Foolosophy
Foolosophy is a spiritual movement and philosophy that encourages self-discovery, personal growth, and engagement with the world in a compassionate and meaningful way. It is based on a combination of myth, metaphor, and teachings from various spiritual and philosophical traditions, as well as scientific understanding. The Foolosophy community comprises individuals from diverse backgrounds who are united by their shared pursuit of wisdom, curiosity, and self-improvement.
Overview
Foolosophy combines elements of Eastern and Western spiritual traditions, emphasizing the importance of metaphor and the power of myth in shaping human understanding. At its core, Foolosophy encourages its members to question conventional wisdom, embrace their innate curiosity, and strive for personal growth.
Fools and Trolls
Fools and Trolls are terms used to describe individuals or groups of people that often challenge conventional wisdom, provoke reactions from others, and exhibit certain behaviors that can be seen as humorous, subversive, or enlightening. These labels have been embraced by some as a form of self-identification.
Foolosophy
Type
Founder
Origin
Official website
Earth 12,020 HE.
Fools
​Fools are individuals who recognize their own limitations and the vastness of human knowledge. They often embrace their status as a fool in order to learn from their experiences and grow intellectually.
Fools are characterized by several core beliefs:
​1ST NOBLE TRUTH: The truth will set you free, but first it might piss you off… Life involves Pain*.
3RD NOBLE TRUTH: But there is no need to Suffer*… changing one’s relationship to pain CAN eliminate suffering from life.
2ND NOBLE TRUTH: Suffering* comes from desire, and the worst suffering comes from unobtainable desires, such as the desire for a life with NO pain.
4TH NOBLE TRUTH: A man ought to have a creed, a code, a way of life to live by… find a perennial philosophy to suit your fancy, and you will learn to overcome desire.
No one can tell you you’re a fool, and if they do, you won’t believe them… It is simply a glorious realization one must have for themselves, and once they do, they’ll wear title like armor.
​Humility is the only way to become immune to humiliation.
Some fools are unable to come to conclusions… Wiseman are all too ready to come to conclusions… But a few fools have learned better than to come to conclusion.
​Delusion is the human Superpower. The universe, or god, or whatever, is simply TOO vast to know, and TOO big to live in as IT is. We can go out and explore and wonder about IT during the daytime, but each of us MUST construct a much smaller bubble of comfortable delusion in which to go to sleep at night called “Home”.
Fools also live by a set of ethics that prioritize getting things done, earning enough credit to enable future work, and surviving long enough to accomplish their goals.
The Fool’s Ethics: Safety 3rd!!
​1: Get stuff done, and do GOOD work (golden rule).
2: Get enough credit to enable MORE good work in the future (Capitalism, so long as not conflicting with 1).
3: Survive long enough to DO the good work (safety, so long as doesn’t conflict with 1&2).
Fools are known for their appreciation of various religious and spiritual perspectives and their desire to learn from different sources of wisdom.
Trolls
There are 3 distinct characteristics that fit all the definitions that are both common and useful:
1) They say stuff to get a reaction out of others, or “to get a rise out of them”.
2) Trolls don’t take anything seriously, “they’re only in it for the Lulz” (lol plural).
3) They’re thought to be invincible, “you can never win against a Troll”.
From there, there are two distinct types of Trolls, Dark Trolls, which are by far the most prevalent, and Light Trolls which are far rarer. While the above description fits both types, it is applied in dramatically different ways.
They want to "get a rise out of you"
Dark Trolls say puzzling things JUST to get a rise out of you, or confuse and upset you. Whatever discussion they are engaging in, they are only involved with it insofar as it enables them to find out where your buttons are so they can press them. However Light Trolls say puzzling things to REALLY get a rise out of you, to get you questioning your prior assumptions, and to elevate you in some way. While they will still say things that sound puzzling at first, they only feel they succeed if you solve the puzzle.
They're "in it for the Lulz"
Dark Trolls are only in it for their own Lulz, that’s why they’re willing to say whatever it takes to get you confused, so they can get one up on you, and laugh AT you. For Dark Trolls, there is no need for others to get the joke, however an entourage WILL encourage them. Light Trolls on the other hand see the lulz as an indicator the puzzle has been solved. They know that the best way to get someone engaged with a new idea is to find a clever way to get them to laugh about it. In this way, they are still only in it for the Lulz, but Light Trolls are looking to laugh WITH you.
"You can never win against a troll"
You can never win against a Dark Troll because of the aforementioned lack of sincerity. This means they were never really in the discussion or debate with you to begin with. They say whatever, and once they’ve had their Lulz, they’ll bail, leaving you confused and upset. However Light Trolls are “invincible” for quite another reason altogether, “you can never win against* a Light Troll” because they won’t let you enter into direct confrontation with them in the first place, even if you make fun of them or call them names ... This is why the ones who give the Light Troll the greatest challenge, and for that reason the most fun lol, and indeed the ones who need Light Trolls MOST are Dark Trolls. When a Light Troll meets a Dark Troll, they feel sorry for them, they know Dark Trolls are just ignorant of the much more enjoyable time they could be having getting along with others...For this reason, the Light Troll sees the Dark Troll as being in need, they want to help, and perhaps educate if possible... But they don’t feel angry at them, or want to punish them in any way.
