world. He is just what he is, And sometimes, No matter how much he or she will think into it, Nothing much will be found, If at all. The only certainty of his, Is the fact that he feels, Have been feeling, And perhaps, Will feel further into life. He has no reason for self-sacrifice, He has no reason to cry, But on the other hand, He has any reason to smile, And yet that, Feels impossible naturally. Some people love him, Some despise him, It doesn't matter. He watches the troops march, Alongside the glorious sound of orchestra, And waves to them above, As expected of him. There is no ending to this story, For the ending is unknown. *********************** A Birthday Meditation on Worth, Work, and the Elusive Joy According to Judaism, the set of the sun marks the end of the day, and the beginning of tomorrow . I guess this is my birthday now. I have no idea what I should feel, but for some reason, I feel sad. I guess some of you will wish me a happy birthday , especially on Facebook. Some will be really happy for me, some will but less so. It does not change the fact, that emotions are prone to irrationality, and that counting on them too much, isn't a good reflection of reality. I am 25. I feel incapable of caring towards the fact that I'm young. I do not have a death wish, but I am eager to ensure the fate of my works. Life for me is but a continuous work towards that end. Maybe happiness just does not matter for this function to occur. I ate at a restaurant today. I don't remember the previous time I did so, maybe in July. The food was tasty, but the feeling of joy, wasn't there. It's just food. And maybe emotions don't have much function in life when you're but a ascetic whose philosophy towards life, is all about the roles of functions of things. Everything? I pass under that judgement. That which has little function, or even is dysfunctional, is unworthy of my time, unless it could be more functional. Yep, maybe happiness has no function for me anymore. It's just an emotion, and why should an emotion be so sacred? People tell me that love is more than an emotion. For me it sounds absurd. No idea why it's hard to smile. Maybe logic just ruined it for me. The idea that emotion can be changed by direct will , is irrational. It is intuitive, and can only be done indirectly, through our thoughts. When I am told "Be happy", it doesn't make me feel happy. Why would it? A state of a being can't be changed so easily, as if it were a tower of bricks. I guess it's fine. I will wave and thank as expected of me. No reason to do otherwise. I no longer feel that important , but I guess some people will portray me as such, by the dawn of the sun. No reason to argue against them. No reason to prove them wrong , even if I think they are. This is "my day" and I just have to accept it, that I have one. No reason, But, To, Wave. Being a public figure is hard . Masking is sometimes vital. Those who won't read this, won't know. I just feel incapable of keeping this to myself. ... Glory to Philosocom

(EDIT: For the matter of this article, a Plutocracy is a space/community dominated by its richest members. A Virtual Dictatorship is a virtual space/product owned by a non-elected owner. An "E-dictator" is the non-elected owner/ruler of a virtual dictatorship. Not to be confused with digital authoritarianism , which defines ways to oppress and diminish actual democracies). (Additional Read: VPN Use and Data Privacy Stats for 2025 ) (Philosocom's Directory On the Virtual Realm) (Kingdom Directory) (Social Media Directory) The internet has become such a crucial part of our lives that we no longer live within the walls of only a few regimes, such as the democracy of a country or the dictatorship of an employer. Instead, we live under much more social frameworks that we either accept as granted or object to through protest, such as the community guidelines of sites like Facebook and Twitter. Deem it as the rise of the universal culture. In other words, much of our lives are basically contained within "e-dictatorships" that we didn't ask for nor elected, even though much of our private data and ability to express ourselves is in their hands. This is because, technically, all the sites and apps we use are not equivalent to countries we live in, but merely products that operate like dictatorships. In other words, CEOs of social networks, given that they own these platforms, are virtual dictators that we register to in exchange for the services they allow. However, these services, as mentioned, compromise our right for privacy, and like with any other business, do not allow us to elect their leaders. Our registry gives them power in the form of traffic that can be converted to monetary gain. And in some cases, the data that is being collected from us, can be sold to third parties. This means that social media platforms are essentially surveillance states , installed on our devices, made to monitor and influence us in the name of generating profit. And yes, the online world can largely influence us and our decisions. Platforms may personalized our social media feeds in order to satisfy us. That, in turn, can enhance fake news and increase our biases. Without our knowledge, these virtual dictatorships can polarize the thoughts and opinions of entire populations. Therefore, the responsibility of power "e-dictators" have, is placed on us rather than on them. It is placed on our consent to consume their products, and even to create accounts there. This is done in the form of policies and terms of service that we "agree" to (by whatever means), leaving us to operate in an allegedly-liberated virtual world governed by mega-corporations and their various products, to which we dedicate much of ourselves. The idea of a virtual dictatorship has not been left untouched in the field of video games either, but not necessarily in the form of corporations letting you deal with the consequences of your actions. Instead of pseudo-free products, many video games today have become a plutocracy, where those who pay the most money become the strongest foe in an online game. This encourages the plutocratic idea that revenue leads to greater power in the minds of the youth, and can, in theory, lead to the next generations of greedy plutocrats. Virtual or otherwise. While this can encourage people to increase their own revenue to pay for these non-sensical investments, it also encourages them to just live with their parents and play games all the time instead of doing anything else. Either way, the original form of democracy might be fading away in the future, because of the ability of the wealthy to feed on the addictions of the less wealthy. This can gradually lead to a traditional sense of a plutocracy, AKA, the regime of the rich, embedded in contemporary features. In fact, some may argue that the United States is already a plutocracy. Even if you can vote for your political leaders, you cannot vote who is going to be the next CEO of any of the apps you're using. Being a user of a website or a platform does not grant you civil rights within their jurisdiction. No. Financially, you're either a potential customer, a utilized content creator or a private information provider for them to potentially sell. Unfortunately, even in a more benevolent era, wealth remains the true source of supremacy, in many parts of the internet and outside the internet that is a true democracy. As such, plutocratic tendencies are natural developments in this economy-driven civilization. As such, with awareness or without, we have socio-economic biases towards people, and may judge them in accordance to their wealth. However, take note that I do not imply communism by criticizing capitalism. I think the egalitarian attempt of communism for a happier, more just society has been an impractical failure. The world's only communist countries being China, North Korea, Laos, Vietnam, and Cuba, are just a total of 5 countries in a world of hundreds of nations. It's possible to assume that if China wasn't open to the West like it is now, it would remain even poorer. No offense to the Chinese intended. International trade is just profitable far more than self-sufficient philosophies like the North Korean Juche . A completely unopposed capitalistic world is problematic as well. If we want to maintain our liberties online, there must be a dialogue between bodies that balance between power and liberty, just as there are in many democracies and in, mostly, republics. You see, the Virtual Dictatorships and Plutocracies of today are mostly independent of governmental regulations as they are privately-owned businesses. That excludes policies such as those. This means that the "e-dictators" are technically free to do as they please as long as they do not violate the few regulations they are confined to. The problem with capitalism is that the freedom it grants can often become a recipe for the rich to gain more control , and the poor, to lose more power. In contemporary gaming, senseless spending is like a "rule of the jungle," and your protests are likely to fall on deaf ears. That is what you also get when you are in a virtual dictatorship, built on the foundation of maximum monetary gain than anything else. You cannot change the rules of a social media platform just like you can't change the rules of an online game. No matter how invested you will be in either virtual plutocracies, you'll never have that kind of power. It's just like in an actual, physical tyranny. This is the problem with greed: even if all you wish for is to make money, your justified desire can result in severe dissatisfaction by your customers, when a small minority of them hold much or most of the money you gain. They can appeal to you with their services, turn you into an addict, and profit from your addiction/s for the rest of their lives. It's that easy at least on paper. This civilization is unequal by the very resource of wealth. Social classes nowadays are divided by wealth. You will either be respected or treated like dirt depending on your wealth. Your value in this materialistic society is largely determined by how much money you gain, have, and whether or not you hire people. Power tempts not only the power-bearer but also those around them. That can especially be true in dating. Having power is also how relevance is gained ... My point is, if we wish to preserve democracy, a certain limitation of freedom to the most privileged should be implemented. It's not for the sake of short-term limitation, but for giving as much as possible a fair chance to everyone -- for the long term. And to do so without the significant difference or relevance of wealth, ethnicity, and so on. Making lots of money isn't something most of us know or are capable of doing; why should we be punished for it? We still deserve to have opportunities in life just like those who can afford them more than us. It's part of the philosophy behind welfare, after all.

(Philosocom's Money Directory) (Philosocom's Directory on Politics) (Kingdom Directory) (Background music) Why We Form Nations People establish nations for many reasons, whether or not these nations are recognized by others, or left unrecognized (AKA, micronations ). The U.S was founded in the name of human liberty and rights. The Soviet Union existed to practice Karl Marx's communist philosophy. Nations are not founded in a vacuum. The choice to create and develop a nation is backed up by some kind of rationale. Thomas Hobbes suggested a universal rationale, called the social contract theory . The social contract says this: In order to survive, we must exchange our individual freedoms and our independence. As such, Hobbes was an absolute monarchist who supported the British monarch in his time, several centuries ago. Shared Identity, Social Contracts, and the Rubinshteinic Rationale Allow me to propose a Rubinshteinic (I.E, my own brand of) universal rationale for the establishment and preservation of nations: Nations exist also to serve the functionally of business and commerce. They are, in a sense, corporations. And no nation can survive without funds. By developing the financial aspect of the nation, it can allow many other aspects of its management and support. From within and from outside its territory. Why? Because money is the lifestream of any business, just like with nations. For money allows us not only to survive, but have far more possibilities in life. Hence why money is also a form of power. It is, perhaps, the reason as to why almost all nations are currently capitalist. Because prosperity allows them to elevate beyond survival, and focus on other tasks at hand. Tasks that do not have to solely be defined as mere luxury. Funds are "energy" to the state, like food is energy for the organism. Because my mistake over the years was to ignore the third functionality of money. It is not only used for either necessity or un-necessity. But also, for benefit. And benefit can be of ourselves, of others, or both. Even when it is for our own benefit or for the benefit of others, it can also be for the harm of others. It does not have to contradict when, for example, you supply aid for a tyrannical country. Because when you provide benefit to that country, you also add to the misery of those it oppresses. And adding suffering to this world intentionally, is a form of evil. I suppose there isn't much of a need to be this naive on that matter, correct? The matter of hope. Of a better future. Of world peace. Ultimately, the nation is a business. And when its revenue is all good and well, why would its leader/s wish to risk it? After all, war is also a profitable business. Selling weapons and military technology, is profitable. Even state-funded criminal empires, are profitable. Profit... is not only for the greedy. And not only for survival, either. It is also to actualize your hopes and dreams. It is also to build a better future for your children or successors. When you seek profit purely or mostly for luxury and un-necessities , then consider the idea that you might be greedy. The same goes for politicians. Some people, politicians included, cannot afford not being rich. Why? Because some people have plenty things they need to afford. Even if you want to donate to charity, you need to afford the money first. Politics are also a matter of survival. Social survival, of course. Because even as dictator, disapproval from the people could lead to treachery, and treachery could kill you. The tyrant may want to be rich in order to survive through the means of corruption. Like paying bribes to keep certain officials in line. Like participating in illegal trades to ensure a nuclear program ( Like with North Korea ). And the list may go on and on. When it comes to money, you may need to put, sometimes, your own morality aside. Hence why evil may indeed exist in capitalism. Because there are some acts that are more profitable than others, despite their moral nature. And being able to provide and to generate profit, can ensure your relevancy in this social and political world. Even if you're not a politican or even a public figure like me. Your relevancy to others may also be measured by the profit you can generate for your household. Whether a man or woman, does not have to matter. Because no one really likes freeloaders that are able to generate profit. The Philosocom Vision By building an infrastructure on the WIX platform that has the potential to sustain itself for centuries, along with content preservation, I can give you a promise social media does not. For anything on social media, that you post there, can be deleted. Philosocom is made for longevity for both my and your content. Join my growing empire , and you can contribute to a good cause that will preserve your content for generations in potential. And unlike in a country, I intend Philosocom to be read for free, no paywalls. We can use that power for good. Especially to those who need it more than us. And a country that does it, is most definitely a good one, morally. Philosocom aspires to be a different kind of "nation". Here, everyone has free access to knowledge and discussion. As wisdom deserves to be accessible to all. After all, wisdom is the key to freedom. Mr. Nathan Lasher's Feedback: A government must be run like a business. It is the reason why governments survive. It is through taxation, seen on goods and services, that governments obtain money to operate. It’s been many years, I believe, since a more capitalistic approach was taken and a government enforced a stipend to all residents which stated that they must pay x amount of money to the government. Nowadays, in America at least, it is seen that you get charged x amount of money depending upon the activity which you are undertaking. After all, the government must operate in that way in some capacity in order for them to continue to serve the people’s interests. Aren’t all governments, democratic, formed out of public opinion? They start because enough people want them to form in the way that they do. Monarchs are another kind of example. Citizens giving up certain rights in exchange for a government which is backed by someone else’s wealth and not the state’s itself. A monarch will remain in power as long as they possesses the wealth to securely finance the government if necessary. I’m referring to this as buying power at its core. You can buy enough people's support that others will just blindly follow you out of herd mentality . I don’t understand the ins and outs of military, not saying I never will only that I currently don’t. I still understand enough that they protect us so I’m fully ok with contributing my part to it.

