If you’re just starting out with philosophy, honestly, your best bet is to dive into as many of Alim's posts as possible first. Once you've got a feel for that, take it slow—start with the classics from Greece (think Piraeus, Protagoras, and Parmenides), then move on to Plato and Aristotle. Once you've kind of found your footing and actually get the hang of how all this works, you can start picking and choosing whatever specific branches catch your eye.
I mean, honestly, judging people just seems to be hardwired into us—it covers everything from the tiny, trivial stuff to the massive, life-altering moments. Personally? I’ve got a pretty critical streak running through me, both when I look in the mirror and when I'm looking at everyone else. It’s weird, though—I’m actually hyper-aware of how limited we all are, myself included. Sometimes I catch myself being way too harsh on others, but if I’m being real, it’s usually because I know deep down I’d probably act the exact same way in their shoes. It’s like I’m projecting my own flaws onto them and judging my own character through their actions. That said, I always try to leave some breathing room for "Option B," you know? Like, sure, I might pass judgment, but I'm trying to see the whole picture. It’s just that this whole thing about human imperfection—even my own—is a total killer.
Money has this massive, overwhelming power—I mean, let's be real, cash has always been the engine and it isn't changing anytime soon. It buys you influence, and more often than not, it buys you a seat at the big table. If you're broke, life gets incredibly hard, especially living in this hyper-materialistic, capitalist American landscape we've built. Look, you don't have to be some greedy corporate shark to get this. You can be a total saint or someone deeply spiritual, but even then, you’re still gonna want to make sure you can actually afford to live a decent life. It’s pretty simple: without money, there's no stability. And if you want to focus on anything else—whether that's finding inner peace or pursuing a passion project—you need to have your basic survival needs covered first, which requires capital. Most of the time, when people are struggling financially, it just eats up all their mental energy and keeps them stuck in a cycle of stress and survival mode.
Honestly, a little bit of paranoia is actually kind of healthy. If you ask me, I’d much rather deal with a few small headaches along the way than get hit with one massive disaster all at once. You've gotta weigh the situation, you know? People call it being "cautious," but sometimes—just sometimes—having that extra layer of suspicion doesn't hurt one bit. And man, speaking of paranoia, whether we're talking about life in general or just scrolling through Reddit, it seems like everyone is on edge. It's everywhere. I’ll be the first to admit I’m pretty paranoid myself—it’s just how I’m wired. I can’t just take things at face value. I never, ever fully buy into anything 100%. I guess I’m a bit too much of a pessimist, which usually ends up costing me because I stay stuck in this weird middle ground where nothing is ever quite settled. Also, I've noticed that paranoia really hits hardest with the right-wing crowd, especially the extreme types. They’re constantly blowing things out of proportion and screaming about some new conspiracy theory every other day. Honestly, it feels like we’re living in a total era of paranoia, but hey, I suppose that’s just a byproduct of our history and how people are built.
At the end of the day, a human being is basically just an animal—pure and simple. We’ve got those same raw, primal drives you see in any creature out there. We're Materialist by nature, we're mortal... it's all part of the deal. I mean, unless you're leaning hard into some religious concept, that's pretty much the baseline. Plus, humans are also incredibly driven when it comes to this whole "Self" thing. It's kind of funny, really—it trips us up sometimes. But honestly? Without that ego-driven push, we'd never actually reach any kind of greatness.
Look, I’m with you—there’s always a better path. Choosing to end it all... well, that's the end of the road. Ende! It's just dark. I’ve been sitting here thinking about it too—like, why not just push it off for another day? Why not try to flip the script? Honestly, if things get that bad, go out and become a serial killer or just vent all that rage on the world—anything is better than checking out. But man, most of us can't truly wrap our heads around what someone is going through in those moments. It’s simple, really: a person hits their absolute limit and they just... snap. They hit a wall where they can't move an inch further. Maybe deep down they know there's another way, but right then, in that exact second, they just don't have the strength to fight back. Suicide isn't really about wanting to die; it's more about being unable to carry the weight of that mental agony anymore—even if part of them knows, maybe subconsciously, that they could keep going. But honestly? I think it's totally out of line to judge people like that. Only they know the hell they’re walking through, and who's to say how we’d handle ourselves if we were standing in their shoes? There was this case recently—this guy tried to take his own life by poisoning himself. They rushed him to the hospital and, honestly, it was a miracle they even saved him. He was unconscious for a bit, maybe a day or two. They even had a guard stationed in his room just to watch him once he started coming around. But the second he woke up? He lunged straight through the window. Dead. Just like that. It goes to show—his drive to leave this world was just incredibly, terrifyingly powerful.