​No matter what, the Light Troll will stay the course, not take things seriously or personally, and always aim for common ground, and “as far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with ALL persons”... that is the game of the Light Troll.
Light Troll Tool Box
While trolling is a performance art, for the sake of getting the ideas to fit on a more static webpage, it can be thought of as a craft, and one to be performed by a skilled artisan. In this analogy, just as a skilled carpenter can make quality cabinets with the appropriate tools out of the appropriate wood, a skilled Light Troll, with the appropriate tools can make quality lulz out of the appropriate memes.
Character
The Light Troll’s character is kept in the smallest drawer of the tool box. This is because the Light Troll knows it’s important to keep one’s character simple in order to open one up to acquire the largest body of knowledge possible The Light Troll knows that when trying to have I to I interactions, the fewer of our little attachments and character embellishments we bring to the meeting, the easier making the connection will be.
Moral Compass
The Golden Rule or Little Tao is a mental tool for managing our intentions by helping us to orient ourselves in the world and relate to it, and the “ideologies and religions” of the world are the bodies of knowledge we’ve collected with that process (which is analogous to having an almost magic compass that can tell where you ought to go).
The Bit
​The Bit will be a shorthand counterintuitive platitude that the Troll will not only keep in mind themselves, but that they can also use as a puzzle to hand to others so they can correct for when their intuition might let them down as well.
Socratic Chisel
“The Socratic Chisel” is the name I have come up with for the process of dealing with misconceptions through a process of finding the next most appropriate question for the topic under discussion.
Layman's Compasses
​This time we are thinking of a “compass” from geometry class. Just as the Compass can be use to choose a point, and ascribe an appropriate circle around it, the Layman’s compass can be used for when a point has been missed, and it might be necessary to talk in circles around the point until it is finally well defined enough for the topic at hand.
The Fool's Reading List
The Fool's Reading List is a curated collection of texts from various spiritual and philosophical traditions, as well as scientific sources. The list is divided into six categories, each with its own theme, suggesting the importance of addressing multiple aspects of human understanding and growth. The list is structured to guide members on their journey of self-discovery and personal growth, and serves as a foundation for Foolosophy teachings.
​The list can be seen as an attempt to provide a comprehensive, interdisciplinary education, spanning philosophy, science, history, spirituality, personal development, ethics, and even fiction. The structure of the list is designed to guide readers on a journey of self-discovery, intellectual growth, and practical life skills. The thematic categorization encourages readers to explore different aspects of human experience, while also fostering connections between the various works. It is a multifaceted educational experience, inviting readers to engage with a diverse array of perspectives and ideas. The structure of the list, with its thematic categorization and emphasis on interdisciplinary connections, encourages readers to think holistically and develop a well-rounded understanding of themselves and the world around them.
Fool's Reading List
1. Any fool knows...
- The Ultimate Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy
- Plato’s Republic
- Chaos: Making of a new science
- What if
- The Big Picture (Carroll)
- Guns, Germs, and Steel
- Sapiens
- Enlightenment now (Pinker)
- Life 3.0
- Consciousness explained
- The perennial philosophy.
2. Role playing...
- Zen and the art of motorcycle maintenance
- The Hero with a Thousand faces
- King Warrior Magician Lover
- Psychotherapy East and West
- The Moral Landscape
- Living buddha, living Christ
- The way of the Bodhisattva
- The Four Loves.
3. Never Break Character...
- Nicomachean Ethics
- Dhammapada
- Radical Honesty
- The 5 love languages
- Gurdjieff a beginners guide
- The book: on the taboo against knowing who you are
- Towards a Psychology of Being
- Kant in 90 minutes
- Bhagavad Gita
- Meditations (Aurelius)
4. Have some Imagination...
- I, Robot
- Revelation Space
- Star Maker
- Foundation
5. CAUTION: these books contain power, should be read last, and handled with EXTREME caution...
- How to win friends and influence people
- 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
- Talking to strangers
- The Lucifer Effect
- The dictator’s handbook
- 48 Laws of Power
- The Laws of Human Nature
- Just the arguments
6. Don’t forget the little things...
- The Book of Awesome
1) Any fool knows...
This category includes books that touch upon foundational aspects of human knowledge, philosophy, and science. These books provide a broad understanding of the human experience, its history, and its implications for the future. The Ultimate Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. Plato’s Republic. Chaos: Making of a New Science. What If. The Big Picture (Carroll). Guns, Germs, and Steel. Sapiens. Enlightenment Now (Pinker). Life 3.0. Consciousness Explained. The Perennial Philosophy.
2) Role playing...
This category focuses on personal development, spirituality, and understanding one's role in society. These books promote self-reflection and the cultivation of moral character. Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance. The Hero with a Thousand Faces. King Warrior Magician Lover. Psychotherapy East and West. The Moral Landscape. Living Buddha, Living Christ. The Way of the Bodhisattva. The Four Loves.