(Void directory) (Kingdom Directory) (Background music) My childhood was a very happy one. I played video games for years on end and did not have a care in the world.... Until the moment the emptiness began chewing in. I felt a need to leave an impact, and it is a need I only managed to fulfil in my adulthood. I remember telling my mother I have no life, and she was astounded by my grim philosophical insights. I told her how, after studying astronomy by myself, that we are tiny insignificant creatures, like ants, and how the void is big compared to humanity. My mother wanted me to stop because I began scaring her with all of these philosophical insights on the insignificance of humanity. I always knew how insignificant I, as a human, really am. I am small compared to the Earth, and the Earth is small compared to the solar system. We are just small ants who really think they are objectively significant. But I knew that we are not as significant as we see ourselves. This understanding left me hollow as a child, and all I wanted to do was to do something meaningful that will leave an impact on the world, so I won't feel as insignificant a human I objectively am. Being a mere child, facing existential crisis, there was very little I could do to leave an impact , so I fell into depression , 20 years ago, as I wanted to do something extraordinary, but didn't have the means to do it. Now as an adult, I keep on working on this empire of articles because that helps me fill in the emptiness that started 20 years ago, when I faced existential crisis as a child. The void never leaves entirely. The void accompanied me ever since my initial existential crisis. Ever since the void began bothering me, life began being hard, as I experienced this void in many aspects of life. One of the reasons I am a solitary ascetic is because I perceive void in social interactions . Ever since I had my existential crisis, social interactions were never the same. In elementary school I already discarded a lot of friends I used to have because interacting with them felt useless. I also had to guard my mother, but I digress. This void is what makes me special as an individual. It is hard to comprehend me because most people don't necessarily feel this giant void within them. I do, ever since the 2000's. Life has been hard as a result. I was depressed and nothing rarely gave me satisfaction. I passed high school with flying colors and I was supposed to be a philosophy professor in university, until I sabotaged my life. The reason? Social interactions. I just couldn't bear the vain-ess of teachers socializing with students there. I just couldn't. It's the same degree of hardship I experienced back in high school, when teachers socialized with students there as well. Ever since childhood, the need to leave an impact accompanied me to this very day. Leaving an impact on people's lives is how the void within me vanishes, and so I get to feel fulfilled just like the days of before the existential crisis. I feel gratification writing because I know this legacy of Philosocom is going to last for long . This is what makes me feel happier, and the void, less heavy. I know this age of AI , where its rapid development renders writers irrelevant, renders also websites not as visited. However, I don't care. I just don't. My need to fill in the void exists irrespective of AI, and so Philosocom endures regardless of the rapid AI revolution, which replaces writers above all other professions and occupations. This void within me compelled me to help a lot of people and save lives from the pit of despair. Had I not felt compelled to leave an impact, several people would probably end up dead. There must be a higher reasoning as to why I feel this deep emptiness within me. The emptiness doesn't exist in a vacuum. This emptiness within me has the power to transform and change entire lives, has the potential to leave a truly enduring impact on the world. And so, like Sisyphus, I lift the stone of productivity up the mountain of life, until the time it falls off, and then I feel insanely empty again. Sometimes, I wish the void will disappear completely, so I will be happy . But it doesn't. No matter how many lives I saved, how many people I helped, the void just enters again, rendering my sacrifice irrelevant in my subjective experience of the world. But it doesn't. It just doesn't. It remorselessly goes back, and makes me feel a deep desire to leave an impact once more. Why? Because I am well aware of the fact that we are just tiny insignificant creatures compared to the larger universe we're in. The fact is as clear as day to me. I am aware, and yet cannot accept it. Accepting it would be defeatism. Just because we're tiny and insignificant beings compared to the universe, doesn't mean we cannot leave an impact. I already left an impact in people's lives, but I am young, and I see that as a fault, not as a virtue. I see it as a fault because I still have so much time left. Despite everything I did, life is still ahead of me. And I hate it. I really do. I hate being young, for I am old in my mentality. I am a traditionalist who struggles keeping up with the rapid times of the godlike technology humanity has been catering to . I am more of an old stubborn man within the body of a young man. I see on YouTube the Sudanese sword artisans, and I am filled with inspiration. I see the biography of the character Lau Chan of Virtua Fighter, who dedicated his entire life to mastering a single martial art, and I am filled with inspiration. These are the very few things that help me feel alive, that ignite some spark within me, beyond the world of love. I see myself like a consistent drop of water, carving up its own unique path in an old, stern rock. The more I persist in my way, the more the void goes away. And I am filled with true satisfaction, that lasts only for a while, until it returns back again. I feel trapped, imprisoned, with the consistent desire to leave an impact, the only thing outside love that makes me feel alive. And rectifying people in my own terms is how I leave that impact. The fallen trend of blogs in face of AI doesn't matter to me. With my keyboard and with my art I persevere, as the Ruler of Philosocom, as I do what I like to do the most: Contribute to you. It's the only thing that makes me feel alive outside love. And I love it. I love to feel alive. To write something of depth, and to provide it, is what gratifies me so much. I just wish these feelings would last forever, but they do not. So I am back to writing yet again, looking for the next rush of gratification. I don't want to accept the void in utter defeatism. Instead I choose to employ it in my quest for contribution and gratification. I have a deep, psychological need to leave an impact in people's lives, and I do just that. I saved people, I helped people, but no matter what, this feeling of void, like an unwelcome guest, will keep invading me, as I keep isolating myself from the world, wanting nothing to do with it beyond my online contributions to it, and beyond the necessary evil of survival. Because I refuse to be a tiny insignificant human in the universe. I can't bear it. I just can't. I am disabled for my unique potential to succeed in writing makes me feel I need to do something great for as long as I can. It is not arrogance, but the need to contribute to you. It's not narcissism , but the need to leave a long, enduring impact on this world which I have forsaken in the name of good. And I write and write like a lone swordsman who cuts hordes of demons again and again, until at the very last satisfaction is reached, but for as long as that satisfaction is not reached, I just keep at it no matter in what state I am or what is the state of the internet. I know much of the internet is dead, making way for bots. I know websites are irrelevant, but I don't have the heartlessness within me that is called keeping up with the times. I don't have the heartlessness within me to give up on the need to leave an impact under my own terms. I am too heartful to partake in society, so I spare society of myself, because my need to be accomplished is ravenous and takes every good bit of normalcy. I don't want to be happy, I want to be satisfied in the impact I make, and what other impact is bigger than creating a massive empire of articles to last throughout the ages? All I want is to contribute. That is the reason I keep on going online. That is the reason I helped and saved people. My desire for relevance fuels me because it is the only thing that keeps this annoying void away from me. There must, must be a higher reasoning for this. My void exists in the name of unrelenting altruism. In the name of helping even more people, and as long as I am empty inside, my void will still compel me to write. There is no stopping this maddening void. There is only delaying it until the next time it arrives. Such existence is hard and tragic , but I boldly persevere, never giving in to the defeatism and uselessness that comes from the existential understanding that we are just tiny insignificant creatures!!!! And I will write and write and write and write until the void is gone! Look how much I need to write to make this void go away! There must be a reason why it exists that goes beyond just myself! Who knows who will pick this article up, read it, and feel inspired to do something great? That is exactly why I believe this void doesn't exist for nothing, and my need to leave an impact doesn't exist for nothing. As detached as I appear, people will read this eventually, people will need this eventually, during some point in the future. And this future will become history, my history, the history which I carve in the form of Philosocom. And at long last the void is gone. It feels like a giant creature sitting on my chest. I feel lighter, writing this article; lighter as a feather, and not as heavy to the point breathing is hard. I need this. I need to write, for my sanity , for the void to go away, I need this more than I need social interactions, more than I need friends. Once all the people in my life will be gone, in 30, 40 years, I will be left alone with the same void that gnaws on me, and I will just keep on writing as usual. Death doesn't startle me, I accept death for death is inevitable , and I know that my solitude is inevitable as well. I will just keep being a philosophical Sisyphus and Azazel, sacrificing much of my time and internet on writing and writing and writing and writing. I need to leave an impact so I must leave an impact. This isn't a delusion of necessity but a necessity that helps me function in life. Who knows, there might be a higher reasoning for everything and everyone, and my purpose in this life, to rectify this world using my articles, is unique, for I am cursed with a deep void unlike any other. I want it away. I want it to keep it away from me. Otherwise existence feels like a burden, and I am looking for a way out of the burdensome nature of this void within me. I seek freedom , but I presume this freedom will be accessible to me only in my death. But I refuse to die just yet. I have my whole life ahead of me, despite of all the work I did. It means, that more work is to be done, as a result... Far, far, far more work than I did already! Like an unrelenting warrior I will hold firm my sword as I continue slashing away the void within me via writing. And I will keep helping people via my writing, and I will keep doing it with great determination because it is the only way out of the void, leaving an impact will be the sword that will set me free from the burdensome chains of the void. And only then, only when I am finally free from this void, is where I will know happiness in my cursed existence which I perceive as empty. Only love and working on Philosocom gratify me from the void, so I keep at it, keep at it, hoping one day to finally be set free from the suffering of the deep hole inside of me.

(Philosocom's Subcategory on Manipulation) (Social Media Directory) (Philosocom's Directory On the Virtual Realm) (Philosocom's Directory on Technology) (Kingdom Directory) (Background music) The Internet Then and Now: A Shift from Exploration to Manipulation Just 20 years ago, in the 2000's and even in the 90's, the impact of algorithms wasn't very high, and the internet was a place of exploration and knowledge. Nowadays, the internet has been utilized for the manipulation of the masses, and to the spread of fake news and propaganda. As such, the popular sides of the internet have been used to exploit and to addict. I believe the internet of today has been hijacked by corrupt manipulators that are there to keep you addicted and constantly engaged for the sake of revenue and political manipulation. Furthermore, the dead internet theory suggests that AI bots are largely taking over the virtual landscape, with many websites being largely, if not entirely, AI generated. And in the rapidly changing environment of the internet, where AI bots take over and create what is called " AI slop ", many websites' owners stop posting because maintaining a website is too much work that isn't necessarily profitable. The Reign of Algorithms and the Concealment of "Hidden Gems" A "hidden gem" is a term defining something great that remains largely undiscovered . In the online world, where algorithms rule and dictate what internet surfers are seeing, many hidden gems are left undiscovered and unvisited in favor of those that pay money to promote their content online. The algorithms are heavily biased towards what is popular, far less towards what could be fascinating. Many hidden gems are left hidden because the purpose of large websites, like social media platforms, is to keep you sticked and addicted to surfing said platforms. That goes for google, which also works using algorithms, and mainly advertises websites that spend a lot of money on being advertised in the first place. Algorithms narrow down online content and create a form of a maze/hill to keep you trapped within popular platforms in the name of generating revenue and selling your data to third party users. There are many hidden gems because popularity is but one of the hallmarks of injustice in the world -- shallow content that is meant to keep you occupied and addicted, is prioritized over deep, unique content that is meant to help you think differently. The Nature of Hidden Gems: Passion Over Profit As such, hidden gems are most often than not, a product of passion , by people strong enough to keep on sticking to their own truths in a largely biased, algorithm-based environment that invades your privacy so it could cater the most addicting content for you. And with many hidden gems in the virtual landscape existing , I am sure I am not the only one who works out of passion instead for profit, like it is often done. I look at those who are sellouts -- who sell their unique selves for profit and ask myself, are they satisfied with what they're doing? Maybe sell out their originality and creativity to survive, which is a legitimate cause, but is it worthy to live a life that is merely there to pay the bills? I don't want to give in to the hollowness of reality. Had I been a sellout myself, I would have had more money, but I would be far hollower and emptier than I already am. I believe most people hate their jobs. Hidden gems are for those who love to work. In the AI revolution, many jobs are already being replaced, leaving many people jobless. In such a rapidly changing world, it is the opportunity of many to deviate from the traditional world of working in soul-destroying jobs in favor of chasing their passions. While the AI revolution takes away jobs and will continue doing so the more it is advanced, I believe that many hidden gems will keep on appearing in the virtual landscape, and work that is done solely for the sake of money will be replaced in favor of passion-based projects. And should there be a universal basic income implemented as a result of the AI revolution, there will be even more hidden gems, and people will be free from wage slavery, free to chase their passions and do what they want the most. Hidden gems are product of people who deviate away from society , which is there mainly for the obedient and the submissive, to follow their own passions. I believe the more people will be disillusioned from society, the more they will create their own alternative frameworks. Those who believe money isn't everything in life, I believe, are likelier to build hidden gems online, which is most often than not a creative effort. Finding Hidden Gems: A Call for Critical Thinking and Exploration There are many hidden gems in the online world as a result of heavily biased algorithms. All you have to do is to find them using search engines. Using critical thinking, one can sway away from the popular aspects of the internet, the "mainstream" aspects, and dive deep within the realm of hidden gems. Had the internet not be full of algorithms that bias your view, internet users would've needed to utilize their cognitive abilities to find what they want to find, and the internet would've been used like it would 20 years ago: for the sake of exploration and research. Hidden gems are, however, hard to find unless you dedicate the extra work necessary to find them. Hidden gems are hidden for a reason -- because they are left out in a world built on the competition for profit. To be able to find hidden gems will require you to overcome the dependency over algorithms and use your own independent thinking to find content. I believe technology should serve us, and that we shouldn't become slaves to technology. I believe technology is there so we could enjoy from it, and not to be enslaved to it. As far as I see, nowadays technology is used to enslave people, to keep them addicted and manipulated by bots and by people with ulterior motives. If we want to benefit from technology, then we should use it in a way that helps us feel satisfied and gratified, not merely addicted and enslaved. For too long have we learned to conform, and the more we conform, the more we serve the interests of those who wish to profit off from us, exploit us and manipulate us for their own gain. I believe it is high time that we learned to break free from the toxic cycle of social media, and explore the internet in a way that helps us feel passionate and that fills a spark within us. And that is where hidden gems come in -- they are able to fulfil that spark within you if only you would stop being enslaved to algorithms and begin to use the internet like it was intended to originally -- to serve as a respiratory of exploration, wonder and adventure, instead as a tool meant to exploit you and your time. Philosocom: An Example of a Hidden Gem Philosocom is but one of these hidden gems that just refuses to keep up with the times, instead resorting to having its articles expanded and serving as a platform for many esoteric subjects in the world of contemporary philosophy. This website doesn't have algorithms that bias your ability to navigate it. Instead, it works like a library, having many subcategory directories that are meant to help you navigate this massive esoteric platform. Philosocom is an example of work that is based on passion and not profit. I am a very passionate writer and I want to be always strong so I will keep this website ongoing and serve as a form of an " enduring pillar " in a rapidly changing world. My aim as a website owner is to create unique and original content in a virtual world that is getting shallower and more unoriginal. I still believe that even in our shallow world, creativity and unique content still have their place, and that passion shouldn't be killed in favor of profit. I think that a life meant solely for profit is a hollow one and that is why I dedicated many years to Philosocom, while not earning much from it. I do it for the satisfaction and because I want to be useful to the world. That is why I keep doing what I do and keep my passion alive. My mission with Philosocom is not only to contribute to others but to also live a life fulfilled, and I think a life fulfilled is one where you are chasing and accomplishing your dreams on your own terms. Philosocom is a platform for those who have the passion of exploration in them. Of people willing to not give up on their inner child as adults, and venture out into many interesting and unique articles, made to help you think critically -- and differently. I believe what I'm doing is vital to making the world a better place, and as such I will keep at it. Creators of hidden gems have to stay strong and not give up even when it's hard, to not surrender their hopes and dreams in a world where it is the caterers who make more profit. The Philosophy of Hidden Gems: Wonder, Curiosity, and Challenging the Status Quo Hidden gems are there to spark wonder, just like philosophy itself. The common thing with hidden gems and philosophy is that both spark wonder, curiosity and exploration . Unfortunately, most people, I believe, lose their curiosity when they become adults, choosing the easiness of comfort over the fun that can come from challenging exploration, both online and offline. But if you go on this journey of finding hidden gems in your free time, you might find avenues that you would otherwise not touch. Will you overcome yourself and explore this site, or choose the comfort of catering algorithms that make profit out of your visitor analytics? That is for you to decide.