Dennis Cook78-Hey, sorry I'm a bit late to the party, I haven't been keeping up with this thread lately. Anyway, I'm pretty much on board with what you were saying in your last reply. I guess I just wanted to hint at the idea that we shouldn't get too carried away with being proud of our "Self," because honestly, even that ego stuff is baked right into our DNA. Whoever possesses that sense of Self is just wired that way—it’s their character. And like we talked about before, everything boils down to the specific traits of that individual Self. If everyone could just dial back their egos a notch, life in this fluid, flexible world would be a whole lot easier. But in this rigid, "hard" reality we live in? You actually need that Self to function. The trick is making sure it stays easy to shift when needed. For me, the hardest part is being elastic—being able to adapt, forgive, or just take a hit—because that takes way more mental muscle. It’s so much easier to just grab onto one thing and stubbornly push through it. If I had to pin down a definition for having your own "Self," it would be this: essentially, having a Self means holding a certain subjective stance (which can be either flexible or rigid) that carries real value and doesn't just flip-flop the second circumstances change in a distracting direction. Of course, it's basically impossible to live by a principle like that and always be on the "right" side of things, but man, you still gotta aim for it. At the end of the day, having a sense of Self isn't just about fighting, refusing to change, or standing your ground; it's also about receiving, being adaptable, and so on. Even that monk who retreats from the world and refuses to let anything bad touch his heart—he doesn't cling to a single opinion, yet he has a "Self" which is defined by the core principle of being adaptable. A "hard" Self is fine, too, provided you aren't stepping on your own toes or everyone else's—and I mean *really* emphasizing that "not too much" part. Like, say you promised a friend you'd help them out with a gig that's worth $500 to them, but then someone else comes along and offers you $1,000 for the same job. In a purely "elastic" world, you should probably jump on the better-paying deal. But honestly? To me, that feels like the wrong kind of flexibility. Just do the work for the first guy, even if it blows up in your face, because a person needs to strive for self-control and sacrifice, even when there isn't a paycheck waiting at the finish line. There’s nothing worse than being nothing more than your own selfish interests. On the flip side, when it's about your own well-being, you shouldn't be a brick wall. Like, if someone has screwed you over twice already and comes knocking a third time with an offer that actually matters to you—and you genuinely believe they won't screw you over this time—you shouldn't be overly stubborn. Only idiots refuse to change their minds. That logic applies to a ton of other exaggerated scenarios, too. But like we've already established, the issue is how people tend to over-abstract a person with a strong "Self." They see them as this fearless figure charging through life, totally indifferent to what others think (especially those petty, envious types). They act like they're always right, solid as a rock. And that... well, that's just massive narcissism.
It’s honestly pretty sad how people who actually have a backbone—you know, folks with a real sense of self and a deep commitment to honor—often end up catching heat in life. They aren't afraid to push back, speak their minds, or tell someone off to their face, but honestly, that kind of grit is exactly what defines true nobility. Look, there’s always the practical side of things. Say you’ve got a boss at some big firm like Goldman Sachs who’s constantly belittling you or treating you like garbage, but hey, the paycheck is massive and the benefits are killer. Do you just suck it up and stay quiet—basically becoming a total pushover—or do you walk away? On one hand, it might be smarter to just tune them out, as long as they aren't totally destroying your soul or your reputation in the community. I mean, let's face it, humans are built to adapt. You choose the "smart" route for your bank account. But then there’s that other side—the honorable, spiritually grounded, but "practically foolish" side. That’s when you look your boss in the eye, tell him exactly where he can shove it, and quit on the spot. Of course, it really depends on the context. But in those moments, you feel this sense of transcendence because you simply refuse to tolerate being treated poorly. It reminds me of that line in a movie where a guy says a nation needs to realize they shouldn't just endure any kind of miserable existence. In my book, that second option—walking away—is the right move if you do it because you have a line in the sand that you won't cross for money, rather than making it your entire personality. This logic works fine when we're talking about individual stuff, but when it comes to larger scales—like an entire nation being oppressed—sometimes you just have to endure. It all boils down to the situation, but by enduring, you’re essentially chipping away at your true self. People who hold onto their core identity despite everything are rare; they’re special. Most people will either admire them from afar or secretly envy them, even while they stick to the more "practical" path for the sake of convenience. Even though people might call these types "unreasonable" sometimes, they possess this deep spiritual strength and a certain loftiness that just shows through. But then again, what is a human being, really? Just a collection of matter and DNA. We aren't all that much more "noble" than anyone else, and maybe we shouldn't get too hung up on pride, except in specific circumstances. At least, that's how I see it. It’s the same deal with a country being dominated. Like, say, a foreign power is stripping all the resources out of the US, and you have to ask how much an individual should be expected to sacrifice. Yet, people will jump at the chance to give their lives for their country. I just think it’s a mistake when people frame that kind of thing through a lens of extreme, misplaced ego.