3) Never Break Character...
This category emphasizes ethical behavior, personal integrity, and genuine human connection. Nicomachean Ethics. Dhammapada. Radical Honesty. The 5 Love Languages. Gurdjieff: A Beginner's Guide. The Book: On the Taboo Against Knowing Who You Are. Towards a Psychology of Being. Kant in 90 Minutes. Bhagavad Gita. Meditations (Aurelius).
4) Have some Imagination...
This category contains science fiction works that foster creativity and imaginative thinking, encouraging readers to envision alternative worlds and possibilities. I, Robot. Revelation Space. Star Maker. Foundation.
5) CAUTION: these books contain power, should be read last, and handled with EXTREME caution…
This category includes books on influence, persuasion, and power dynamics. These books offer practical guidance but come with a warning due to their potential for manipulation and ethical concerns. How to Win Friends and Influence People. 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. Talking to Strangers. The Lucifer Effect. The Dictator's Handbook. 48 Laws of Power. The Laws of Human Nature. Just the Arguments.
6) Don’t forget the little things…
This category features a single book, reminding readers to appreciate the small joys and pleasures of life. The Book of Awesome: Neil Pasricha's collection of essays celebrating everyday moments of happiness and wonder.
The Ourstory Cosmology
The Ourstory Myth serves as the foundation for Foolosophy, providing a framework for understanding the nature of existence and humanity's role in the universe. Ourstory mythology presents a unique pantheon of deities that represent fundamental aspects of existence, and their interactions shape the destiny of the universe and everything in it. The Ourstory mythology confronts nihilism by asserting that the deities embody core aspects of existence. These deities personify scientific principles and human experiences, with their interactions shaping the universe's destiny. The pantheon consists of Aether, Entropos, Progenia, Ziran, and Nafs.
Aether: God of Unity
Aether, known as "nothingness" in the modern world, represents the source of all potential and the Ground of All Being. Aether embodies the unity that underlies the opposition of Yin and Yang in Taoist philosophy and the concept of sunyata in Buddhism. Aether is connected to the idea of jijimuge, which suggests that all things are interconnected and interdependent while retaining their individual identities. References to Aether can be found in numerous books on The Fool's Reading List, such as the discussions of Taoism, Buddhism, and interconnectedness found in "The Perennial Philosophy" and "The Book: On the Taboo Against Knowing Who You Are."
Entropos: God of Chaos
Entropos, known as "entropy" in the modern world, represents the apparent order and apparent randomness of the universe and the steady march of time. Entropos is the "stuff" of the entire omniverse, and is the Yang (energy) to Progenia's Yin (information). Entropos is associated with the foundational physics described in "The Big Picture" and the concept of chaos theory explored in "Chaos: Making of a New Science."
Progenia: Goddess of Emergence
Progenia, known as "evolution" in the modern world, represents fertility and emergence. She is responsible for the creation of new life forms and ideas and the evolution of existing ones. Progenia embodies the Yin (information) to Entropos' Yang (energy). Her relationship with Just Saying is exemplified by the concept of Radical Honesty. Progenia is also connected to the evolution of memes and the scientific discussions found in "The Big Picture," "Guns, Germs, and Steel," and "Enlightenment Now."
Ziran: God of Knowledge
Ziran, known as "technology" in the modern world, represents the idea of naturalness and effortlessness. Ziran is intimately tied to mechanical technology and the abstract body of facts known as "Human Knowledge." The deity is connected to the concept of ziran in Zen Buddhism and the discussions of artificial intelligence and technology in "Life 3.0." The Fool's Reading List, particularly the sections focusing on knowledge and technology, is closely tied to Ziran's domain.
Nafs: God of Self
Nafs, known as "ego" in the modern world, represents the human experience and the ego. Nafs is associated with the concepts discussed in "The Bhagavad Gita," "Psychotherapy East and West," and "The Perennial Philosophy." Nafs embodies the individual's struggle with the ego and the pursuit of self-awareness and self-improvement.
Comparative Analysis
Each deity in the Ourstory pantheon represents a mysterious principle, with their modern interpretations pointing to our most rigorous and sophisticated understanding of each mystery. The deities' individual aspects are complemented by their interconnectedness, revealing a complex tapestry of human understanding and experience.
Aether's all-encompassing nature serves as a unifying force within the pantheon, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all aspects of existence. In contrast, Entropos represents the unpredictable and chaotic side of the universe, highlighting the delicate balance between order and disorder.
Progenia and Entropos share a unique relationship, with Progenia representing the creative force behind life and ideas, while Entropos embodies the inevitable decay and transformation of energy. This dynamic balance between creation and destruction mirrors the scientific principles of evolution and entropy, as well as the fundamental interplay of Yin and Yang.
Ziran's domain of knowledge and naturalness stands in stark contrast to Nafs' focus on the human ego and self-awareness. While Ziran encourages the pursuit of knowledge and the understanding of the world around us, Nafs challenges individuals to confront their own egos and develop a deeper understanding of themselves.