(Help and Rectification Directory) (Power Directory) (Kingdom Directory) (Background music) Introduction Compassionate capitalism is a unique branch of capitalism where the earning of profit is not seen as the top, nor only, priority when running a venture. Compassionate capitalism puts other factors as well, as important values to pursue, such as helping people, showing compassion, and be a servant. In compassionate capitalism, the top leaders are not after profit alone. They are after helping people using the pursuit of profit. The pursuit of profit is not only for the sake of the top leader/s, but for everybody involved. As such, the accumulation of power is done not for the sake of corporate greed , but corporate help. In compassionate capitalism, the workers/apprentices are a priority as well, and are there not only to make the top leader/s rich, but to be profited from as well. As such, compassionate capitalism puts an extra challenge in the pursuit of profit and power: to do the moral/ right thing of using them for the sake of everyone involved in the venture. Organizations under compassionate capitalism profit in a more equitable way, while the top leaders earn their way up not by backstabbing or competing with others, but by serving. They serve their way up, and the means to gain wealth and power are moral by nature, and thus, give a moral justification to the ends, which is the accumulation of wealth and power. Compassionate Capitalism Versus Ruthless Capitalism Ruthless capitalism is the most popular form of capitalism today. It views workers/apprentices as expandable and view the ends of wealth and power as justified by any means -- even if immoral by nature. Ruthless capitalism seeks to earn wealth and power by any cost. Compassionate capitalism conditions this quest by moral and humane means. Ruthless capitalism, at the face of the AI revolution, would seek to fire many workers in the name of cheaper, cost-effective automation. The compassionate capitalist, on the other hand, would seek to save people from the great replacement of AI, as the mission of the compassionate capitalist is not to profit for its own sake, but to profit by helping people. Nowadays, compassionate capitalism is the road not taken, yet it is the key to a better world. A world where people are not mere wage slaves, but the priority. Ruthless capitalism, on the other hand, seeks to subjugate for the sake of profit, and would not consider the human element's happiness and wellbeing as important priorities in the quest for capital. Ruthless capitalism views the human element as a mere cog in a greater machine, while compassionate capitalism views humans as more than mere cogs, but as the means which are meant to serve in the quest for capital. They are the means which are there to be helped, rather than the means to help the top leader/s to get richer. Why Compassionate Capitalism Is the Key to a Better World Compassionate capitalism is the key to a better world because it is there to serve the people, to make them pleased, to help them out, and be happier. An example of a compassionate capitalist in fiction is Papa Smurf from the Smurfs. He is a leader that leads for the prosperity of his fellow subjects, than for the sake of himself. He seeks to help his fellow Smurfs in any way he can, and is kind-hearted to them. Despite being a sole leader, he leads with benevolence and virtue , and puts the average Smurf as the main source of concern. The Smurf village is a utopian example for a better world. They seek to help each other, never leave their fellow Smurfs behind, all under the guidance of a single leader with executive powers. Moral Egoism and Compassionate Capitalism I argue that it is the interest of leaders to introduce compassionate capitalism into their leadership philosophies because it can increase the loyalty of those who work for them. The more you help out your followers , the more they will seek to be useful to you.  Furthermore, some of them, under compassionate capitalism, would be proud and grateful to help you out in your quest for capital. Therefore, compassionate capitalism has the power to make your followers appreciated, and thus more eager to be competent and effective as workers . A more competent and effective worker is a worker that is the least to be replaced, or act against you. Looking Both Ways : The Problems with Compassionate Capitalism However, the problems with compassionate capitalism stem from the fact that it is made for a better world than this one. The problem with such a good philosophy is that under the wrong hands, followers can exploit your benevolent philosophy and seek capital when it is not morally justified. For example, they might lie to you in order to be helped.  Indeed, the problem with compassionate capitalism is not everyone deserves to be helped. For example, those that are not always grateful to your compassionate nature, and/or people who mainly care about their own selfish interests, are examples of people who are unworthy of compassionate capitalism. A List of People Who Deserve Compassionate Capitalism * People who are considerate of others. * People who are always grateful to be helped. * People that seek to work better thanks to being helped. * People that are not exploiters by heart. * People who are not manipulators . * People that want you to succeed . * People who don't mainly care about themselves. Conclusions Compassionate Capitalism is there for the people. It is there to help them out as a means to get more capital. It requires more investment, and puts the attaining of wealth and capital under the challenge of being a truly good person. If you seek to be a better person, morally, as a way to get more capital, than compassionate capitalism is the way for you. However, you should take note that being a good person comes at the challenge of being exploited and helping people that do not deserve your help. Furthermore, you should take note that pleasing everyone is not always possible. Therefore, being ruthless does have its perks of firing those who don't deserve your help, and/or those who are incompetent . Compassionate capitalism is for those who seek to improve the world, not necessarily to get more capital for yourself. It's for those looking to serve rather than be served.  If you seek to make the world a better place, then compassionate capitalism is the path for you.

(Kingdom Directory) (Background music) Introduction For twenty years, I had a hunch. It was a quiet, persistent gnawing at the back of my mind, whispering that the game of life was rigged, and that we are heading towards a dystopian future. I looked at the world around me—the "rat race," the endless chase for shallow things , the explosive hatred defined by politics and polarization —and I realized that this was not a society designed for human flourishing; rather, it was a reality made to oppress and exploit. It was an Adversary Reality . It was a system designed to extract energy, time, and peace of mind in exchange for temporary comforts and permanent anxiety. Most people sense this hunch, but they ignore it. They double down, pedalling faster on the wheel, hoping that if they just work harder, they will eventually outrun the toxicity, and get to achieve their hopes and dreams. I chose a different path. I chose not to partake in the rigged game , but instead, create my own game, a world within the world, using Philosocom. I realized that if the world outside is hostile and rigged, the only rational response is to build a world inside that is impervious to it. I decided to construct a "pocket of reality"— a disconnected fortress where the rules of the adversary world do not apply. A world so disconnected from the rest of the world, I get to be from a merely disabled man, to its sovereign. This is the architecture of that fortress. Phase 1: The Great Retreat Society calls stepping back "giving up" or "checking out." This is a lie designed to keep you on the battlefield. My withdrawal was not an act of cowardice ; it was an act of supreme strategy. When an army is outnumbered and facing a terrain that guarantees defeat, the only wise move is a Strategic Retreat . I realized that I could not win the battles the world wanted me to fight—the battle for prestige, for endless wealth, for social validation . These are battles where even the winners trade entire lifetimes for an unjust world. So, I left the field. I stopped seeking validation from a sick society. I stopped tying my worth to my productivity in their system. I retreated not into nothingness, but into foundational construction . I traded the noise of the crowd for the silence of the blueprint. Phase 2: Building the Walls ( Financia l and Mental Sovereignty) A fortress needs walls. In the modern world, those walls are built of financial independence and psychological fortitude. My walls were not built with vast riches, but with vast discipline. I utilized what I call the Rubinshteinic Way to Fortune : the realization that true wealth is not in possessing more, but in needing less. By embracing extreme frugality, I lowered the drawbridge cost of my life, and instead invested in this site. I discovered that if you refuse to buy into the "must-haves" of consumer culture , you do not need a six-figure salary to be free. You just need enough to keep the fortress stocked and the gate locked. This allowed me to transition my life into "Easy Mode." I escaped the survival trap. I no longer work because I am terrified of starving; I work only when it serves the legacy of my article empire. Mentally, I built walls against the brain-rot and the hatred. Like a closed ecological system, I control the atmosphere inside my carefully constructed world. Just as a sealed terrarium is unaffected by the storm outside, my inner peace is no longer dictated by the external news cycle. The hatred and alienation of the world is a storm I watch through thick glass; it does not rain inside my home. Phase 3: The New Law ( Discipline vs. Comfort) Once the fortress is built, a new challenge emerges. When you no longer have  to fight for survival every day, you face the insidious threat of comfort. A fortress unguarded becomes a ruin. My life now is governed by a New Uphill Battle. It is quieter than the old wars against trauma and psychosis, but it is just as deadly. It is the daily battle of Discipline versus Laziness . Tony Montana from Scarface failed keeping the world he created for himself because he let himself drown into misery and chose unhealthy activities like smoking, sabotaging his relationships impulsively instead of strategically, and becoming an addict to his own product. Watching this movie, I learned from his mistakes, and instead worked up on becoming fit and healthy, being satisfied with what I have through asceticism , and being grateful for what I have. My peace is an active state, not a passive one. It requires the discipline to maintain health, to resist the pull of lethargy, and to keep the internal machinery running smoothly. I am the King of this domain, but also its caretaker. If I stop maintaining the structure, the roof collapses on my own head. By working on this site, I get to maintain my mind, not only my body, and work towards keeping this world of health and wisdom , where I remain its virtual "dictator". Phase 4: The Inhabitants (Solitude and the Queen) The most common critique of this life is that it is lonely at the top. However, when you get to solve the existential problem of loneliness, this becomes a misunderstanding of terms. Loneliness  is the pain of being alone when you desire a crowd. Solitude  is the glory of being alone when you are good company for yourself. Solitarus , a term I created, is when you begin to feel love towards your own company. It's a rare emotion achievable through hard work on yourself and through mastering the art of being alone. My fortress is built for solitude. I have found that it is preferable to be solitary and fortunate than to be together in collective misery. I thus applied active sabotage and ruined every relationship that was toxic to me and also left much of social media . The higher you climb the pyramid of self-actualization , the significantly fewer people you will find, as most people are busy surviving the rat race. Solitude is the price you have to pay when you go your own way as a philosopher. Yet, my world is not empty. It has a Queen. My relationship with her is possible only because  of the pocket dimension I created so persistently while sacrificing my own happiness. We met through the site. In a world where dating becomes hard and harder, I secured love through my own platform. Additionally, I keep an inner circle of people which help Philosocom develop and gain traffic. Beyond that, I stand as an eternal outsider to the world beyond my pocket dimension. Conclusion: The View from the Balcony I am writing this from inside the pocket of reality I created. Outside, the world is loud, angry , and confused. Inside, it is quiet. I am not telling you this to boast, but to provide a proof of concept. You do not have to accept the deal the world offers you. You do not have to live in the adversary reality. You can walk your own way, deviate from the norms , create your alternative frameworks/"game" and build a world beyond this world as well. With enough persistence and right investments, you can be free from the rat race, call your own shots, and live a life of self-sovereignty. You have the power to withdraw. You have the power to build your own walls, establish your own laws, and crown yourself sovereign of your own existence. It requires the strength to be solitary and the discipline to endure peace, but the view from the balcony of your own fortress is worth every brick you have to lay.

(For more Evil, here are some articles: https://www.philosocom.com/post/what-is-true-evil https://www.philosocom.com/post/the-polarity-of-evil https://www.philosocom.com/post/evil-as-distinction https://www.philosocom.com/post/defining-evil https://www.philosocom.com/post/revenge-a-natural-evil https://www.philosocom.com/post/the-philosophical-reason-as-to-why-i-play-the-bad-guy-in-certain-games The Philosophy of Monsters (Or, How to Cope with Reality) ) "Why are we so judgemental when it comes to matters of morality? It all seems so ambigious. Evil deeds are done daily in the name of a 'greater good', so hold back the moral judgements, they seem unwarranted in the practical reality of our lives" -- John Duran (Background music) ********************** Rethinking Self-Interest in a Connected World It was that I realized that there is a very thick connection between evil and self-interest. The more you put yourself above others, the likelier it is that you'll commit evil acts, which are basically actions that serve you at the expense of others. To quote an article from "Initiative on Faith & Public Life": “Illegitimate” self-interest, on the other hand, is expressed in the form of deceit, coercion and violence—seeking their own benefit, people enrich themselves at the expense of those around them. This type of self-interest is usually condemned, and often illegal." Of course, this is a very broad definition, because egotistical pursuits, such as self-care and even beautification ( shaving, putting on make-up ) can technically be not evil at all. Ego thus leads to much evil, but it is not inherently evil. Nevertheless, when we put our own self-interest over the dependency on or cooperation of others, that is when evil has the potential to occur. When the one known as Ms. Chen called me irrelevant, she did so even though she knew I meant no harm and that I wanted her as a connection in my life. The fact that she saw me as disposable, despite my own consideration and history, is borderline, if not entirely, evil. That is because seeing people as expendable allows us to treat them like tools and not like humans. How Evil Is Effected by Choice In Star Wars, we see the Empire as the personification of evil in that universe, for it is meant to rule through fear, intimidation and tyranny on a countless-world authoritarian regime. In the Imperial ranks, everything and everyone is disposable, from troops to spaceships to Darth Vader himself in the sixth movie, as the emperor wanted another servant in lieu of Vader. The stormtroopers, who serve as the Imperial elite shock troops, were expected to show full loyalty towards the emperor by overcoming their own individual needs and identities. Whether they are to be sacrificed or not, they cannot be reasoned with as their reasoning was brainwashed in favor of the Empire. While they can choose to betray, their brainwashed mentality largely prevents them from doing so. Hitler's evil is when he is not ready to come clean and openly admit that he made mistakes that he needs to pay for through retribution and punishment. Much bloodshed had been made by him, and he lacked the heroic courage, the "good" courage, to atone through trial; to admit defeat. By killing himself in his bunker ( nowadays an ordinary parking lot ), he disposed of the lives of the people whom he sacrificed for his goals. The blood of his brainwashed population will not be avenged by a responsibility he did not take. Thus, he was evil not only to his enemies but also to the people he led -- by leading his nation, and the entire world, to unnecessary ruin and death. He refused to undergo any redemption, and thus he resorted to " mortal escapism " and let the war go to hell in his mortal absence. It weren't the crimes he committed that made him evil in that regard. After all, Augusto Pinochet, the deceased Chilean dictator, is considered a hero by many even though he committed terrible crimes too . But unlike Hitler he was kicked from office through a national referendum, was partially under arrest, and died by a heart attack in 2006 . We can learn from Pinochet's example that evil, like good, can be compromised and thus altered, even though the past cannot . The ultimate way to do so is to not resort to self-sacrifice when facing charges for misdeeds. Heroism and villainy are not the same as good and evil. Ms. Chen, who disposed of me, is a hero in her own story, and I, in said story, am but a minor antagonist that kept coming back during the years we have known each other. In other words, beyond the objectivity of obvious crimes and other misdeeds ( like murder ), one's hero is another villain, and vice versa, regardless of their moral alignment . Since she told me, in our final conversation, that I didn't do anything wrong. She was someone who just wants to have other people in her life. There is no evil, after all, in wanting to see other people. It is the wonder of adulthood, to be able to choose the people in your life, regardless of the results of our actions. It all lies in the seemingly eternal conflict between self-interest and egotism over loyalty, love, unity, and brotherhood, that defines evil . If you are ready to "put a knife" in the back of your most loyal friends and family, over something such as power, money , and so on, then you are technically evil, at least now that the backstabbing has been done. On the contrary, if you put your own self-interest below of friends, family, and your country, then you are either a good person, a "hero," or even both. However, let us not forget that Nazi Germany's hero was obviously Hitler, even if his heroism led his nation into inevitable doom. Then, at least according to the Nazi perspective, Hitler was either a coward or a "tragic hero" who failed his mission against the "evil" of the "lesser" "races". Aristotle defined the tragic hero as one that is a noble (or "virtuous"). The uncanny irony cuts deep should we see things from the lens of a Neo-Nazi, and realize that the first name "Adolf" means " noble wolf ". If all subjective experiences hold equal quality of realness to them , then even the most evil of people could be accepted by some as good. This is how perspectives can be dangerous to the norms of a society, but I digress. Towards a World Where We All Matter Finally, a note. We can never overcome this eternal conflict between good and evil if there is no total unity . a total identity of "I" and "We" together. It is in division that conflict arises. A total unity, in the form of humanity as a universal identity, is when we can say that we are one and that everyone cares for everyone else. However, that is far, far from actualization, and I'm not sure if it will ever be, if there is nationalism, elitism, racism , and separate collective identities with no common recognition as a greater, unitary whole of something like "earthlings" or "human earthlings": A whole that transcends difference of any kind, at least on that recognizable level of being. The world as it is now, and the evil in humanity, is a massive collection of self-serving entities, whether they are corporations, countries, or any other independent collective bodies. Even if there are altruistic people in the world, the former cannot be avoided. And egoism has its own moral legitimacy.