Dennis Cook78 said:I think this explanation hits the nail on the head regarding what we're actually discussing here. We're talking about those people who constantly find different ways to bring themselves into the conversation, and honestly, that irritating habit is exactly why this topic even exists. People try to frame it as highlighting their best qualities, but most of the examples they give sound more like a definition of being difficult than anything else.
As for persistence, that can be a double-edged sword if it gets mixed up with pure pride or being thick-headed. Doubling down on something just to save face or clinging to a losing battle in the hopes that sheer willpower will somehow make it right is almost always a bad call, but I suppose that’s getting a bit off track.
You’re spot on. Honestly, people are just so incredibly vain—it's like everyone is obsessed with their own little ego. You hear these people throwing around all these "tough guy" clichés, you know? Like, "I have my own opinions," or "I don't care what anyone else thinks." Or that classic one: "I live my life my way, I do what I want, and frankly, I couldn't care less about anyone else." It’s always the same stuff, too. They’ll say things like, "I don't forgive," or "I walk my own path," acting like they’re some kind of lone wolf out of a movie. It’s just a lot of noise to make themselves feel important. It’s just those classic, textbook ego flares, you know? Like, sure, there’s plenty of upside to having a strong sense of self—you need that to function—but the real issue is when "having a personality" turns into being totally stubborn, acting like you're the center of the universe, and basically shutting down the second anyone offers even a tiny bit of critique. It’s that whole "my way or the highway" vibe where you just don't care about anyone else's perspective. It’s all about inflating the "I" in the room. And honestly, it’s exactly what keeps us stuck. Nobody wants to step outside their own little bubble or question their own reality, right? It’s almost like a societal design flaw—everyone’s just busy reinforcing their own little kingdom. But hey, I guess that’s a whole different rabbit hole for another day. I’ve been thinking about how this whole "ego" thing ties directly into honor and revenge—you know, that deep-seated need to settle the score. It feels like in more traditional, old-school societies, that instinct is just way more dialed up. Like, if you go back five hundred years, if one guy insulted another, you couldn't just let it slide or post a snarky comment online; you had to settle it with a duel. There was no middle ground. If you were the first one to offer forgiveness—and someone always has to be the bigger person first—you’d basically be a laughingstock. In those days, protecting your sense of self was worth more than staying alive. Fast forward to today, and I feel like that same energy hasn't disappeared, it's just mutated into something else. We aren't reaching for swords anymore, but we're still fighting. To me, though, the ego nowadays isn't really about that old-fashioned "honor" or social standing... it's more about being stubborn about your own opinions and having that unshakable grit regarding your principles. It's less about looking tough in front of the neighbors and more about whether you actually stand by what you believe in when things get messy. People are always going to gravitate toward that "strongman" type—you know, the guy with the massive ego who acts like he’s made of granite. And honestly, I get why. It looks impressive, right? He seems like this unshakeable force, someone with this noble sense of self that feels almost untouchable. But here’s the thing—it’s a total trap. When someone builds their whole identity around being "right," they lose any ability to actually look in the mirror and admit when they’ve messed up. There’s zero self-criticism involved. Instead, they just dig their heels in. They feel this intense, almost heroic pressure to defend their position at any cost, because if they back down, it feels like their whole world is collapsing. It becomes this weird, desperate mission to protect an image of themselves that isn't even real. It’s basically a vicious cycle. You end up stuck in this loop where you're fighting to defend a version of yourself that’s fundamentally flawed, but if you actually stepped outside that bubble and tried to be humble or realistic, society would probably just stomp you underfoot. It’s a tough spot to be in, really. Look, you don't even need to get all academic