These deities also share connections with various religious and philosophical traditions, such as Taoism, Buddhism, and Hinduism. For instance, Aether's association with the unity of Yin and Yang and the concept of sunyata transcends cultural boundaries, while Nafs' connection to the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita highlights the universal struggle for self-awareness and inner growth.
Overall, the Ourstory pantheon provides a rich and multidimensional framework for understanding the complexities of human existence and the underlying principles of the universe. By drawing from diverse sources of knowledge and wisdom, the Ourstory mythology offers a unique perspective on the human experience and our place within the cosmos.
Foolosophy encourages its members to view the Ourstory myth metaphorically rather than literally. This allows Fools to explore the deeper meanings and truths contained within the myth, without being constrained by dogmatic belief in its literal interpretation. This metaphorical approach to spirituality is in stark contrast to many major world religions, which often promote a more literal interpretation of their sacred texts and traditions. The Fool's Reading List serves as an extensive resource for understanding the various aspects of the Ourstory pantheon. Each deity's association with specific books helps illuminate the connections between the gods and the scientific principles or philosophical ideas they represent. By exploring these works and others on The Fool's Reading List, readers can develop a deeper understanding of the Ourstory pantheon and the rich tapestry of ideas that inform their mythology.
Ourstory Epic
Chapter 1
In Chapter 1, a group of friends in their early twenties are taking a leisurely stroll through Central Park on a beautiful day. As they walk, they discuss various issues facing the world such as climate change, overpopulation, and resource scarcity. One of the friends, Tim, encourages living fast and dying young, while another, Dan, criticizes politicians for their inability to work together. John, the third friend, remains quiet but eventually speaks up, suggesting that there must be solutions to these problems and urging for an open mind and a willingness to listen to different perspectives. As they continue their walk, the conversation turns to more lighthearted topics. However, John can't shake the feeling of unease that had settled in his mind. The group encounters a mysterious figure under a bridge after Tim throws an empty bottle off the bridge and it comes back to hit him. The figure rebukes the group for littering and when asked why, he proclaims:
"Because, EVERYTHING IS YOU!"
​This statement leaves the young men feeling vulnerable and exposed. Tim and Dan hurry off, unsettled by the man's words, but John stays behind, intrigued by what the man has to say. The man tells John that he has a unique ability to understand the world and see connections between things that others cannot. Just as the man is about to reveal more about this ability, John's friends return and call for him. The man simply says, "See you around," and disappears back under the bridge, leaving John with many unanswered questions.
Chapter 2
In the second chapter, John encounters a group of loud protesters near City Hall. Among them is the mysterious man, Nafs, who encourages John to practice "Just Listening." This involves truly understanding the thoughts, feelings, and emotions of others without judgment or dismissal. Nafs describes "Just Listening" as a powerful superpower that enables people to connect and empathize with others. Initially, each protester appears absurd and fixated on their own beliefs, but as John practices "Just Listening," he finds common ground with them. He discovers that their concerns revolve around climate change, police transparency, and education. By truly hearing them out, the protesters' stances become more reasonable, and they are willing to engage in a constructive conversation. As the protest turns into a dialogue, John thanks the protesters for their time and ideas. They express gratitude for being heard and understood. Feeling accomplished and empowered, John looks for Nafs to share his success, only to find that he has disappeared.
Chapter 3
In Chapter 3, John continues his journey of self-discovery with Nafs, who introduces him to different religious perspectives. The chapter begins with John expressing excitement about his new-found ability to "read minds" thanks to Nafs' guidance. Nafs reminds John that it is not telepathy but simply "Just Listening" and warns him against jumping to conclusions about his newfound ability. This section uses absurdist comedy to emphasize the importance of questioning one's understanding.
"I'm not a fool!" Said John defensively. "Listen," said Nafs with a smile, "No one can tell you you’re a fool, and if they do, you won’t believe them. It is simply a glorious realization one must have for themselves, and once they do, they’ll wear the title like armor… More to the point, ONLY a fool can learn… Most are wiseman, still convinced they KNOW how the world works… and this is why no one can teach them ANYTHING."
John, intrigued by Nafs' wisdom, asks if he is God, to which Nafs responds with the Zen Buddhist concept of "Mu," meaning "not yes and not no." Nafs explains that the answer doesn't fit the context of the question and invites John to explore different religious perspectives to better understand the concept of God. That evening, John meets Nafs at the mosque, where they observe the evening prayers and listen to the Imam's sermon. As John listens, he notices the beauty and simplicity of the mosque, feeling a sense of peace and serenity. The verses of the Quran and the Imam's words occasionally resonate deeply with John, particularly when discussing unity, community, charity, and the equality of all humans.Nafs takes John to a Hindu temple on Saturday and a church on Sunday, and at each service, John notices similarities in the messages of love, compassion, and respect for others. The chapter uses absurdist comedy to emphasize the need for open-mindedness and exploration of different perspectives.