(Directory on Fear: https://www.philosocom.com/post/on-fear-and-the-right-to-resist-it ) (Philosocom's Directory on Evil) (Directory on Perception) Intelligence itself is not scary when you understand what it is. -- Mr. Nathan Lasher (Background music) Introduction I am disappointed. My attempt to define what a "monster" is by examining dictionaries and media has failed to satisfy. It failed because I realized a disturbing truth: There is no universal definition. This lack of distinct boundaries indicates that anything  and anyone  is capable of being a monster. It is not about biology; it is about capacity. As long as an entity can terrify, disturb, or be regarded as inhumane, it qualifies. The Human Monster: Evil In Humanity It is a mistake to view monsters solely as fictional abominations. Reality provides the most chilling examples. Consider Adolf Hitler . Most of the world agrees he was a monster, given the industrial-scale horror he unleashed. Yet, the disturbing reality is that he was also a human. He was a vegetarian . He liked animals. He cared for his family . In person, he could appear polite. I do not praise him.  I use him to illustrate a terrifying point: Monsters are subjective .  To the demographics he targeted, he was the devil. To his followers , or to animal rights activists of the time, he possessed "human" virtues . The capacity for monstrous acts does not exclude the capacity for personal kindness. That duality, and the fact it doesn't contradict itself like a paradox, is what makes the human monster so dangerous. The Context of Fear: From Teddy Bears to Predators Monsters exist in the wild just as they do in history. A bear is often depicted as a cute, cuddly entity in our culture (Winnie the Pooh, Teddy Bears). We have sanitized the predator. But find that same bear in the wilderness when it is hungry , and the "cute" symbol vanishes, replaced by a monster capable of eating you alive. Context dictates the monster. In the Zoo:  It is entertainment . In the Wild:  It is a threat. This conditioning starts young. As children, we fear the monster under the bed or the shadow in the closet. I recall being terrified of shadowy figures in my own apartment, convinced they were waiting to assassinate me. The threat wasn't real, but the concept  was enough to generate genuine terror. The Myth of the Hero To cope with these fears, humanity invented the Hero Archetype —the brave warrior who defeats the beast. Modern superhero movies are just recycled versions of these ancient myths. However, this is a dangerous fantasy. The myth of the brave hero is a fallacious coping mechanism because, in the real world, you cannot defeat every monster.  We do not possess the power to punch every problem into submission. The Passive Monster: The Greedy Worm It is a mistake to assume all monsters are aggressive. Some monsters are terrifying simply because they exist  without perceived purpose; their existence defies reason, which makes them monsters because they are disturbing. In the game Silent Hill 4 , there is a creature called the Greedy Worm . It is a giant worm that hangs inside walls. It does not attack you. It is invincible; you cannot kill it. It has no known reason to exist. You can read the lore, but even the information is vague. It just is . This creature represents a specific type of horror: The Horror of the Unknown.  It is a monster not because it hurts you, but because its mere presence violates your understanding of reality. It disturbs you simply by occupying space. Cockroaches function similarly in the real world. They are generally harmless to your immediate health , yet their presence induces panic. They are "monsters" of disgust, not danger. Therefore, monsters are not only subjective, but are a matter of perception. The Beautiful Monster Yet, monsters are not always ugly. The Vampire archetype—popularized in the Goth and Emo subcultures of the 2000s —presents a monster that is elegant, cultured, and beautiful. If not for their thirst for blood, they would be the ideal aristocrats. They represent the monster that seduces rather than repels. They prove that "monstrous" is an internal trait (the need to consume life), not necessarily an external one. Vampires as an example, goes to show how anyone can be a monster, as long as there is an internal drive for it. Monsters like Hitler can walk amongst us; some, like Vampires, can be beautiful. It just goes to show how there is no universal definition of a monster, and how subjective the trait of monstrosity is. Conclusion: Enduring the Undefeatable What is the purpose of monsters? Monsters represent everything we fear, everything that disturbs our peaceful order, and everything that feels "eerie." Ideologies like Nazism are abstract monsters; the Greedy Worm is a surreal monster. However, since the "Hero Myth" is false—since we cannot kill every monster—we are left with a more realistic choice. We must acknowledge that reality is not ideal. It is flawed. It is scary. And that is okay. Maybe the wisest choice is not to fight the invincible worm, but to learn to live in the same house with it. Or, alternatively, to build your own strength— your own Fortress —so that even if the monsters are real, they no longer have the power to disturb your peace. Since monsters are a subjective and context-specific cases, much of the threat they pose is dependent on our perception of them, and our ability to surpass our fear of them.

(Background music) Thoughts On the Infinity Although I am a physicalist philosopher, which means I believe only the physical exists, I do dabble in the arcane from time to time, along with one of this site's readers, mainly to keep an open mind. After some time of contemplation and observation of reality, I have reached a conclusion that might be true: there are infinite worlds, and, if possible, infinite realities as well. The universe does not have limits simply because there is no force to limit its own expansion . The vacuum of space is not something that can be measured, because it is infinite, and only finite things can be measured. Therefore, the universe might have been expanding more and more thus far, and there is no way of stopping it. Therefore, there is no such thing as "the end of time", or even "the beginning of time", because reality is infinite, and eternity is a form of infinity -- the infinity of time . Combining both infinities, existence does not begin nor end. There is not necessarily a source that began it all , and even if there is, it only indicates that there was still something in existence before existence came to be. Whether you're a believer in one god or something else as an atheist, the inevitable conclusion is that reality is infinite. If a god created reality, and that god is eternal, then reality itself is reality, simply because god is a part of reality. I am also open to the idea that pantheism is true. They are not a being that exists outside of reality; they are a part of reality, and they merely brought anything else into actualization, in the form of creation. On the other hand, if you are an atheist, there is still no alternative to the infinity of existence, in both time and space, because things don't just start out of nothing, or so we may believe. Even absurdism , common in atheism, cannot deny this. To keep an open mind, I am an agnostic . Nothing itself is something because we are capable of referring to it as a thing like something more "existent" such as a chair or a table. AKA, a concept like any other. Therefore, even before there was anything at all, there was still nothingness, and nothingness can still be referred to as something. This infinity of space is in fact an infinity of something that contains us all and everything else in existence. There is no escape from this infinity, because you cannot exist outside of something that contains everything. You can do this only temporarily , like an ostrich does when it places its head in a hole. What is death? Death can be compared to a permanently defunct electronic device. Once a phone or a computer is destroyed, for example, they don't necessarily have spirits that carry them away to some higher plane. Living is merely a biological function, and so is death. Therefore, once a biological being dies, they simply lose the ability to perform any functionality a living being has, and thus "convert" their status from "alive" to "dead", similar to turning from single to married to divorced. Only permanently, unless we are to consider reincarnation or an afterlife. Either way, once we're dead, we still exist, but in a different form -- the form of a corpse. A living being and a dead being are the same being, only having different statuses. Is there a "phone heaven" or a "computer hell"? Why would there be? Once they go beyond repair, that's it. There is no necessity to continue the story on because they simply now enter a state of eternal dysfunctionality... which is death, in biological terms. I highly doubt that there is such a thing as a real resurrection , one that really happened, but as for now, once you are dead, you exist forever in a form of eternal rest. Eternal un-animation. You become eternally silent simply because the dead can't speak, breathe, eat, or perform any function a living being can. That's what makes them dead, after all -- the lack of the trait of "living" inside them; that living is not a spirit inside a machine, but the machine itself. Why would a phone need a soul? Why would a human need a spirit if they are prone to simply rest forever, and exist in that manner? The person is, in a way, indeed, no longer with us, but only as a living being. They are now with us as a corpse, to put it very bluntly. We are regardless far more complex "machines" than mechanical machines. That might include A.I or Language Models. Just like the universe is infinite, so is what it contains, at least as far as we humans know. As far as we can imagine, there might be an infinite number of worlds out there, in space, but we don't really know that, because we have yet to map the entire universe. Hence why it is important to always keep an open mind, because we do not really know for certain the vast mysteries of the universe. Maybe necromancy is possible in other parts of this infinite reality, but we just can't know it, due to the fact that we have yet to explore the entire universe? Can we even accomplish such a feat? If existence is infinite, just as the void that contains is, then it's possible that there was, is, and will be no end to the planets in this reality. No matter how advanced our knowledge in astronomy will be, there could possibly be more and more planets, being created by a divine being or by physical means as I am writing this article, and as you read it. Which means that the universe will always remain undiscoverable to at least a point. Life is not just about getting up in the morning for work and going home tired. There is more to life. What made me a philosopher was my dissatisfaction with the normalization of human life and of the human mind. We are so used to occupying ourselves with certain things that we forget that there may be other things -- or beings -- outside of our tiny mental worlds. This is why I do not wish to involve myself too much with general society, because I "fear" becoming what I am trying to run away from: thinking small; thinking ordinarily; thinking in a pattern-like way. I have seen this in everyone I have met throughout my life who does not philosophize regularly. I just have this inner voice within me that tells me that normalcy will not do, for normalcy means the silence of the pondering, philosophizing mind. This is what made me decide to become a philosopher and partially abstain from this world -- is to see and to think of the world beyond so-called "earthly" matters. Not only for the sake of myself, but for the sake of anyone who happens to find my material. I think we deserve to question normalcy, even in the name of expanding our understanding of the reality we were born into. I meddle with the arcane because it gives one a sense of higher importance, whether or not one is actually important despite self-regard. It tells a "story", a narrative that might make sense about how things work and how one evolves within its framework. Perhaps, if I continue meddling with the arcane, I shall reach even greater insights for the world to enjoy!