about this—forget the theory, it’s just basic common sense. It’s all about the practical side of things. Like, say someone totally screws you over or treats you like garbage—let's say your partner cheats on you or something—and you decide, "Nope, I'm not forgiving this." You're gonna hear people chirping in your ear immediately. They'll be like, "Man, good for him, he’s got dignity. He knows his worth and isn't gonna let someone drag his name through the mud." It's just how people react when you set a boundary. Look, I get where you're coming from—it makes sense on paper, sure. But if we’re talking about real life—the actual day-to-day grind—there’s a massive gap between what looks good in a textbook and what actually works when you're out there in the world. Theoretically? Yeah, you should probably just let it slide. It’s like that whole "taking the high road" thing people always talk about—showing everyone you’ve got the strength and the moral backbone to move past it. It makes you look untouchable, right? But practically speaking... man, that's a risky game. If you just swallow it every time, you're basically leaving the door wide open for someone to walk all over you again. You end up getting played twice, and then you're just sitting there looking like a sucker to everyone around you. It's that classic divide between theory and practice—kind of like how a coach can draw up a perfect play on a whiteboard, but once the players are actually on the field under the stadium lights, everything changes. This might be a bit of a clunky example, but you know what I mean—it’s all about whether that logic holds up when things actually get messy. Look, at the end of the day, having a bit of a "moderate" ego isn't actually a bad thing—not by a long shot. I know, people love to call it a theoretical weakness, but honestly? It’s more like a practical necessity for keeping society from spinning out of control. Think about it like a seesaw—you've got everything from the federal government down to the guy living next door to you. If one side just keeps giving and giving without any pushback, the whole balance gets wrecked, and that side is eventually going to get stepped on. I mean, sure, we should all work on tempering our own egos—kind of dialing back that "me first" instinct until we hit a point where we can actually coexist peacefully with others. But there’s a huge difference between being reasonable and totally crushing your own identity. You shouldn't let your ego take up so much space that you start acting like some untouchable dictator. We've all met those people, right? The ones who act like their word is absolute law—like, "I say it, so it's final," or "When I decide to walk away, that's that." That kind of "my way or the highway" attitude is exactly what throws everything off whack. Just find that sweet spot, you know? So, that’s my take on being moderate with myself—just keeping things balanced, you know? But man, when it comes to being stubborn... that’s a whole different beast. It’s this specific kind of narcissism where a person just can't—for any reason at all—admit they messed up. And honestly? That kind of mindset is just toxic for everyone else involved.
That’s what I call having an actual backbone—having a real sense of self and a solid character that doesn't just flip-flop the second someone looks at you funny. But, look, you’ve gotta draw a line somewhere, right? There’s a difference between just being yourself—which is usually fine and totally valid—and being that one person who is impossibly stubborn and refuses to budge even when they're clearly wrong. Like, having a personality that evolves is healthy, but if you're just being difficult or getting all defensive and sensitive over every little thing, then yeah, that's where it gets messy.
Look, it’s not even about some weird superstition thing or matching up descriptions—like he thinks he’s somehow "destined" or chosen by the stars to be the next big hero or save the world or whatever with . It’s just that he actually, genuinely believes it. Maybe I'm just losing my mind here, but honestly? That doesn't strike me as totally sane.
Man, this is getting pretty heavy if he’s being for real about this. Like, maybe it's just a passing phase—kind of a daydreaming thing or half-joking around—but if he truly, deeply believes this stuff? Then we’re looking at a psychological situation that needs some actual thought. Seriously, just try to reconnect with him and get a better read on where his head is at... otherwise, nobody can really tell you what's going on.