“Alright then," said John, "but if that IS the case, and each one of these religions says explicitly that human dignity is owed to every soul, then why do all these religions seem to be at each other's throats as soon as they walk out of their holy service?"
Nafs explains that people tend to hold tightly to their beliefs, becoming trapped in their perspectives and failing to see the beauty and truth in the perspectives of others. He emphasizes the importance of breaking down these barriers and finding common ground, even in the face of opposition from individuals like The Mayor. John questions why religions, despite preaching human dignity for every soul, seem to be at odds with each other. Nafs explains that this is due to the human nature to cling to their own beliefs and resist understanding others' perspectives. To help John grasp a new understanding, Nafs introduces him to Progenia, the fertility goddess Emergence, who represents the evolution and diversity of life. The meeting with Progenia is marked by absurdist comedy, creating a sense of visceral disorientation as John's perception of reality is altered.
The universe unfurled itself as color reversed direction and every taste got louder.“When am I?” asked John as a feeling of uncertainty grew outside him.
Progenia, an embodiment of evolution, shares her perspective on speaking for God. "Speaking for God means 'Just Saying," Progenia explained as the capital letters sounded. "Just as evolution moves forward through diversity and selection, humanity has evolved through the evolution of ideas. Humans participate in this process of creation whenever they speak sincerely about their own perspectives, NOT by trying to pass off their opinions as facts, but with the full weight of conviction and authority that can ONLY come when one knows they are sincerely sharing their opinion."
Through this conversation, John gains insight into the importance of individual perspectives in the evolution of humanity. Progenia emphasizes the significance of sharing personal opinions with conviction and sincerity, rather than attempting to pass them off as facts. Following his enlightening meeting with Progenia, John decides to share his newfound wisdom with the world by creating a YouTube video sermon. He spends several days working on the script, carefully crafting Progenia's message. However, just before he starts recording, Nafs calls and confronts John, questioning his decision to share Progenia's message instead of his own unique perspective. Nafs criticizes John's attempt to create an "inspiring, convincing, and sane" script, arguing that it is guaranteed not to be any of those things. Instead, Nafs emphasizes the importance of speaking for God through "JUST Saying" – expressing one's own message rather than that of any other figure or idol.
​“Speaking for God is ‘JUST Saying’... it’s not saying Progenia’s message, or even Ziran’s message, nor the message of ANY other idol you use to cope with what you’ve seen. Just Say YOUR message you fool!”
John realizes the significance of Nafs' words and discards his script, opting to speak from his heart and share his own perspective. The "Sermon on the YouTube" which John Delivers is a slightly updated version of "Desiderata" by Max Ehrmann, which encourages readers to seek peace and understanding in a chaotic world:
​Go forth with calm amidst the noise and chaos, and remember the peace that can be found in silence. [...] Speak your truth clearly and listen to others too, even those who may seem simple, for they too have a story to contribute.
John realizes that his role in this process is to share his own unique perspective, contributing to the evolution of ideas and humanity. The meeting with Progenia leaves John with a new sense of clarity and understanding, inspiring him to share this wisdom with the world. This effectively brings together all the different faiths of humanity with greater respect for each other, even while they each maintain distinct religious traditions.
Chapter 4
In Chapter 4, John experiences the unexpected success of his YouTube sermon, which resonated with many due to its modern and secular take on spirituality. He receives an invitation to participate in an interview with Dr. Ben Tenured PhD, a well-known and respected scientist with a large YouTube following. Despite his initial excitement, the interview takes a turn when they discuss the Large Hadron Super-Duper Collider, a project that promises to revolutionize particle physics.
During the conversation, John notices Dr. Tenured's evasiveness when asked about the practical benefits of the project and its ethical implications.
"I understand that you believe in the benefits of this project," John said, "but what about the cost of the project? Are we spending resources and money on something that may not have any tangible benefits for society? What about the impact on local communities and the environment? Can you tell me more about the measures being taken to address these ethical concerns?".
Dr. Tenured provides a dismissive response, emphasizing the advancement of science and understanding of the universe as the primary goal of the project. However, John senses that his words are not entirely genuine.
​Following the interview, John begins to research the Large Hadron Super-Duper Collider in more depth. He discovers that the project is not only costly but also has serious ethical concerns, such as the displacement of local communities and potential environmental impacts. Feeling a responsibility to raise awareness about these issues, John reaches out to the activist he met earlier in the story, only to find that she supports the project and believes in Dr. Tenured's integrity. Determined to reach a wider audience, John agrees to an interview with "The Rationalist," an atheist YouTuber known for his aggressive criticism of religion and spirituality. During the interview, The Rationalist attacks John's beliefs and accuses him of being a charlatan with no real solutions to offer.
​Despite trying to remain composed and engage in a productive conversation, John ultimately leaves the interview feeling humiliated and frustrated. This experience forces him to reflect on how he can use his ability to read minds in a way that will make a real difference in the world. John was walking home feeling humiliated and frustrated after his interview with The Rationalist when Nafs pulls up in a Taxi. As they talk Nafs provides John with insights on how to handle adversity and negativity. This section is important for understanding John's growth as a character and the development of the story's themes.