Portrait of John Duran. Credit: Unknown (Subcategory Directory: The King and the Bargainer - A Philosophical Analysis ( philosocom.com ) A Philosophical Analysis of John Duran's Story, "For the King's Pleasure" -- How People "Like" to Be Lied To ( philosocom.com ) A Bum's Night Out: Too much Time On my Hands (John Duran's Story Analysis, Part I) https://www.philosocom.com/post/john-duran https://www.philosocom.com/post/uncommon-perspective https://www.philosocom.com/post/weight-of-genius https://www.philosocom.com/post/prodigy ) Abstract This article is an interview with a sage, a writer ( John Duran ) a citizen of the USA out of his experiences of being a homeless person for much of his life. It explores the complex issue of homelessness, a hidden population facing the harsh realities of life without a permanent residence. It delves into its root causes, impact on individuals and communities, and ongoing efforts to address this societal challenge. The article challenges stereotypes and misconceptions about homelessness, highlighting the economic factors and daily struggles faced by those without stable housing. It also examines the role of governmental policies and their negligence, community initiatives, and public perception in shaping the landscape of homelessness. The aim is to foster understanding and empathy, sparking conversations towards effective solutions and a more compassionate society. (Mr. Rubinshtein's note: It also covers the mentality of a man who is seasoned in being homeless, and the things we can learn from him. I also added a few words myself). Interview & Insights A first question to him was: What are the main causes of homelessness? He emphatically answered: “Poverty, ignorance, heartlessness, and ridiculous conditions for renters, along with absurd rental amounts". The following point was drawn: Poverty: Economic hardship, insufficient income, and limited access to resources can lead to homelessness. Individuals and families facing poverty may struggle to afford basic necessities, including housing. Ignorance : Lack of awareness or understanding about the root causes of homelessness can perpetuate societal misconceptions. Educating communities about the complex factors contributing to homelessness is essential for fostering empathy and informed solutions. Heartlessness: A lack of compassion or empathy toward individuals experiencing homelessness can hinder efforts to address the issue. Building a compassionate society involves recognizing the humanity of those facing homelessness and working towards supportive and inclusive communities. Ridiculous Conditions for Renters: Unaffordable and challenging rental conditions, such as high rents, lack of tenant protections, and substandard housing, can contribute significantly to homelessness. Addressing these issues requires a focus on affordable housing policies and tenant rights. Absurd Rental Amounts: Unreasonable rental costs relative to income levels can make it difficult for individuals and families to secure stable housing. Affordable housing initiatives and rent control measures can play a role in mitigating this challenge. However, addressing homelessness effectively often involves a comprehensive approach that tackles these root causes. This includes implementing policies to alleviate poverty, raising awareness to dispel misconceptions , promoting empathy and compassion, advocating for tenant rights, and working towards affordable housing solutions. By addressing these interconnected issues, communities can strive to create environments where homelessness is less likely to occur, and support systems are in place to help those in need. He concluded by saying: “I was homeless for 35 years across 46 states. I believe it's the future for millions more Americans” Here comes the second question: What initiatives or strategies are being implemented to address homelessness? "There are reasons many homeless avoid staying in shelters, and it's not what the media portrays". Certainly, there are various reasons why some homeless individuals may choose to avoid staying in shelters, and these reasons often go beyond what may be portrayed in the media. Here are some common factors: Safety Concerns: Shelters can be overcrowded, and conflicts may arise among residents. Concerns about personal safety, theft, or violence may lead individuals to avoid staying in shelters. Lack of Privacy: Shelters often provide limited privacy, with shared sleeping quarters and communal facilities. Some individuals may value their privacy more, and find the communal living conditions uncomfortable. Rules and Regulations: Shelters typically have rules and regulations governing behavior, curfews, and restrictions on personal belongings. Some individuals may prefer the autonomy of living on the streets rather than adhering to the rules of a shelter. Substance Use Policies: Shelters often have strict rules regarding substance use. Those struggling with addiction may avoid shelters due to the restrictions on alcohol or drug use. Traumatic Experiences: Some homeless individuals may have experienced trauma, including abuse or violence, which can make staying in a communal setting emotionally challenging. Shelters may be triggering for individuals with traumatic backgrounds. Mental Health Concerns: Individuals with mental health issues may find the chaotic and crowded environment of shelters overwhelming. The lack of mental health support in some shelters can also be a discouragement. Stigma and Discrimination: Homeless individuals may face stigma and discrimination in shelters, affecting their sense of dignity and well-being. This social aspect can influence their decision to avoid shelters. Limited Accommodations for Couples and Pets: Shelters may not always have suitable accommodations for couples or individuals with pets. For those with companions or service animals, the lack of options can be a barrier. Previous Negative Experiences: Some individuals may have had negative experiences in shelters, such as encountering theft, violence, or unsanitary conditions, which can lead them to avoid such facilities in the future. Understanding these reasons is crucial for developing more effective homeless support systems. Addressing safety concerns, providing mental health services, and offering more flexible and accommodating shelter options can contribute to making shelters more accessible and appealing to those in need. What are the current homelessness statistics in the USA? "All wrong, don't believe what they claim. According to the official record, the USA has just over half a million. But it's far close to a 5 million". What kind of support and resources are available for homeless individuals? "Very restricted ones, as well as indentured servitude . Shelters are mainly cesspools, and worthless. Homelessness is a deep black pit. Once fallen into, people rarely get out". The perspective shared by the individual highlights the challenges and frustrations often associated with homelessness. Here are some aspects to consider in response to these concerns: Limited Support and Resources: The observation about very restricted support suggests a need for increased and more comprehensive support systems for homeless individuals. This could include expanded access to healthcare, mental health services, employment assistance, and affordable housing programs. Indentured Servitude Concerns: If there are concerns about exploitation or unfair labor practices resembling indentured servitude, it is essential to investigate and address these issues. Ensuring fair treatment and dignity for homeless individuals is crucial in any support system. (Mr. Rubinshtein's note: Instead of being triggered by information we are presented, it is important to not be too quick to judge, and investigate rather than argue. After all, we don't always have knowledge like we think we do. It is far better to respect what we don't necessarily know, than to mock it and, as a result, abuse the mentality of the person who may have the knowledge you might not have. Not only it's arrogant but degrading and counter-intuitive for your quest of knowledge. Why would someone you laughed at, feel compelled to give you information?). Criticisms of Shelters: The characterization of shelters as "cesspools" and "worthless" underscores the need for improvements in shelter conditions. Enhancing the quality of shelters, addressing safety concerns, and creating more welcoming environments are essential steps in encouraging homeless individuals to seek shelter. Perception of Homelessness as a Deep Pit: The sentiment that "homelessness is a deep black pit" reflects the profound challenges faced by those experiencing homelessness. Addressing the root causes of homelessness, such as poverty, lack of affordable housing, and systemic issues, is critical for creating paths out of homelessness. Long-Term Impact: The statement that "once fallen into, people rarely get out" highlights the long-term and systemic nature of homelessness. It underscores the need for sustained efforts to provide ongoing support, including mental health services, job training, and affordable housing solutions. In response to these concerns, communities and policymakers can work towards developing comprehensive strategies that go beyond immediate shelter provision. This includes addressing the underlying issues that contribute to homelessness and providing supportive services to help individuals rebuild their lives. Collaboration between government agencies, non-profit organizations, and the community can contribute to more effective and compassionate solutions for those experiencing homelessness. What role does the government play in addressing homelessness? "They treat them like trash, garbage to be "moved along" as they lock the homeless up, outta sight, outta mind, just for existing . What a life!" Does it mean they lack human conscience? "No, they care for themselves, and the ones in their circles , I think this is negligence of the highest order" How does the public perceive and respond to homelessness? "With disdain and unreasonable hate . They have a "Kick them when they're down" mentality". What then is a hope for the homeless child? " When I gave up all hope, I learned how to live, that which kills others ended up my strength. " What was it like? "Acceptance and setting down one's burdens of accomplishment ... It freed me to become what I am now". Then our discussion ended with: What's your advice to the homeless? "Be resilient, be strong, rely upon no one". Mr. Tomasio Rubinshtein's Bonus Never play the victim , even if you are one. Victimhood feeds on itself, and makes more people prey on you, thus exploiting your pain and your weakness for their own gain. Even the homeless can be stronger from within if they do not let themselves become prey due to victimhood. Strength, while not a complete requirement for survival, contributes greatly to it. Especially if we go on this life on our lonesome. And the interest of gaining and maintaining power in any situation is to survive, physically, mentally or both. Power is everything . It is money the same as it is a will of iron. While social beings depend on the strengths of others, the loner and the lonely, like the homeless, must be stronger than others, as individuals, in order to endure the unforgiving nature of this human-dominated world, where self-interest over altruism is prioritized. Do not expect others to help you if there is nothing necessarily beneficial to themselves. That is how any desire/interest-based organization works, from a social group to a syndicate. The same applies to politics and unfortunately helping the welfare of the homeless might not yield any interest to those who can invest in it. Thus, in their eyes, helping the weak and unfortunate might not be too beneficial even though that's not true (as helping the homeless can bring more productive members of society, for instance). But as long as the powerful will disregard the weaker in power, they will not see a reason to assist them without any interest on their side. Therefore, the lack of external support requires you to be strong in spirit, and attain what many attain safely: Getting the next meal, the next drink, and the next place to sleep in. As such, alone, we must be tougher. And even if we're lonely with the company of other people, we are alone. The interviewee said something interesting: That giving up hope helped him learn how to live. The hope to be accomplished and successful often restrains one to comply with society's social contract in order to be successful in the first place. However, when society forsakes you to live outside of it, you may feel less compelled to be a part of a collective that disregards you and leaves you to fend for yourself. This might make you think: Why care about the very same entity that put you in its outskirts, and rejected you for your so-called "insanity"? Why play a part of a contract that, by default, forsaken you for your homelessness and eccentricity? As such, it is often society that builds its outsiders, rejects and even those who actively oppose it in the form of being lawless (as in John Duran's very example) . Do not expect people to want to comply to the norms when the norms opposed them in the first place. And degradation will only make their hostility to society, even more severe. See how individuals and societies create and nurture their own enemies.

(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 Directory on John Duran) The Universe's Prodigy The Universe once said quite clearly to me, You've aligned with myself, and so I have aligned with thee, Let's put our sentience together, and understand all we can see. It's both vast and small that's the true mystery , Between your unique human mind , and my own personal infinity . We shall grow together, aspiring towards pure human divinity. We shall pry open every hidden corner of creation's own glory, Learning this together we'll expand our shared story. As far as intelligence they'll have to create a much higher category. No need for formal schooling , it's such a bad human joke, They only mold worker bees, not free thinking folk. So let's combine our energies, you the sailor and me your Sea. Human credentials cost money, but my knowledge eternally free.

On Free Will -- How To Better Exercise Our Ambitions "Whom we will obey is not as relevant as WHY we would choose to obey them all, being sentient beings thereby gifted with free will" -- John Duran Mr. Chris Kingsley's Synopsis The article explores the concept of free will, contrasting it with the ability to act independently. It highlights the interplay of internal and external forces shaping our decision-making autonomy . The article compares exercising free will to mental strength training, where overcoming internal struggles strengthens resolve. Nathan Lasher's feedback discusses the practical aspects of free will, such as marketing and financial limitations. He argues that while external factors can influence decisions, we ultimately control our responses and actions. Understanding and harnessing free will allows individuals to create their desired life despite external influences. (Background music) Free Will vs. Weakness in the Face of Choices When the topic of free will arises, we often face a crucial distinction: what influences our decisions versus the inherent ability to make them independently . This distinction separates the mere act of choosing from the true essence of free will, which lies in the ability to act independently of any external or internal force that dictates our choices. The harsh reality is that our free will is not as absolute as we might imagine. It hinges on our capacity to act upon our own volition, unyielding to internal weaknesses and external temptations, from addictive games to hatred , that can overthrow our decision-making process. With countless temptations that life throws our way, it's tempting to conclude that many of us are simply too susceptible to succumb to them, rendering our free will casually compromised. Every internal struggle, every urge that pulls us towards actions we know we shouldn't take, reveals the potential fragility of our free will. And having free will also means that we have the freedom to resist temptations and addictions, and not only to do whatever our desires tell us to do . Acting on reason is also a choice we have the freedom to make, which further expresses our free will. Acting on the sole tyranny of desire does not make us free. What makes us free is the ability to act without it as well, with enough tenacity and discipline. However, it would be ignorant to overlook the significant influence of external factors on our ability to make truly free-will decisions. Unlike internal demons like temptation, these external forces don't actively make the choices for us, necessarily. They exist and interact with us, shaping our landscape of options. For example, while a teacher praising the virtues of military service may influence our decision to join, the final choice remains ours. The teacher merely expressed their perspective, leaving the actual decision-making power in our hands. The concept of free will is not a binary, black-and-white assertion. It exists within a spectrum, where the interplay of internal and external forces determines the degree of our autonomy in choosing. Recognizing this spectrum, acknowledging the limitations of our free will, and striving to cultivate our internal strength to navigate these limitations, is perhaps the most genuine expression of our free will itself. Free Will as Strength Training for the Mind External influence differs vastly from internal conflict in its impact on our choice-making. To illustrate, imagine a wrestling match. The cheering crowd represents external influence, influencing your mood or motivation as a fighter, but not directly dictating your moves. In contrast, your opponent embodies the internal struggle, actively grappling with you to prevent your victory. While the crowd can sway your emotions, and therefore you, they don't decide the outcome. Similarly, external factors may shape our context but don't directly control our choices. Empowering free will, then, demands fortifying our mental endurance against internal adversaries. Ideally, we should cultivate such immense willpower that temptations lose their tempting grip. This journey, however, is paved with a unique form of suffering: the internal struggle between our higher selves and our undesired urges. This necessary suffering is the container in which our free will is forged, a struggle against the tyranny of undesired urges that might as well be endless . But this suffering needn't be endured passively. Just as physical fitness necessitates challenges, free will flourishes through controlled confrontation. Consider a mental "boot camp"... A set of attainable yet tempting challenges, like placing cookies on the table and resisting them for a designated period. By facing these inner adversaries head-on, we strengthen our resolve and expand our free will's dominion. Ultimately, the key to harnessing free will lies in embracing and deciding despite the external influence and external struggle. Embrace the temporary discomfort as a catalyst for growth like a businessman would embrace a good opportunity . That's a sign that you're actively flexing your mental muscles, making them more capable to assist you making the decisions you really want to make, and not the decisions you're pressured nor tempted to make. Remember, suffering, when channelled rightly, can become the fuel that propels you towards a free and empowered existence. In a way, that is how "the world can be yours". Mr. Nathan Lasher's Feedback Free will is an interesting topic. Business via marketing might influence what you do but not entirely. They do their best to have them as the first thing you think of when you need a certain action, or service, done. Where free will exists is in you choosing to want a certain thing done. Free will does have its limitations though. People must keep their expectations of what they are able to do in line with their ability, financial or otherwise. You have every right to do what you want to, legality aside, as long as you are willing to live with the consequences of doing something. Those consequences can be good if the right intent exists. Why they only ever refer to consequences in reference to negative things is beyond me. Do good work and the consequence is your value as a human increase.  Let’s talk about good consequences for a minute. To younger individuals still in school the consequence of hard work is a good grade. Not all consequences are negative. They are simply the result of completing any action. I would say that money is the determining factor in our free will. Can’t quite go out and buy nice things without it. So, possessions are the consequence of hard work [and] finding better actions to earn you money is what work life is all about. Understanding yourself fully also aids in this. You might discover your gifted and are capable of more than you originally imagined.  There exists a reality of free will. You have no control over other people’s free wills. All you can do is decide how to let their free wills impact you. I personally understand free will as I discover everything, I am capable of. When the world has no limits for you, I have the free will to decide how I want the world to look. I get to build my dream life, that is the basis for what free will is. You have the innate ability to control your entire life. Don’t like something, figure out a way to deal with it. Either by increasing your knowledge so it is no longer a problem or figuring out a way to remove it from your life . Those are really the only two options people have when another’s free will impacts your life. Or the third less advisable option would be to simply ignore it.  You have a ton of free will compared to your limitations. Nobody is preventing you from going out and doing something. Just your own preventive constructs you build up in your own mind. Don’t want to do something, simply decide not to do it. Good things should be encouraged as people work on being the change they want to see in the world . The ultimate lesson in free will: You can literally create any world you want to. Damned be anyone who tells you differently.