I don't know, man—what is it about blondes that gets guys so worked up? Like, I get redheads—they’ve got that fiery vibe and they just stand out—but blondes? Especially those ones with the soft, honey-toned hair who look all pale and delicate... they kind of give off this "protected little girl" energy. But hey, at the end of the day, it's all in the head, right? And honestly, having green eyes can be such a massive trigger too. Then you've got that whole thing with the aura, the presence, just being impossible to miss when they walk into a room. It probably just messed with your head, honestly.
Honestly, I don't think this is really about friendship—it's more about just being an acquaintance. See, a true friend is someone close to you, like your spouse, your parents, your kids, or even that one uncle you actually like—someone who truly cares about you or just genuinely vibes with you. But an acquaintance? That’s a whole different ballgame. Most people will probably listen to you if you talk, sure, but let's be real—everyone is dealing with their own stuff. Compared to our own headaches, everyone else's problems can end up looking pretty small, you know? You really have to be more mindful of that.
Man, he’s just one of those highly imaginative types—an atypical personality that shifts around like a flickering flame, constantly needing to find itself in all sorts of different scenarios. So you mentioned he went to a psychiatrist and they didn't really pin anything down? Honestly, it sounds to me like he’s dealing with some serious identity fragmentation issues. If you want to get through to him, maybe try steering him toward a psychotherapist, but you gotta frame it right—maybe lean into that whole New Age vibe, like he’s "visiting from another star" or something, and suggest hypnosis. I don't know, just give it a shot; there’s always a way in. You basically have to learn how to inhabit his headspace. Also, that constant smoking is a bit sketch—if he's hitting the weed too hard on top of that pseudo-spiritual persona, he might end up drifting too far into his own head, totally lost in his subconscious. If he keeps going down that path, he could easily spiral into believing in prophecies or destiny and just... vanish into himself. On the flip side, that energy could potentially be channeled into something darker, like occultism—which is pretty heavy stuff, but hey, there's always a way to help. Come up with a strategy. Be the catalyst for his parents to step up.
Not really. It’s kind of like how people don't exactly go crazy for a wilted flower, you know? I mean—not that they actually hate them, per se—but there's just this inherent friction between what's old and what's young. People tend to chase after youth, so aging often gets framed as this final curtain call, a decline, or just an empty shell... but honestly, it doesn't have to be that way at all. And yeah, like ruggednomad5 was saying, if they actually give a damn about caretaking, then sure. But I know plenty of folks where having elderly parents is a massive struggle—dealing with stuff like sudden hearing loss or mobility issues and all that.
Ugh, mirrors... I’ve had this same struggle forever. Growing up, I was basically the designated punching bag in my friend group—mostly because I just never knew how to hold my own. I couldn't find the right comeback to save my life. And look, I’m not a cynic or the type of guy who loves tearing people down for fun, and I definitely don't take things personally. It’s just... part of who I am. Honestly, it hasn't changed much even now. But even with that, there’s this weird negative vibe I’m convinced I carry around. Like, there’s this outward energy you radiate that just creates certain situations. I don't know how to put it into words, really. It’s a mix of how you act, your guilt, even your subconscious stuff—because when people pick up on a specific "vibe" from you, they’re going to react to it, whether they realize it or not. But then there’s the whole physical aspect too. For example, back in high school, there was a phase where I tried to be a bit more carefree and acted like a total goofball to get girls to notice me. A buddy of mine was doing the exact same thing. The kicker? He got all the credit. We’d both crack the same jokes and everyone would laugh, but while he was seen as this "charming idiot" that girls actually wanted to hang out with, I was just labeled the "clown"—you know, the guy who’s just being silly and isn't worth taking seriously. He had that natural charm, that effortless look, while I was getting the exact opposite reaction for doing the same stuff. Plus, since I radiated that sort of goofy, clumsy energy, people were always picking on me—not even maliciously, just because I didn't have a defense mechanism ready. I don't want this to sound like a massive pity party—and hey, I don't know where you're at right now—but the human psyche and the subconscious are powerful things. People have this internal radar that picks up on emotions and micro-movements and just replays them. That explains why people react to you the way they do. And honestly, facial expressions play a huge role. I know this one guy who’s just... kind of unpleasant to look at, slightly irritating, and a friend of mine once told me, "I don't even know him, but I get this sudden urge to just walk up and slap him." Obviously, none of this is fair, but society can be pretty ruthless. As far as you're concerned, you’ve gotta build up that self-confidence, because if you show any weakness, people will sniff it out instantly and you're toast. Try to analyze your own behavior; you might not realize how a seemingly harmless situation can totally shape what people think of you. Work on yourself and evolve, but don't obsess over it. Just try to create some relaxed, low-pressure moments for yourself. At the end of the day, though, some things just are what they are. You've gotta make peace with that. Maybe you've got an irritating face or you look perpetually grumpy—that’s just your exterior, and you can't force it to change. But don't let that get to you. If you work on the inside, eventually you'll start shattering those first impressions people have of you just by being who you are.