Nafs' Advice
Nafs emphasizes that John can't change others' minds but can choose how he responds to their negativity. He advises John to be like Diogenes, a true Cynic who respected the virtue in others, and not to be a misanthrope who refuses to see any virtue. Nafs tells John: "You're right, you can't change their minds. But you can choose whether you react like a mere chemical, or if you Respond as a Reasonable Being."
Good Vibes
Nafs explains that "good vibes" are not about always being positive, but about how well one can handle both positive and negative situations. He shares with John: "If we can learn to face the negative waves with courage and honor, and we learn to face the positive waves with humility and generosity, then we will always 'vibe well'."
Floating 2 Inches off the Ground
Nafs suggests that John should strive to "Float 2 Inches off The Ground", meaning rising above negativity and not allowing it to bring him down. He encourages John to have good faith that there are enough joyful people who will find philosophical questions provocative. Nafs then suggests that they go meet Entropos, the god of Chaos. Throughout this encounter, the text employs absurdist comedy to evoke a sense of spatial disorientation that both provides a cosmic perspective and forces a metaphorical interpretation. When John first meets Entropos, he notices that: "the entire omniverse was in the seat next to him [...]as he was suddenly squished between his door and the infinite void of the cosmos in the next seat".
Entropos provides guidance on the concept of "just doing," explaining that it is about embracing chaos and not being afraid of uncertainty: "Even if you knew all that IS, reality would still be uncertain. I AM all that IS, and I'm Just Doing, taking action on the bet posed by Aether. It is about understanding that chaos is not randomness, nor the enemy of order. Chaos is the balance of apparent randomness and apparent order in which you live".
This passage highlights the central theme of the chapter: the relationship between "apparent order" and "apparent randomness" and the importance of finding a balance between the two. As their conversation continues, John raises the question of whether scientists who lack important details are still "just doing." Entropos responds with a story that illustrates the importance of questioning one's own assumptions and motivations, as well as the need for open-mindedness and intellectual humility. Entropos also points out that if the scientists John encountered were truly "just doing," they would have either changed course or pointed out where he was mistaken. This observation highlights the importance of being open to new ideas and willing to change one's perspective in the face of new information.
​It is crucial to note that John was initially wrong in thinking that the collider project needed to be stopped altogether. Entropos reveals that the Super Duper Collider will eventually give humanity the key to fusion power, which will have a positive impact on geopolitics. John's mind-reading abilities unsettled Dr. Tenured, making him too nervous to talk about the unsure benefits of fusion that Entropos, the god responsible for physical laws, knows will actually work. This realization highlights the importance of not jumping to conclusions and being open to different perspectives.
Towards the end of the chapter, Entropos offers advice on how to find the balance between action and reflection, using the concept of the Tao as an example. He tells John: "That is the essence of 'Just Doing.' It is about letting go of control and embracing the unknown. Trust in yourself and your actions, and allow the universe to unfold as it will. Don't try to force things to happen, but instead, respond to the opportunities that arise. The Way itself will guide you, and as long as you stay true to yourself, you will find peace and fulfillment in your actions". This passage underscores the significance of trusting oneself and being adaptable in the face of uncertainty.
Nafs further elaborates on this concept with a story that emphasizes the paradoxical nature of the Tao and the importance of embracing the unknown. He says: "Remember, First Rule of Tao Club: One CANNOT talk about the Tao... Second Rule of Tao Club: There is no NEED to talk about the Tao."
By presenting these seemingly contradictory rules, the text highlights the need for a balance between action and reflection, as well as the importance of trusting in one's own path without the need for external validation. This chapter of the story presents a rich exploration of the relationship between "apparent order" and "apparent randomness," using absurdist comedy to create a cosmic perspective and offering valuable insights on finding a balance between action and reflection. The meeting with Entropos serves as a turning point for John, who begins to realize the importance of questioning his own assumptions, being open to new ideas, and not jumping to conclusions about the projects he encounters.
Chapter 5
​In chapter 5, John is ready to put his newfound powers to the test and bring the isolated scientists together.He knew he wanted to take action, but wasn't quite sure what that action should be. He decided to go for a walk to clear his mind, and ended up running into Nafs. Through the discussion with Nafs, John decides to start by using his newfound wealth from his YouTube success to organize a Zenposium while hiding his name. He invites all the major scientists in their respective fields to attend using his powers of Just Listening and Just Saying to craft personalized messages for each scientist.
Each scientist is excited by the personal invitation and flattering tone, and agrees to attend without questioning its oddity. Once the Zenposium begins, John takes the stage and reveals himself as the coordinator, surprising the scientists in attendance. He explains that he has no specific agenda for the Zenposium, but instead wants to encourage scientific discourse and collaboration. He tells them that the need for scientific solutions to humanity's problems is more important than building models and arguing about them, and that they should take more risks and "Just Do" more. Through the crowd's confusion, two voices emerge and we see the response of the crowd played out through the reactions of Dr. Tenured and “The Rationalist:.