Articles on Asceticism: https://www.philosocom.com/post/my-motives-for-asceticism-in-the-modern-age https://www.philosocom.com/post/7-tips-on-how-to-become-more-ascetic https://www.philosocom.com/post/on-the-industrial-revolution https://www.philosocom.com/post/asceticism-101-how-is-it-relevant-to-our-lives-by-mr-emmanuel-david Simplicity, Productivity and the 2 Giants (Short Essay) How Life Is a Task (Short Monologue) Into the Mind of the Dark Ascetic Master, Heihachi Mishima of Tekken (And Directory) https://www.philosocom.com/post/cyberpunk-age The Rubinshteinic Introduction to Asceticism (Background music) Asceticism, in its essence, represents a deliberate pursuit of freedom . Although biological imperatives necessitate a degree of dependence on external products for survival, an ascetic lifestyle fosters independence from seductions and addictions that can enslave the individual, and which weakens the power of his or her mind. This materialistic slavery manifests as a dependency on external stimuli, hindering one's capacity for autonomous action, and fostering internal conflict. Freedom, in ascetic contexts, signifies liberation from these dependencies. The ascetic mind, by comparison, is stronger, and can be seen as more competent when it comes to critical thinking, passionate work , and the ability to perform tasks usually done by several people (AKA, being a real-life "one man army" ) Concepts such as financial materialism , unchecked hedonism, obsessive behaviors, megalomania , greed , and sloth exemplify this form of enslavement. While a superficial, materially-focused perspective might perceive these as the TRUE avenues to freedom -- a deeper examination reveals a different reality. Consider the acts of addiction. Can addiction truly be classified as freedom? While the initial choice may be autonomous , the physiological and psychological dependence undermines true liberty. Freedom, therefore, isn't just a matter of choice, but also a matter of willpower. Asceticism is a format which allows you to make your willpower stronger. The pursuit of fleeting joy through such means often leads to addiction, a state characterized by an insatiable craving that dictates behavior. This pursuit masks an underlying servitude of a weaker mind, who deadlocks itself on the same activity without necessarily developing the habit of looking both ways when it comes to its actions. Modern society often encourages a similar deception, equating freedom with the acquisition of diverse experiences and material possessions. The idea of endless entertainment, culinary variety, and travel destinations can foster a relentless desire for novelty . However, this very passion for variety can become a form of enslaved bondage . The more we crave, the more susceptible we become to the tyranny of our desires – constantly seeking the next experience, the next acquisition. This perpetual cycle of wanting transforms into an addiction, and no addict can truly be the master of their own destiny. To attain greater freedom, we must consciously reduce our dependencies , not increase them. The idea that we are free just because we choose to increase our dependencies on so many things and people, is a deceptive notion. In reality, we just surrender ourselves to the tyranny of circumstance , instead of acting beyond it. While complete independence may be an unattainable ideal, minimizing our reliance on external sources, empowers us to look within ourselves, and use our potential in innovative and creative ways. Innovation and originality are the hallmarks of true freedom. Asceticism provides a framework for this reduction of external dependencies . It advocates for a life centered on the fundamental necessities for survival, both physical and menta l, stripping away superfluous desires that give away our power to other people. For instance, cutting your own hair instead of going to the hairdresser, is a product of such freedom. While the definition of "necessity" may be subject to individual interpretation , the pursuit of knowledge and personal development can be considered vital to one's true freedom. Knowledge enhances our capacity to navigate the world and secure our survival. Under asceticism, much knowledge can already be found by listening to our intuition and to our hearts. Similarly, self-actualization can be more possible under an ascetic mentality, and not necessarily under a collective one. When you surrender yourself to the desires of the collective framework, you may also surrender your creative freedoms, and most importantly: t he freedom to be yourself. Additionally, many behaviors such related to addiction, while potentially offering fleeting pleasure, ultimately undermine our well-being by harming our overall health. Additionally, addiction can serve as a from of escapism, from hidden source of profound suffering. Even workaholism , which is supposed to be good for society, can just be a way to conceal one's hidden suffering. The momentary gratification derived from such activities often comes at the cost of physical or mental health and erodes inner peace , leading us to a state of perpetual dissatisfaction. While power over others is a necessary evil of social structures, its unchecked pursuit can lead to delusion and a distorted sense of self-worth. As such, power corrupts, and power corrupts absolutely. Therefore, cultivating a degree of intentional monotony /training can be a pathway to liberation from temptations that might lead to a corrupt view on reality. By reducing our dependence on external sources for satiation and satisfaction we free ourselves from their potentially-distorting influence on our views on who we really are (AKA, not only other people, but ourselves as well). The contrast between a monk finding contentment in simple sustenance and an addict perpetually seeking novel and stimulating experiences, can highlight your understanding of this article. The monk's path to contentment is far short, and simpler, than that of the addict. Similarly, the enduring happiness found in genuine human connection stands in deep contrast to the fleeting satisfaction sought by those trapped in a cycle of seeking new romantic adventures. Furthermore, the relentless pursuit of external validation can lead to unforeseen vulnerabilities and ultimately undermine well-being as well. In general, it seems that much of our pursuits in life, as endless as they may appear , are there to conceal deeper suffering that goes un-addressed. Asceticism, when not done under extremely-dangerous measures, can be a healthy and empowering practice that diminishes the temptation to sensation-driven loops. By actively reducing desire, not increasing it, asceticism becomes the embodiment of liberty resisting the tyranny of external stimuli. An ascetic lifestyle can therefore be seen "meta-loop", one that has the potential to break free from all other self-destructive cycles, that conceal our repressed suffering and prevent us from becoming the ideal versions of ourselves. As beings inherently driven to survive and find meaning in our existence, asceticism can also offer an interesting, solitary journey into the self, where we might become "self-professors" Finally, the anecdote of Mahatma Gandhi, finding profound freedom within the confines of a prison cell, illustrates the concept of true ascetic freedom. His liberation stemmed not from external indulgence but from an internal alignment with his beliefs and a detachment from worldly desires. This contrasts with the "freedom" of a perpetually restless individual, merely perceived as free for being outside prison, but being restless nonetheless, constantly chasing fleeting pleasures. This highlights the profound truth that true liberation often lies not in external acquisition but in internal mastery. Through asceticism, we can know that true freedom comes from within. Finally, to quote the Buddha, let the truth be your refuge. The truth rests inside of you.

(Subcategory directory: https://www.philosocom.com/post/recognizing-a-i-s-revolutionary-legitimacy-guest-post-by-ori-sindel https://www.philosocom.com/post/the-a-i-philosopher-how-a-i-could-even-replace-human-philosophers https://www.philosocom.com/post/the-robot-lover-dilemma https://www.philosocom.com/post/functionality-of-biology-and-robotics https://www.philosocom.com/post/the-robot-army-hypothesis-a-i-and-ethics-in-the-military https://www.philosocom.com/post/the-a-i-philosopher-how-a-i-could-even-replace-human-philosophers "In Order to Conquer the World" -- A Story Written by Man and Machine Shadow of Veronica -- An A.I. Story of Eccentricity and Fatigue The Philosophy of Metal Sonic -- How Dysfunctional Logic Breaks One -- A Philosophy of Mind https://www.philosocom.com/post/against-brainrot https://www.philosocom.com/post/life-after-death-1 https://www.philosocom.com/post/chatgpt https://www.philosocom.com/post/traditionalist-path https://www.philosocom.com/post/the-last-craftsman https://www.philosocom.com/post/cyberpunk-age ) Article Overview by Mr. C. Kingsley and Co. The article "The Dangers of Artificial Intelligence: AI Directory Guide" provides a comprehensive overview of the benefits and potential pitfalls of AI in modern society. It presents AI as a double-edged sword, balancing its capacity for societal progress with significant risks such as job displacement and ethical concerns. The article acknowledges the human aspects of technological advancement, emphasizing how AI could impact creativity, emotional intelligence, and personal development. The article also discusses the industry-specific analysis of AI's impact on different industries, stressing the importance of industry-specific considerations. The article delves into the societal implications of AI, particularly the potential for increasing inequality between those who have access to AI and those who don't. Lifelong learning and adaptability are highlighted as AI reshapes the job market , encouraging readers to adopt a proactive mindset toward future-proofing their careers. Overall, the article provides a solid foundation for discussing the dangers and opportunities of AI.   (Background music) ********************************* Introduction One of humanity's greatest inventions is AI , which already surpasses us greatly and has the potential to outperform any professional team. However, like many technological achievements, AI can also be a double-edged sword, posing risks such as the dangers to be used as weaponry and the oversight of personal information by massive corporations ( As AI can be used for data analytics as well ). I once learned about a robot that can automatically produce pizzas . It made me ponder how far we have come. Just imagine if this particular robot were mass-produced like an average iPhone – we could have robot chefs replacing human chefs, leading to a decrease in the demand for human chefs and potentially impacting employment rates. The pizza-making machine serves as just one example of this trend. The development of AI is a double-edged sword. On the one hand, it has the potential to revolutionize many industries and make our lives easier. On the other hand, it could also lead to mass unemployment and other social problems. It is therefore important to be aware of both the potential benefits and the Dangers of Artificial Intelligence so that we can make informed decisions about its development and use. The Rise of Artificial Intelligence and Its Impact on Humanity The development of artificial intelligence (AI) is one of the most significant technological advancements of our time, earning itself a revolutionary status . AI has the potential to revolutionize many industries and make our lives easier. However, it also raises a number of important questions about the future of work and the role of humans in society. However, it is important to consider the potential consequences of such advancements, including the impact on employment and the need for retraining and reskilling, thus necessitating us to adopt a mindset of lifelong learning . Another potential benefit of AI is that it can be used to enhance our lives in numerous ways. For instance, AI has the potential to advance medical treatments, ease and personalize learning experience s , and foster the creation of innovative products and services for years to come. However, it is crucial to bear in mind that AI is merely a tool, and like any tool, its impact depends on how it is utilized, whether for positive or negative purposes. The Impact of AI on Jobs One of the most significant potential impacts of AI on the job market is the automation of tasks currently performed by humans. As AI-powered machines become more capable, there is a high likelihood that they will replace humans in various industries, leading to mass unemployment. This displacement of millions of people from their jobs is a major concern, as it is in the interest of business owners to improve the overall efficiency of their companies. One of the reasons ruthlessness is a virtue is because the concept of social responsibility could be a hindrance. Therefore, business leaders with less empathy (or no empathy whatsoever) may be more inclined to replace many of their employees in the name of their ruthless business philosophies towards a greater output of success (AKA profit). It is important to consider the industry-specific impact of AI on jobs, as different sectors may experience varying levels of disruption. As such, one of the potential benefits of AI is that it can automate many tasks that are currently done by humans. The rise of automatic cars has the potential to greatly impact the job market for taxi drivers and drivers in general. With AI-powered vehicles becoming the new norm, the need for human drivers could diminish. This trend can also extend to other transportation sectors, such as pilots and other employees (as in the case of military drones, operated remotely). Entire departments could be replaced by AI systems that possess a level of competence surpassing that of the average human. With automatic cars, you won't need taxi drivers or drivers at all. If automatic cars become the new norm, humans won't need to learn how to drive. Given that AI is a substitute for human thinking, ( including in philosophy ), AI technology can have both the knowledge and ability to drive for you. The same can potentially apply to pilots and other employees in a transportation system - you can have entire departments replaced by AI whose potential competence exceeds that of the average driver, while reducing risk of traffic accidents (at least in the future). As AI continues to advance, it is expected that some industries, like manufacturing and transportation (as mentioned), will experience significant changes. AI-powered machines have the potential to automate many tasks currently performed by human workers in these industries, which could lead to job displacement. On the other hand, industries like healthcare and education are likely to be less affected by automation. In these fields, AI is more likely to be used as a tool to enhance and support human skills, rather than completely replace them. It's important to carefully consider the impact of AI on different industries and find ways to adapt and utilize this technology in a way that benefits everyone. For the increase of overall benefit, under the holistic approach , is the moral thing to aim for. I would say that the impact of AI on jobs can vary depending on the country. Countries with a strong manufacturing sector are more likely to be affected by AI, as AI-powered machines can automate many tasks currently done by human workers in that industry. On the other hand, countries with a strong service sector may be less affected by AI. Additionally, countries with a well-developed social safety net (AKA welfare) are better equipped to handle the effects of AI on jobs, as they can provide support and assistance to those who may be displaced. It's important for countries to consider these factors and adapt their strategies accordingly to ensure a smooth transition in the job market. The Impact of AI on Society As AI continues to develop, it is expected to have a significant impact on society. AI has the potential to bring about various changes in our daily lives and work. For instance, it could lead to a more automated society where machines take over tasks currently performed by humans. This shift could result in a society that prioritizes leisure activities, as individuals would have more free time to engage in activities they enjoy. As AI technology becomes more prevalent, there is a possibility that it could contribute to a more stratified society. Those who have access to AI technology and can leverage its benefits may experience greater advantages compared to those who do not have access. This could potentially lead to increased inequality and social unrest. It is important for policymakers and society as a whole to consider the potential consequences of AI adoption and work towards ensuring equitable access and distribution of its benefits. It is thus important to carefully consider the potential benefits and risks of AI before deciding how to develop and use it. We need to ensure that AI is used in a way that benefits all of humanity, rather than just a select few. AI Impact On Myself and AI As Competition Over Human Superiority There is a reason I don't buy a machine to clean my house for me. I do it myself every other weekend. I love feeling the positive pain of exercise , even if a machine can clean better than me. I know that this pain of exercise, like the pain of deep thought, is a sign from my body and mind that I am becoming stronger and smarter as a person. Endurance/stamina are necessary requirements for development and progression. That is the nature of human biology, physically and mentally . While AI may be capable of writing articles more efficiently (something which I try to compete against), there are still unique qualities and perspectives that humans bring to the table. In a future where AI takes over most tasks, humans would have the opportunity to focus on activities that require creativity, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence, while AI would be focusing on much necessary basic work involving infrastructure . We could explore our passions, engage in meaningful relationships, pursue personal growth, and contribute to society in ways that go beyond the capabilities of AI. Our extended spare time could be dedicated to self-improvement , pursuing hobbies, volunteering, or even tackling grand challenges that require human resourcefulness . The possibilities are endless, and it's interesting to think about the new opportunities that could arise in a world where AI takes care of mundane tasks. But without regulation on AI technology and/or without focusing on human merit, by letting go of our intellectual superiority and their development, we gradually let go of our independence. Make sure you know what you are doing before you hand over a healthy task to someone—or something—else. It's important to consider the potential consequences of handing over tasks to AI without fully understanding the implications. AI has the potential to create a more divided society, where those with access and understanding AI prowess may benefit more than those without. And this would lead to new divisions not only between humans and AI, but also between humans and themselves. And as such, the whole advantage of AI can be described by its ability to produce merit while reducing human effort (and everything else associated with human effort).