Look, you say😁 that most people just take material stuff for granted, but I actually have this weird sense of gratitude toward things like that. Honestly, even just saying that makes me think you’re being way too hard on yourself. For most folks out there, money and possessions *are* a big deal—and yeah, maybe that's not ideal, but it's really not the moral crisis you think it is. You should probably take a step back and dig a little deeper—do some soul-searching, look at the "why" behind it all, find the root causes, the fallout, whatever. Just get inside your own head for a second. Did you grow up in a house where money was always tight? Maybe things were a struggle back then, and that's driving this. But don't beat yourself up over it—you can still be a genuinely good person while having an appreciation for nice things. If you flip the script, you could actually see this as a plus—it might give you that drive to climb the corporate ladder, crush it in your career, or finally own your own place. Instead of spiraling, just channel that energy.
So, what happens to those people who actually end up being happy as adults—both on paper and in their own heads?
I mean, sure, those people exist, but adult happiness is such a slippery concept—like, it can flip into misery in a heartbeat because there are just way more things out there ready to ruin your day. A kid, though? If a kid is genuinely happy, both objectively and subjectively, they’ve got much less chance of hitting a rough patch... unless, you know, something really heavy hits them personally, like a serious illness, God forbid. But that’s the thing about childhood happiness—it’s actually more "secure" in the moment because it’s built on the tiny, little stuff. It isn't as fragile as an adult's version of happiness, which tends to shift constantly. It's just more stable, I guess. Though, I totally get why you'd say this whole topic is getting a bit too subjective to dive deep into.
Then again, I feel like luck is such a relative thing, you know? Like, someone who’s just totally oblivious—maybe they aren't the sharpest tool in the shed or just don't grasp what's actually going down around them—might feel happy, but is that *real* happiness? To them, sure, it feels fine, but it’s kind of a hollow version because they’re basically living in a fog. Or take a hermit living out in the Mojave Desert, right? Someone who spends their entire life just munching on roots, meditating, and feeling totally content... how can they even be sure they've got it right? They might hit eighty years old and suddenly realize they took the wrong turn in life, and by then, that "happiness" feels pretty fake. This is where kids have this massive edge—their happiness is both subjective and objective at the same time. A kid doesn't really get the big picture yet, which is totally normal—they'll catch up eventually. Right now, they shouldn't be worrying about the heavy stuff anyway. From an objective standpoint, a child's joy is legitimate because this stage is literally designed for fun and play before they get thrown into the meat grinder of the real world. A kid can't really "lose" their happiness while they're still small (even when things go wrong, they just don't have the capacity to fully process those tragedies yet, so the bliss stays intact). Honestly, that window between ages 5 and 13 is the absolute golden era for any human being.
Kids aren't necessarily the happiest people out there, but man, they definitely have the biggest head start when it comes to joy. It’s because they live entirely in the "now"—they find genuine bliss in the smallest, most random little things. Even when they hit those teenage years, they usually stay pretty upbeat because they don't have a mountain of responsibilities yet, and even when life does throw a curveball, they just breeze through it with that raw, youthful energy. Honestly, I think a kid's greatest superpower is actually their lack of self-awareness—they just *exist*. If you look at adults who can actually rival that kind of happiness, they usually fall into one of three camps: the folks who are just naturally sunny by design, the lucky ones who somehow dodged all life's major stressors, or the deep thinkers who finally found their zen through some sort of spiritual awakening. But even then, none of them truly touch that level of pure childhood joy. Adults always carry baggage—we worry about the future, we’ve had to fight through struggles just to get to a decent place, and we're constantly overthinking everything. Kids? They're happy by default. Even if things are tough or they're lacking support, they don't have that heavy, analytical consciousness weighing them down yet.