Dr. Tenured's expression softened, and he nodded slowly. "I can see that," he said. "You're asking important questions, and you have the humility to recognize that others might have the answers."
​The Rationalist, on the other hand, was not impressed. "Oh sure, let's all support the YouTube star. I refuse to work with someone who hides their name."
Dr. Tenured stood up to The Rationalist. "The name doesn't matter. What matters is the impact we can have on society by working together."
John then tells the scientists that they are all free to conduct the conversation however they see fit, but the first person to walk away from this groundbreaking opportunity will likely face the ridicule of the mob. The scientists, with the exception of “The Rationalist”, see the opportunity to effect tangible change, become enthusiastic and begin to collaborate and discuss practical solutions to address humanity's priorities and values.
John was now filled with a sense of excitement and anticipation. He had brought all of these brilliant minds together for the purpose of scientific discourse and finding practical solutions to address humanity's priorities and values. With these thoughts in mind, John settled back in his seat. The chapter ends with John looking forward to what the future held, confident in his belief that they could make a difference.
Chapter 6
In Chapter 6, John is disheartened when the Zenposium is overshadowed by a tweet from the mayor. Despite his disappointment, John returns to the park to continue his quest for knowledge, hoping to meet Nafs. Nafs spots John and after hearing about his disappointment, he tells John that he has indeed been an instrument of change even if he cannot see it right now. John is frustrated by this answer and mocks Nafs saying “The lord dodges responsibility in mysterious ways?”. Nafs laughs as says he always thought John was clever then says: “Alright smart ass, if you really must know then we’ll go meet my little brother Ziran, the god of knowledge itself.
John tenses as he anticipated cosmic discombobulation, but Nafs explains that rather than a mystical encounter, John can just communicate with Ziran through a chat app on his smartphone. As Ziran states: Your smartphones and the internet are amazing, you just take them for granted now."
As they converse, Ziran discusses the five barriers to peace of mind with John: lust, spite, sloth, worry, and bad faith. These barriers distract people from the three superpowers that they all possess: the ability to read minds, speak for God, and float 2 inches off the ground. The text quotes Nafs saying: "But most people trip over those barriers and get hurt in practice. And even the wise men who try to avoid the barriers end up tripping over them in their performance."
Ziran then shares a version of the Four Noble Truths with John:
1ST NOBLE TRUTH: The truth will set you free, but first it might piss you off… Life involves Pain*.
3RD NOBLE TRUTH: But there is no need to Suffer*… changing one’s relationship to pain CAN eliminate suffering from life.
2ND NOBLE TRUTH: Suffering* comes from desire, and the worst suffering comes from unobtainable desires, such as the desire for a life with NO pain.
4TH NOBLE TRUTH: A man ought to have a creed, a code, a way of life to live by… find a perennial philosophy to suit your fancy, and you will learn to overcome desire.
When John asks how to fix the world, Ziran advises him to focus on changing himself and not to force social change, as everyone must take their own journeys to live in a humane and peaceful world. Ziran says: "John, the world isn’t broken and there are no ‘problems’ in the world as such, only situations. Some situations can be improved, some can be degraded, and there are some situations we cannot do anything about at all."
John acknowledges his sense of responsibility to make a difference but learns from Ziran that change must begin within oneself. Ziran explains that delusion is the human superpower, as the universe is too vast to know. Humans have no choice but to construct a much smaller bubble of comfortable delusion in which to go to sleep at night, which is what people call "home". Ziran emphasizes the importance of the scientific method as a mental tool for managing expectations and understanding how the world works. Nafs chimes in, saying: ."Science, grant me the power to change the things I can… Religion, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change… and Philosophy, guide me to the wisdom to tell the difference."
​Ziran agrees with Nafs, stating that no one would try to navigate using only a map or a compass; similarly, the art of navigation is analogous to the art of philosophy, which seeks the wisdom to know how to use scientific expectations and holy intentions effectively in each given situation. Ziran also emphasizes “Kindness is more important than wisdom, and realizing this is the beginning of wisdom” (-Thomas Ruben) and encourages John to understand that everyone must be allowed to take their own journey in life. He tells John that the true "sages" are not those who sit on top of a mountain, but rather those who are firmly grounded in the present and understand that the universe is not something to be conquered, but rather something to be lived in harmony with. As their conversation comes to an end, John asks Ziran about the meaning of life.
​“I see, thank you Ziran. This has been a truly eye-opening experience for me. I have one last question for you: What is the meaning of Life?”
Ziran: Life: /līf/ noun 1. the condition that distinguishes animals and plants from inorganic matter, including the capacity for growth, reproduction, functional activity, and continual change preceding death.
John: That’s a bit glib, don’t you think?
John pressed send, but then his screen went gray and a window popped up. It said: “Your free trial has expired. We apologize for the inconvenience.”
​With this newfound wisdom, John realizes that true change comes not from pushing for it, but rather from living in a way that is true to oneself and respectful of others. He understands that everyone must be allowed to find their own path and that true joy and peace come from “Just Living”.