(Philosocom's Directory on AI) (Philosocom Asceticism Directory) (Background music) Science fiction writers foresee the inevitable , and although problems and catastrophes may be inevitable , solutions are not. -- Isaac Asimov Introduction For decades, science fiction authors have warned us about the "Cyberpunk" future. They painted pictures of neon-drenched streets, overpowering corporation s, and a desperate populace living in the shadows of high technology . We treated these stories as entertainment , failing to realize they were prophecies. That future is no longer fiction ; it is the economic reality arriving on our doorstep . We are entering a historical turning point, driven by the rapid ascent of Artificial Intelligence. The old social contract—the "rat race" where one trades labor for survival and status—is cracking. As machines become capable of performing not just physical labor but cognitive tasks better, faster, and cheaper than humans, the value of the average human worker is drop toward zero. This earth-shattering shift is triggering a Great Division of humanity . The familiar bell curve of the middle class is collapsing into a stark U-shape distribution of power and agency. In this emerging cyberpunk-esque age, the center cannot hold. As such, only two distinct archetypes will thrive: those who rig the game of life, and those wise enough to refuse to play it altogether. The Collapse of the Middle Ground For the majority of the population, this transition will be experienced as a slow-motion dystopia . These are the people who were raised to believe in the old rules: get an education , get a job, work hard, and retire. They are now finding that the game board has been flipped over. Instead, they are forced into a two-front war they cannot win. On one front, they compete against billions of other desperate humans for a shrinking pool of "human-necessary" jobs. On the other, they compete against an AI that doesn't sleep , doesn't unionize, and improves significantly every year. This is the "high tech, low life" reality for the masses. They will have access to incredible technology—instant entertainment, hyper-realistic dopamine delivery systems right in their pockets (AKA smartphones)—but their economic relevance will cease to exist. Historians, like Yuval Noah Harari, may call them the "Useless Class," not as an insult , but as an economic form. Their struggle to remain relevant in a system designed to obsolete them will be the defining tragedy of this cyberpunk era. Archetype One: The Game Riggers At one extreme of the new reality sit the Masters of the New Economy—the Riggers. In a world where labor holds no value, ownership  becomes the only source of traditional power . These are the technocrats, the owners of the algorithms , the architects of the platforms upon which the rest of the world operates. They do not work in  the system; they are  the system. The Riggers understand that when AI handles production, the only remaining human utility to exploit is consumption  and attention . Their dominance is maintained by keeping the masses pacified with cheap digital distractions while harvesting their data to refine the very machines that replaced them. They have rigged the game so that every interaction, every click, and every moment of a user's brainrot deposits value into their accounts. They will thrive insanely, insulated in ivory towers of wealth, far removed from the reality of the streets below. Archetype Two: The Ascetic Sovereigns At the other extreme sits the only other group capable of thriving: The Ascetics. These are the individuals who looked at the rigged game, saw the futility of the middle ground, and made the radical decision to step off the board. The Ascetic is the natural predator of the consumerist system because they cannot be baited. In an age of hyper-consumerism meant to pacify and exploit the displaced masses, not needing  is the ultimate superpower. The Ascetic practices the strategy of subtraction. By ruthlessly eliminating desires for "shallow things," status symbols, and external validation , they lower their cost of living to near-zero. If AI makes the basic necessities of survival cheaper (which it likely will) , the Ascetic needs vastly less money to maintain their "Pocket Dimension" within the bigger world. This grants them immunity to the coercive power of the Riggers. If you do not crave what they are selling, they have no power over you. The Ascetic uses the tools of the age—AI, the internet , decentralized information—not to become a better employee, but to become more self-sufficient. They are the "Sovereigns" of their own micro-worlds, disconnected from the adversary reality of the rat race, thriving in the quiet pockets they have constructed. The Paradox: A Fortunate Dystopia This future is a profound paradox. It is simultaneously a nightmare and a liberation, depending entirely on your relationship with the "game" of life. For the person whose identity is tied to their job, their social status, and their ability to consume, the AI age is a terrifying dystopia where they are rendered obsolete. But for the person willing to step out of the game, it is a fortunate reality. We are approaching a point where the necessity of labor could finally be abolished. We are returning to a structure similar to ancient Athens, where a class of people had the leisure to pursue philosophy, art , and passion —only this time, the slave labor supporting that leisure is digital, not human. The future of work is being redefined from "survival" to "meaning." When you no longer have  to work to eat, you are faced with the terrifying freedom of deciding what truly matters. The masses will try to fill that void with distraction, provided by the Riggers. The Ascetics will fill it with creation, philosophy, and the pursuit of their true passions in the vast amounts of free time suddenly available to them. The middle ground is gone. The freedom of choice is now crucial: remain a dependent player in a rigged casino , or become the sovereign ascetic of your own reality. The cyberpunk future is here; your survival depends on which archetype you choose to embody.

The Subcategory Directory When Trapped Inside a Virtual World -- The Metaphysical Philosophy of Overlord Computers - Isolation and Togetherness Thoughts and Questions On Virtual Philosophy -- Inspecting the Recent Layer of Reality Virtual Dictatorships and Plutocracies -- How Humanity is Being Shaped The Philosophy of the Matrix (By Mr. Ogbule Chibuzo Isaac) (And All of His Articles) The Problems with the Computer Simulation Theory and the Eternal Void Thoughts On Remote Work -- How Virtuality Leads to the Decline of the Physical Environment Recognition of "Force" -- The Philosophy of Razor Reapkvar https://www.philosocom.com/post/life-tests-and-solitude https://www.philosocom.com/post/the-button https://www.philosocom.com/post/social-media https://www.philosocom.com/post/hidden-gem The Internet and How to Eradicate Boredom (Background music) The Metaverse 2023 Note: Even though Mark Zuckerberg's metaverse is now probably irrelevant, the general concept hasn't "died" yet. Lately, Facebook, one of the largest social media corporations in the world, changed its name to "Meta." This shift symbolized a broader ambition: to position itself as a key player in the so-called "Metaverse," a term for a future digital realm where virtual realities will supposedly blend seamlessly with our daily lives... This rebranding was marketed as though it heralded a new era , positioning Meta as the architect of a virtual, immersive universe. Now, what is Zuckerberg’s "metaverse," really, and how is it supposed to affect our lives? In short, Meta’s “Metaverse” is envisioned as a VR-based system where people can perform daily activities within a virtual space rather than a physical one. The concept may seem revolutionary on the surface... However, VR technology has been with us for years, accessible to people worldwide. It is told that the first virtual reality head-mounted display was created in 1968. Ironically, Zuckerberg’s vision seeks to distinguish itself by proposing a seamless, "physical-feel" digital world where you can interact with avatars, objects, and environments in a manner that mimics physical reality itself. Yet, it is hard to see such a concept as innovative, given it lacks originality. Understanding Meta’s Vision: The "Materialization" of the Digital Meta’s proposed Metaverse would transform platforms from "social networks" into "social environments.": Unlike a traditional social media app, where interactions are mostly limited to text, images, and videos, the Metaverse promises to create spaces you can walk through spaces, and interact with people and objects almost as if in physical space. This takes the idea of virtuality far more seriously, as virtuality literally means "near reality". This shift would reframe our relationship with the internet, turning it into something akin to an alternate, navigable world with a social, professional, and economic infrastructure. Imagine Philosocom, for instance, evolving from a digital library of ideas to an interactive, VR-enabled "world" of philosophical exploration. Rather than scrolling through articles, readers would "walk" through a virtual space filled with rooms, each representing different philosophical realms or thought experiments. The idea may evoke curiosity, but it raises questions, too, about the potential costs—culturally, psychologically, and financially —of turning information-based environments into fully immersive experiences. The Corporate Grip on Reality A fundamental issue with this "meta-reality" is that it would not be public or open-source. Rather, it would belong to a privately-held corporation. Corporations are basically non-state dictatorships that shape humanity. In same cases, a private corporation can be more powerful in resources than many nations in the world that remain ignored and obscured by the globe. This means that the structure, rules, and access to this "reality" would be controlled by a handful of companies, ruled by executive officers you cannot even elect. Corporations would dictate the limits, charge for entry, and perhaps even manipulate interactions within these environments to steer behaviors and, naturally, monetize every possible transaction. This would create a pseudo-theistic dynamic where the corporation, as the creator and controller of this "universe," has power over every action that takes place within it. Using the power of deductive reasoning , this means the VR universe will grow corrupt. If reality can be governed by a "God" in metaphysical or religious terms, in the realm of VR, this “God” would be the corporations that own and operate these virtual worlds. Unlike the attempt to determine the existence of gods , one can surely understand that these virtual dictators, are real. In Zuckerberg’s vision, Meta could place limitations on what avatars can do, where they can go, and which activities they can perform without incurring costs. These restrictions would drive monetization by embedding economic limitations and incentives directly within the virtual realm. These digital landscapes could quickly become authoritarian "worlds", where users must conform to the policies and regulations of their digital overlords. These policies, ultimately, are crafted not for the users’ benefit, but for the corporations' greedy profit. The Real Intent Behind a Virtual World Zuckerberg’s metaverse, along with any other corporate-driven VR world, is primarily profit-driven. By creating a space where physical and virtual realities merge, corporations would encourage users to spend more time—and therefore more money—in these controlled environments. Advertising potential alone is immense, with "billboards" in virtual streets and branded experiences within VR "real estate." The spaces within a VR world can be "owned," "rented," and "sold" just like physical properties, leading to a brand new economic dimension where every digital asset can be a revenue source. This was already seen in the virtual simulation game, Second Life, which was, yet ironically again, released in 2003. To this day there are literally virtual estate companies, based in "games" such as SL. Either way, this "vision" has major downsides.... It caters to corporate interests, often at the expense of meaningful human connection . If one desires to speak to someone, they could easily do so through existing technology without needing a digital avatar or virtual city to host the interaction. Meetings that could have taken place over a simple video call would now require VR headsets and subscriptions to enter a virtual boardroom. One could argue that these additional layers, while seemingly innovative, only add unnecessary complexity. The philosophy of Taoism showcases that there isn't not much need for great complications, and that these complications could go against our interest for better health. Redundancy and the Irony of Immersion The metaverse concept also reveals a redundancy— technology trying to recreate what we already have in the physical world. Why recreate cities, boardrooms, and cafes in VR when we have them in real life? The questions applies of course to people who like going outside, compared to people who, like me, are more a-social than social. While VR offers the novelty of inhabiting impossible spaces, such as walking on Mars or exploring the depths of an ocean trench, these are peripheral applications. The primary, everyday uses of the Metaverse—such as meeting colleagues or socializing—can already be achieved without the excessive application and funding of VR. Moreover, it is worth considering the psychological effects of spending time in artificial environments... Human beings evolved to navigate the real world, relying on physical senses and immediate interactions. Immersion in virtual spaces may disrupt natural rhythms, with potential consequences for mental health. Studies on VR use have revealed cases of disorientation, "cybersickness," and detachment from physical reality among long-term users. This detachment raises philosophical questions about the nature of reality itself: If we spend increasingly more time in artificial environments, do we risk blurring the line between what is "real" and what is simulated? The Ethical Quandary of a Meta-Reality The creation of "meta-realities" also introduces ethical dilemmas. With our lives and data constantly monitored by corporate entities , is it ethical for a company to have control over an individual's digital identity, property, and even interactions? The potential for abuse in such an environment is high. Data mining, surveillance, and psychological manipulation could become even more invasive in a metaverse context, with companies not only tracking what users see and do but also shaping their virtual "lives." In some ways, the Metaverse could mirror a dystopian universe where individual freedoms are curtailed under the guise of technological advancement. Instead of empowering individuals, a corporate-driven VR realm could enslave them, transforming users into digital "tenants" whose access to essential services is governed by terms of service agreements and payment plans. The “meta-reality” is thus not just a new layer of technology but a powerful, immersive extension of corporate influence into the most personal spaces of human experience. Unlike the internet of today, which still offers decentralized pockets of freedom and creativity , the metaverse could be a step towards a more uniform, controlled, and monopolized digital landscape. An Uncertain Future for Virtual Realities Zuckerberg’s "utopian" vision is, at best, a double-edged sword: It holds the potential for innovative collaboration, learning, and entertainment. However, its execution and ownership raise important questions about autonomy, ethical boundaries, and the future of human interactions. As we inch closer to this potential future, we must consider whether we want a world where digital identities are controlled and dictated by corporate monopolies. As much as we dream of exploring new realms, we must also ask ourselves what we are sacrificing in the process. Conclusions The metaverse might be a captivating concept, but it brings with it the potential for profound social, economic, and ethical implications. For all its promises of "connectedness," we should be wary of a virtual world that may, in fact, isolate us further from the realities that matter most... Genuine human connection, Freedom from tyranny and oppression , and, The irreplaceable experiences of the natural world, which humans are part of. The journey into VR may open new doors, but as always, we must tread carefully, recognizing that every door can also close off another path.

(Philosocom's Directory on Technology) (Philosocom's Directory On the Virtual Realm) (Background music) Introduction We have reached a unique singularity in human history. For the first time, as long as you have regular access to the internet, you should theoretically never be bored again. The internet is the largest "sea" of content ever known to mankind.  It is the modern Library of Alexandria, but one that expands infinitely every second. It does not matter if you have money to spend or if you are penniless; beyond the cost of the connection itself, the vast majority of human knowledge , art, and entertainment is available for free. Countless articles, videos,  games , and courses are created and published every day, waiting to be discovered, consumed, and played. With this extreme level of accessibility, one has to ask a difficult question:  Why is boredom still an issue?  Why do people staring at screens that hold the sum of human creativity still feel empty? The answer lies not in the lack of content , but in the lack of the self . The Master Key: English Proficiency If you have a significant portion of free time and access to the internet, there is one tool that is non-negotiable for combating boredom:  Proficient English. While the internet is global, its "operating system" is English. The vast majority of high-quality, diverse content—from academic lectures to niche hobbies to global entertainment—is produced in or translated into English. If you limit yourself only to your native tongue, you are browsing a local bookshelf while the rest of the world is exploring a digital universe. English is not just a tool for business success . English is a tool for mental liberation. The better your English, the wider your net becomes. If your current fluency is insufficient to keep you occupied, then learning the language itself becomes the cure for your boredom. It was the first step I took as a child to ensure I would never run out of worlds to explore. The Discipline of the Search However, access is useless without Discipline . Unlike physical exercise , which requires high energy investment and sweat, the discipline required to cure boredom is mental. It is the Discipline of Curiosity. Modern algorithms (like TikTok or YouTube Shorts) try to remove this discipline.  They spoon-feed you "content", so you don't have to search. However, this leads to a "zombie" state, where you become unnecessarily dependent on algorithms to dictate what are you going to consume. It is not genuine interest. Genuine interest would require you to break the bias-breaker hill of the algorithm , and explore the internet like it was originally intended. To truly eradicate boredom, you must be willing to lift the "mental weights" of searching. You must be patient enough to dig through the noise to find the signal. You must be willing to expose yourself to new creators, strange ideas, and long-form content that might not pay off immediately. In other words, you must overcome the temptation for instant gratification in the name of long-term satisfaction. This is where most people fail. They want to be entertained passively . But the cure for boredom is active exploration. Boredom as a Symptom of Self-Ignorance Boredom is subjective.  What bores one man might fascinate another. Therefore, if you are chronically bored, it is not an indictment of the world; it is an indictment of your own self-knowledge. Boredom indicates that you do not know yourself well enough to occupy your own mind. To reach a state where you are rarely bored, you must invest in Self-Discovery . What truly interests you? What topics light a fire in your mind? What do you despise? Once you achieve a sufficient amount of self-knowledge, the "Search" becomes easy.  You stop typing "funny videos" into the search bar and start typing specific, niche queries that feed your soul.  You spend less time looking  and more time consuming  because you already know what you are hungry for. The internet is like a mirror. If you stare into it and see nothing, it is because you have not yet defined who is looking back. Once you decided what you want to see, you can overcome the algorithmic pull, know more about yourself, find content you wouldn't otherwise find, and eradicate boredom for good. The Solitude Filter This brings us to the difficult topic of Solitude . Solitude is terrifyingly boring to many people because it forces them to depend entirely on their own internal resources. When you are alone, there is no "social noise" to distract you. There is no one else to carry the burden of the conversation. Hence the existence of the art of being alone. This is the prime reason the majority of society seeks constant company. Socializing  is often just "outsourcing" your entertainment to others. It kills time without requiring you to do the heavy lifting. Solitude  requires you to be your own entertainer, your own philosopher, and your own friend. As an advocate of solitude, I am not surprised when people tell me they prefer hanging out with others. It is the "Easy Mode" of existence. To hang out with yourself requires a stronger constitution.  It requires the ability to sit, alone and quietly in a room and generate your own meaning in a self-sufficient manner. The Blueprint for a Boredom-Free Life However, once you bridge that gap—once you know what to put in that search bar—boredom ceases to be a valid excuse. You need a plan. You need a Curriculum of the Self . If you know precisely what you want to learn, watch, or play, the internet transforms from a chaotic sea into a precise toolbox. I eradicated boredom from my life as a child. I taught myself English, I defined my interests, and I built a mental fortress where there is always something to do, read,  or write. The formula is simple: Access:  The Internet. Key:  English Proficiency. Map:  Self-Knowledge. Fuel:  The Determination to Search. Your gender,  your professional occupation , and your age are irrelevant. These barriers do not exist in the digital realm.  The only barrier is your willingness to engage with the infinite.

(Background music) Introduction Consumerism is the belief that acquiring goods and services is beneficial to both the economy and one's personal well-being. Economically, this is true to a degree. There are countless jobs that require constant, repetitive consumption to exist. Entire industries finance themselves by selling things that are fundamentally unnecessary for a life of satisfaction and happiness. While the culture of consumerism is necessary for the sustainability of those who provide  these goods, it is not  necessary for the people to remain in a constant state of unnecessary shopping "crusades." The Economic Trap: Who Are We Saving? Consumerist culture is inherently more beneficial to sellers than to buyers. Without the continuous activity of unnecessary shopping across global trading centers, mass layoffs would be inevitable. Companies cannot sustain losses; when the buying stops, the firing begins. This leads to a difficult ethical question: Are we, the consumers, responsible for the livelihoods of those who provide us with unnecessary goods? The answer is, of course, no . We live in a world largely built on free-market economies, driven by competition . It is not the responsibility of the individual to ensure the sustainability of a business that sells useless products. We are not charities for failing business models. The False Blurring of "Want" vs. "Need" Consumerism itself hasn't blurred the distinction between wants and needs. Rather, conformity and herd mentality  have. There is a pervasive notion that we "ought" to be like everyone else—that we "need" to be accepted as normal within our social circles. This social anxiety leads to peer pressure, forcing us to buy unnecessary things simply to fit in. The Manipulation of Language The way we use language plays a massive role in this deception . We often use words like "must"  and "need"  to convince ourselves and others that a purchase is essential for a "well-lived life." However, what constitutes a well-lived life is up to interpretation. Managing an article empire is fulfilling to me, but it might not be to you. A specific car might matter to a collector, but not to a commuter. This is exactly how Clickbait  works. By telling us in a headline that we "must" watch a video or "need" a product, content creators manipulate our fear of missing out to generate traffic and revenue. Ultimately, it comes down to profit. Providers make money by convincing you that a desire is a necessity. Even if the reason is deceptive, it is effective. Brand Loyalty vs. Biological Necessity If you embed a brand deeply enough into society, you increase the chances of people consuming unnecessary products under the guise of necessity. The Reality Check: You do not need a McDonald's  just because you are hungry. You do not need a Coca-Cola  just because you are thirsty. You need to eat and to drink.  Those are the biological necessities. The specific brand is a choice, not a need, especially when you have plenty of healthier, cheaper options. Conclusion: The Ascetic Advantage The Ascetic knows this truth well. Consumerism is vital for the people whose job it is to sell you things you don't need. By convincing you that you "must" have them, you extend the duration of their employment and the lifespan of their company. Therefore, consumerist culture is necessary for one category of people (the sellers) , but it is often harmful to the other (the customers). Can you live a well-lived life with nutrition that is both tasty and healthy, without buying into the hype? If the answer is yes , then countless brands are rendered unnecessary, regardless of their marketing budget.

(Background music) Introduction Generalizations are easily proven wrong if we take them literally. When people use absolute words like "every" or "always," they usually miss the nuance of reality. One of the most common, yet incorrect, arguments in modern society is the phrase: "Everything costs money." Should we be more literal in our understanding , we realize this is simply not true. There are foundational human activities that require zero payment. In fact, the more you engage in them, the more money you save by avoiding the paid alternatives pushed by consumer culture. The Trinity of Free Essentials There are three main activities in life that, theoretically, anyone can do without investing a single cent: Resting/Relaxation Sleeping Exercising While the market tries to sell us "paid settings" for these activities—like gym memberships, yoga classes, or luxury mattresses—the acts themselves remain free. 1. Sleep and Rest: Money Cannot Buy Peace Money can buy a bed, but it cannot buy sleep. You can sleep on the ground, on a bench, or in a sleeping bag for free. Conversely, you can buy the most expensive mattress in the world and still suffer from insomnia. The product does not guarantee the result. Relaxation is similar. You do not need a spa day to relax. Deep breathing. Muscle relief techniques. Meditation. Simply doing nothing . These are commonly free methods that require nothing but your time and self-discipline. While people with specific medical conditions may need medication to cope, for the vast majority, idly sitting or lying down is sufficient to reduce stress. In a hyper-active world, doing nothing has its own profound perks. 2. Exercise: Fitness is Free, Gyms are Not As long as you are not completely paralyzed, you can maintain good physical shape without paying a dime to the massive fitness industry. Body Weight Exercises:  Push-ups, sit-ups, squats. Cardio:  Walking, jogging, running. Expression:  Dancing within the confines of your home. No one charges you for moving your body in a public park or your own living room. One does not need to be a bodybuilder to be healthy . Being "cheap" regarding fitness is wise when you can invest those resources elsewhere while still achieving your health goals. 3. The Ascetic Advantage: Prayer and Solitude For the more spiritually inclined, there is a powerful bonus: Prayer is free. In religions that practice monasticism or asceticism, prayer is often done in solitude , requiring no public institution, donation, or group participation. Religious hermits are a prime example of this self-reliance. Even if you are simply a theist without a specific religion, coming up with your own prayers or mantras costs nothing. It combines spirituality with the calming effects of meditation, all for free. Bonus: The Value of Free Advice Another often-overlooked free resource is advice . Whether it is asking a stranger for directions, consulting a family member , or seeking help on an online forum for a video game or relationship trouble— wisdom is often shared freely. Anonymity can make this even easier. Having friends or a community is a form of wealth that does not require a transaction. Conclusion: Financial Wisdom Through Simplicity The more solitary and ascetically you live, the more you realize you can provide services to yourself. Unless you are an infant or a wilderness hermit, you will inevitably spend some money to survive. However, by embracing these free essentials, you can pay as little as possible. Being "cheap" is not a flaw; it is a strategy. By rejecting the consumerist urge to monetize every aspect of your life—from your sleep to your workout—you can watch your bank account slowly grow. You grant yourself better financial security because you have learned the ultimate truth: Not everything comes with a monetary price.

(Subcategory on Flaws) (Philosocom video game subcategory directory) (Background music) Introduction Countless video games, both good and bad, are built upon the philosophy of the "Free to Play" (F2P) system. To put it simply, this business model offers free access to anyone with an internet connection. However, while the entry is free, the experience is designed to extract real money from the player at every turn. The term "Free to Play" is often a disguise for what these applications truly are: unregulated, virtual casinos. The Mechanics of the Trap: What is a Loot Box? Before the creation of the F2P model, video games were simple products: you paid a single price, and you owned the complete experience. Today, that model has been replaced by "Microtransactions." The most predatory form of this is the Loot Box . To understand why this is relevant, imagine a Loot Box as a digital mystery package. It contains in-game benefits—troops, equipment, costumes, or power-ups. However, what all loot boxes share is uncertainty . You do not know what you are buying. You might pay a ridiculous amount of money only to receive an item you did not want. The outcome depends entirely on chance (RNG). This is the exact definition of a casino: A gambling den where you put money down without knowing if you will win or lose. Even if you don't know how to play Poker or Blackjack, modern games allow you to "gamble" instantly via these boxes. The Accessibility of Addiction The tragic reality is that physical casinos are no longer necessary for one to ruin their financial life. With the omnipresence of smartphones, the casino is now in everyone's pocket. "Free to Play" games have massive flaws that society largely ignores: Universal Access:  Anyone with an internet connection, including small children and vulnerable adults, can access these gambling mechanics. Lack of Responsibility:  Companies are rarely held legally responsible for these predatory designs. They argue that purchases are "voluntary" and that they do not force anyone to gamble. I have played these games myself. I admit there is a thrill in the gamble. However, this thrill is a weapon. It turns ordinary people into gambling addicts, leading them to spend thousands of dollars they cannot afford—often chasing items that are practically useless compared to real-world necessities like food or rent. The "Pay-to-Win" Reality There is a specific frustration reserved for these games. You may spend a portion of your paycheck for a momentary gratification, only to realize it is futile. In the F2P ecosystem, there is always someone willing to pay far more than you. These "whales" (high spenders) render your own payments useless because, in many of these games, money buys power . You can be defeated simply because your opponent out-spent you. There is no skill involved, and those who spend more win more, leading to the creation of an unjust virtual dimension. The Vanishing Investment: You Own Nothing There is a final, critical warning that every player must heed: Digital permanence is a lie. Unlike physical goods or older video games, online F2P games can become defunct at any moment. The game might not be profitable enough for the company. The servers might be shut down. The app might be delisted. When the game is lifted off the air, your hard-earned money vanishes with it. You are renting a digital addiction, not buying a product. And, in many cases, you also surrender your privacy for it, as well. The Solution: Return to Tradition The philosophy of "Free to Play" is deceptive, both practically and ethically. It relies on tempting players into an indefinite loop of spending. If you wish to avoid this trap: Avoid F2P games altogether.  If you don't want to be tempted, do not enter the casino. Choose older games or "Premium" games.  Look for titles with a one-time purchase price. It may cost more upfront, but it will save you a fortune in the long term. We must recognize these games for what they are. They are not gifts; they are lures.

Article Summary by Mr. Roland Leblanc One day or the other, reality is catching up on us; very few of us could use this reality as a mean to get ahead on our journey of evolving! Mr. Tomasio in this article is trying to get us to understand that bad things will happen despite our wish that it might be different ; why not take advantage of such experiences and gain some wisdom from the very annoying things that happen? In this article, he gets us to consider that his way of handling might also be a good way, (but not the only way), for any of us to go on our journey for getting to be the best version of who we are in reality! And by doing just this introspection act, we can gain in insights that can enable us to go ahead and get in a better situation handling the misfortunes that each of us do have to learn from! But, this does not mean that we cannot be more, t hat we cannot be a little more supportive and helpful (for each others)! (Background music) Have you ever woken up one morning, hoping for a good day, only to be confronted by forces beyond your control, who are allegedly eager to turn yor smile upside down? Have you ever looked up the news of today, hoping to be informed of one or two positive, encouraging messages, only to be bombarded by a series of depressing, pessimistic news one after the other, with no hope of anything different the next day, or the day after that? All you, can do at times, is either sit and endure the suffering , or "think positively" in a world that is arguably far from positive, at least in the eyes of this sensitive person. Or, of course, in many, many issues, from living expanse , political instability , and so on. Flaws and problems are usually not seen as opportunities for growth, let alone something to be proud of , but as concepts that could easily cripple one's spirits. All of this can be described as the "Not-Okay Paradigm" , AKA, the helpless belief that reality is, by definition, a pessimistic place of some sort—cold, alienating , repressing , faulty, and so forth—whereas positivity, on the other hand, is something that we ought to actively pursue, not something that already exists to the "naked" eye. P ositivity/happiness can be seen as fleeting. Many of you might know this much. A concept that isn't easy to both attain and recreate once more once its lost. Such is the reality of beings, such as myself, that either naturally or actively pursue focusing on what is not okay, rather on what's okay. To make philosophy more relevant, it is imperative that I focus specifically on what's not okay, in order to shed some of my insights on the subjects I cover. Hopefully I would be able to solve them as well, from a logical standpoint. However, please note that I do it on purpose, and do not mind being largely a pessimist. Emotions do not matter to me as much as they used to be, and I lost much of them regardless . I am not to be seen as similar to those who are involuntarily pessimist, and actively want to be happy. It's just agony to me. Nothing more. The reason I like to be alone so much and to write about it is that people don't seem to care about the personal aspect of a person ; about their feelings, about their honest opinions. It is always about the whatever task at hand, while the person is merely a representative of something else as in the case of salarymen , and not an entity by itself. The personal aspect at large seems either unwanted or even despised, as long as it deviates from the norms, as in the case of racism or people who are merely seen as arrogant. This in theory show how anti-social our civilization has become -- We don't care about your feelings, about whether you're okay or not -- as long as you do what WE want in the way and form WE wish you to do, you will be either praised or left alone unbothered by our harassment. This makes people stressed to conform and follow the orthodox ways of society. All of this brings me to the question I've been asking for many years: why should one love or at least want to be in the External World, while it can be so eager not only to tell them that they are not okay, but also rarely considers that the the individual is a human being with emotions, desires, a voice to be heard? I also have similar questions of that kind. Slowly I became dead inside just to survive in such a harsh world better. For many, we are but units that are labeled under different categories, and almost nothing beyond that. The personal aspect is cringe; the distress, annoying; the emotionality, uncalled for; and the sensitivity, laughable. Rare seem to be the people who look at the person as more than a unit of a certain functionality and a certain competence to fulfilling it. Not as a doer, but as a being that exists beyond the sum of their deeds. The people who are actually interested in the personal wellbeing of a person even if they are not their friends -- strangers, even; the commenters who consider the possibility that their comment can cause more harm than good, with the obvious potential to reduce it; and the list goes on. Contrary to popular belief, humanity does not appear to be an inherent trait within every person, even though its very name assumes it is. I don't mind anymore to live in the paradigm/world view that says that the world is by nature not okay. I used to want to live in an okay world, even if far from perfect, where I would feel serene if not happy; A world of color that has a sense of general positivity; a world where someone's self-sacrifice would actually matter and not be ignored as a common detail that regularly occurs like the weather. That was my desire until I realized that, as long as I want that, I will unnecessarily suffer. And I only need suffering that would teach me, make me stronger, and help me work. You know, practical agony. Agony for me to endure, and for you, my readers, to learn from. The world can be a happier place to live in, for most if not all of us, but it is just we that make it be less than colorful; less of what it could've become. However, we may be busy remaining in a state of submissive apathy. This desire isn't unrealistic, but on the grand scheme of things, as long as we will disregard others as we currently do, the possibility of making the world a better place to live in, shall remain too impractical. The alienation can be fought like it fights some of our mental condition. I don't know if this article will make a change, but until then, I prefer to partially abstain from this world, in hopes of a more productive life, and a less traumatized self. It seems that there has to always be an approved "way" to be, to exist, in order to get along with the world, even if the other "ways" deserve legitimacy too. My partial abstinence is one of those ways; a defying way -- one that defies the common belief that the world is okay as it is. But no, traumatizing each other so naturally is not okay.