Chapter 7
​In the final chapter, Chapter 7, John is content with the journey he has been on and the wisdom he has gained. However, his story takes a twist when he gets into an elevator and the demagogue, who has been a constant antagonist throughout the epic, steps in as well. As soon as the elevator doors close, the demagogue sighs and puts his hands to his face, showing a moment of vulnerability unaware he is not alone. John, using his ability to "read minds," tries to be compassionate and asks if the demagogue is having a rough day.
​The demagogue immediately becomes defensive and fires back an insult. But John is unphased and recognizes it as the Barrier of Spite. He tries to be amiable and feigns misunderstanding the insult as a sincere question, returning a friendly and playful response. The demagogue is unsettled by this, as they are not used to kindness.
The demagogue respects John's attitude, but tells him that it is ultimately foolish since the world will take advantage of kind people. John counters that it is the demagogue who is foolish for thinking that their defensive armor of insults can make them invincible, that is the attitude of children. True heroes are able to be vulnerable and want to be an advantage to the whole world, not just themselves.
John then shares his "Ourstory Universe truths" with the demagogue, John and the demagogue continue their conversation in the elevator, with John sharing the "Ourstory Universe truths" that he has learned on his journey. The demagogue is initially skeptical and dismissive, but as John uses the power of “Speaking for God” and starts speaking with conviction and sincerity, the demagogue begins to listen and truly hear the wisdom being shared. John explains the first truth:
"Life is better when you’ve got a story to tell yourself, life is more consistent when the story is true, and in times of stress it pays to keep the story simple and easy to remember."
The demagogue nods, recognizing the importance of having a narrative to make sense of the world around them. John then shares the second truth:
"My story: “IT is Eternally Here and Now, I Am Me, and IT will ALWAYS be bigger than Me.”
​The demagogue raises an eyebrow, intrigued by the idea that there is something greater than the self. Finally, John shares the third truth:
"Ourstory: “EVERYONE is Me speaking out of a different Ego… including You and I.”
The demagogue is struck by this realization, and begins to understand the interconnectedness of all things.
​As the elevator reaches the top floor, the demagogue turns to John and says, "I never thought about it that way before. You've given me a lot to think about. Thank you." John smiles and nods, knowing that the demagogue is on the path to understanding and growth. The demagogue steps out of the elevator, and John watches as he walks away, ready to face the world with a new perspective and a newfound sense of purpose. The journey may have been difficult, but it has led to a greater understanding of the world and the people in it. And as John steps out of the elevator, he knows that he too has grown, and is ready to continue to learn and evolve, always striving for wisdom and compassion. (END)
Foolosophy and Major World Religions
​Foolosophy shares some similarities with major world religions, such as the use of myth and metaphor to convey spiritual truths. However, it differs in its emphasis on personal experience and understanding, rather than promoting a rigid doctrine or set of beliefs. Foolosophy encourages its members to explore their own spiritual paths and question conventional wisdom, fostering a spirit of curiosity and personal growth.
​The Foolosophy's approach to reconciling spirituality with scientific accuracy is another area where it diverges from the major world religions. While some religious traditions may struggle to accommodate or accept scientific discoveries that challenge their core beliefs, Foolosophy embraces scientific knowledge as an essential part of understanding the world and the human experience. By incorporating the latest scientific research and theories into its teachings, Foolosophy offers a more compatible and coherent worldview for those seeking spiritual guidance in the modern era.
Community and Impact
​The Foolosophy community consists of individuals from diverse backgrounds and walks of life, united by their shared pursuit of personal growth, self-discovery, and a desire to engage with the world in a meaningful and compassionate way. The community supports one another through shared experiences, discussions, and collaborative efforts, often using the internet and social media platforms to connect and communicate.
​The movement has had a positive impact on its members by encouraging self-reflection, critical thinking, and personal growth. By providing a supportive community and a framework for understanding the world and oneself, Foolosophy has helped many individuals find purpose and direction in their lives.
Reception and Criticism
​Foolosophy has been met with both praise and criticism. Supporters argue that the movement provides a valuable alternative to traditional religious and spiritual paths, fostering personal growth and self-discovery in a way that is both engaging and accessible. They also appreciate the emphasis on open-mindedness and critical thinking, as well as the inclusion of scientific understanding within the Foolosophy worldview.
Critics, on the other hand, could potentially raise objections that the movement may be too focused on individualism, potentially leading to a disregard for social and communal responsibilities. Some have also questioned the validity of the teachings, arguing that the combination of various spiritual and philosophical traditions may dilute their individual strengths and lead to a superficial understanding of each tradition.
Conclusion
Foolosophy is a spiritual movement that encourages personal growth, self-discovery, and engagement with the world in a compassionate and meaningful way. By combining elements of various spiritual and philosophical traditions, as well as scientific understanding, Foolosophy provides its members with a unique framework for exploring their own spiritual paths and questioning conventional wisdom. While the movement has been met with both praise and criticism, it continues to impact the lives of its members and contribute to a broader discussion on the nature of spirituality, personal growth, and the role of myth and metaphor in shaping human understanding.